Published on: August 26, 2025, 01:46h.
Updated on: August 26, 2025, 01:57h.
- UConn is investigating if virtual reality casinos can assist those with gambling issues
- Research suggests VR may aid in the treatment of various addictions, including smoking
- The rate of problem gambling is increasing across the United States.
Could a virtual reality casino provide a solution for individuals struggling with gambling addictions? An associate professor at the University of Connecticut (UConn) believes it might.
Robert Astur, an associate professor in psychological sciences at UConn, is leading a study involving students from the university’s Storrs campus. All participants have been identified as problem gamblers aiming to reduce or completely stop their gambling behaviors.
In Astur’s research, participants are provided with a virtual casino environment in which they can channel their frustrations regarding their gambling habits, including activities like slot machines and table games. In these VR settings, participants can, for instance, demolish slot machines with hammers and set decks of cards ablaze.
“We’ll monitor physiological and behavioral reactions to determine if this intervention effectively reduces gambling habits,” Astur mentioned to UConn Today, the university’s official news source. “If proven effective, this method could transform addiction therapy, not only for gambling but also for other compulsive behaviors, like cannabis use and smartphone addiction. The future of addiction treatment may be virtual.”
Preliminary results indicate that the VR casino experience may yield positive outcomes.
Previous Study Aided Smokers in Quitting
Astur was part of a 2009 research project where tobacco smokers engaged in similar virtual reality settings where they could express their frustrations regarding smoking. Conducted by the psychology department at the University of Quebec, smokers had the opportunity to crush and stomp on cigarettes.
The smoking-focused VR study demonstrated strong results, with 15% of participants refraining from tobacco use post-simulation, in contrast to just 2% in the control group.
“Self-efficacy is a crucial factor in managing one’s behavior in life,” Astur emphasized.
Finian Zakas, a doctoral candidate at UConn participating in the gambling study, noted the goal is to determine if virtual reality can alter an individual’s gambling behavior.
“Our main focus is to observe changes—such as urges and emotional responses—that individuals can manage when faced with gambling triggers,” Zakas stated.
Rising Problem Gambling Rates
The prevalence of problem gambling is believed to be increasing significantly across the United States, primarily due to the growing acceptance of legal sports betting.
A recent study from the University of Massachusetts (UMass) revealed that the percentage of gamblers experiencing gambling-related harms surged from 20.9% in 2022 to 28% last year. Common issues reported included difficulties in paying bills and challenges in personal relationships.
In July, the National Council on Problem Gambling reported approximately 20 million American adults experienced “at least one problematic gambling behavior ‘many times’ over the past year.”
The increase in problem gambling has been notably observed among younger individuals, including those on college campuses, with rates among young adults estimated to be two to four times higher than those in older demographics.