Experiment by American Scientists in a VR Casino: Participants Smash Slot Machines with Hammers

Researchers at the University of Connecticut (UConn) are developing a new approach to treating gambling addiction using virtual reality. The idea builds on earlier work from 2009, when a similar method was tested to help smokers quit by letting participants “destroy” virtual cigarettes. That study showed striking results — quit rates were several times higher than with traditional therapy.

Now UConn scientists have applied the same principle to gambling. In a virtual casino, student participants were confronted with common triggers — slot machines, cards, and betting scenes — but were given the chance to smash or burn them.

This symbolic act of “destruction” was designed to reduce the appeal of gambling cues and strengthen self-control.

After two weeks of VR sessions, participants reported a noticeable drop in their urge to gamble and a stronger sense of control over their impulses. Although the study is still a small-scale pilot, the initial findings suggest that virtual reality could be an effective tool for weakening gambling cravings.

The next step is to collect more data, including physiological responses and behavior outside the lab, to see whether the effect holds up in real life. If successful, the method could be scaled up and used not only against gambling addiction but also to address other forms of compulsive behavior.