"Prevention is one of the most effective ways for addressing the problem of gambling addiction"
Ashley & Boehlke (2012)
That is why the basic idea developed through the application, is that of responsible gambling; the idea of gaining control over gambling, in order to avoid addiction and its negative consequences. Therefore, by considering that gambling itself, has to do with gaming and fun, I decided to create a mobile app in order to promote nine essential tips for responsible gambling through a fun and interactive gameplay. As for the overall aesthetics of the application, they focus mainly on linear, geometric forms and solid colours, which are actually influenced by the aesthetics of gambling.
Play for fun, not to make money //
This screen is based on the Flip & Match game. So, the user has to match the same money ammounts that are hidden under the blocks. Therefore, by playing with the money blocks, the idea mentioned in this advice, appears, reminding the gambler to play for the fun, and not for the money.
Set a budget and stick to it //
Visually you can identify a scale which is separated in the middle by a horizontal line. This line represents the money limit that the potential gambler has set before the game. Therefore, the gambler has two choices; to remain within this 'money' limit or to exceed it. For each case a different verbal message appears.
Set a time limit before you play //
The illustration is based on a wall clock. As you can see one of the numbers on the clock appears in a different color. Therefore this particular time is visually set as the time limit. So the user has to turn clockwise the clock arrow. When it reaches the "time" limit, the cuckoo bird pops out of the clock, as a reminder for the gambler to leave the game.
Balance gambling with other types of leisure activities //
The Joker appears as the personification of the gambler and the adrenaline that he gains from gambling. Also as you can see, after trying to balance on the rope, he is about to fall. Therefore, the user has two choices; to let the Joker fall (to lose balance and therefore get addicted to gambling) or help him balance on the rope (help him keep the idea of gambling as a non important aspect of his life).
Do not take your credit card with you //
As a main aspect of the visualization, appears an ATM (bank) machine. Taking into account the advice, the user is asked to mark, with prohibitive tape (yellow and black), the machine, in order to make it "unapproachable" for the gambler.
Take frequent breaks //
The advice appears indirectly. The user has to scratch a lottery ticket in order to win the hidden prize. But as he scratches the ticket the game automatically presses pause, forcing the potential gambler to "take a break".
Do not play when you are upset //
As a main aspect of this tip, appears an angry/ irritable gambler who "is about to explode."
The user has to help him calm down by shaking the device.
Don't press your luck //
The visualization focuses on a slot machine. By pulling the lever, the user is confronted only with defeats, in order to emphasize on the concept of the advice - "Do not chase your losses; Accept the losses as the price of fun."
Do not drink when you are gambling //
After considering the effects of drinking and especially the dizziness, I created a linear pattern which overlays the roulette table. So the user has to "clean" this dizzy illusion, in order to help the gambler play with a clear mind.
