Casino yanks Konami video slot machines

A gambling operator in Ontario has shut down 87 Konami video slot machines due to concerns that they may contain subliminal messages encouraging players to keep gambling, according to CBC News. The Canadian news service reported that three brands of video slot machines sold by the publisher's gambling division flashed winning jackpot symbols for one-fifth of a second during every spin.

A Konami spokesperson told the CBC the jackpot symbols were the result of a software glitch the company will fix. Konami has determined that four of its machines--Most Wanted, Sergeant Fritter, Billionaires and Sticks and Stones--have the glitch, but only the first three were released in Canada. Ontario's Alcohol and Gaming Commission told the CBC that it is examining the matter to see what actions, if any, need to be taken.

Brendan Sinclair reported for GameSpot.

[bill.mewes]

REALLY!!!

Oh now come on, where is the proof that flashing a jackpot symbol for 1/5 of a second encourages people to continue to gamble? Seems a bit over the top if you ask me.

[Heebee Jeebies]

Yes, Really!

Yes, subliminal messages have been shown to be quite effective. So much so that it is illegal to use them in the US. The conscious mind doesn't register them, but the sub-conscious mind does and that influences how people think and feel about what was sublimed (not really a word) and can be very effective in getting people to buy and do somethings they wouldn't normally buy or do.

Subliminal messages are also used in brain washing techniques as it works on a part of the mind that is less able to be defended since the conscious mind doesn't have a whole lot of control over it.

Robert