Scientists at the University of Guelph have created a first of its kind: an artificial casino, aimed at giving researchers more insight into gambling behaviour.
 
A basement in one of the buildings at the university is now home to authentic slot machines and a panoramic virtual reality viewer — which displays a 360-degree image giving that real casino feel.
 
Karen Finlay, one of the head researchers on the project, says the measures are necessary because casinos aren't willing to share any of their research.

"I'm sure they have a lot of proprietary research that helps them understand the things that are going to induce more gambling," said Finlay. But, she adds, "it's a very closed system."

Slot machines are put to the test in the problem gambling lab in Guelph, Ont. The lab is supported by the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre.
(Frank Gunn/Canadian Press)

Finlay says a recent agreement between the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. and the province's Problem Gambling Research Centre hasn't produced any significant breakthroughs yet.
 
But Rob Simpson, the head of the centre, says the gambling lab at Guelph will help.
 
"What we're anticipating, with a greater understanding of what causes problem gambling, is a much faster translation into new prevention measures — and new treatment programs that will be more effective," said Simpson.

The gambling lab will send 450 test subjects through the simulated casino over the next year.
 
Researchers will then study what causes people to get hooked on gambling by manipulating the environment, as well as the characteristics of the slot machines.