G’day, my faithful punters! Joker here, ready to pull back the curtain on one of the casino world’s cleverest tricks – the loyalty program. Buckle up, ’cause this ride’s gonna be bumpier than a kangaroo in a ute!
Now, we’ve all seen those shiny loyalty cards and fancy member lounges. But did you know these programs are more calculated than a chess grandmaster on Red Bull? According to a fascinating study by CQUniversity Australia, these seemingly generous schemes might be doing more harm than good.
The study found that loyalty program members were more likely to:
- Gamble more frequently
- Spend more money per session
- Have a higher risk of gambling-related problems
Crikey! It’s like they’re serving up addiction with a side of free drinks!
But here’s the real kicker: the research showed that a whopping 80% of loyalty program members reported gambling more than they intended. It’s like going to the servo for a meat pie and leaving with the whole bloomin’ shop!
Why does this happen? Well, it’s all about the psychology, mates. These programs are designed to make you feel special, valued, and part of an exclusive club. It’s harder to walk away when you feel like you’re part of the “casino family”.
Plus, there’s the illusion of “getting something back”. Sure, you might get a free meal or hotel stay, but at what cost? As my old nan used to say, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch” – especially in a casino!
Now, I’m not saying you should cut up your loyalty card faster than a croc snaps its jaws. But next time you’re tempted by those “exclusive member benefits”, remember: the house always wins, and these programs are designed to keep it that way.
Stay smart, stay savvy, and remember – the best loyalty is to your wallet and wellbeing!
Want to dive deeper into this rabbit hole? Check out the full study on CQUniversity’s website. It’s more eye-opening than a double shot of espresso!
