Manipulative by Design - Empirical and Literature Analyses of Gambling Apps

There has been consistent growth in gambling worldwide, with online betting now accessible anywhere and at any time. This surge has led to significant issues, including addiction, financial instability for gamblers, negative impacts on social well-being, and unregulated access, largely driven by the manipulative nature of the gambling industry. Objective: This study analyzes the manipulative design of the three most popular games found on gambling platforms in Brazil and incorporates a literature review to expand the understanding of the problem. Methodology: We empirically mapped deceptive design patterns in three widely used games (Aviator, Live Roulette, and Fortune Tiger) through session recordings, and conducted a systematic mapping study of 69 articles to compare these findings with the literature. Results: The analysis identified 10 deceptive and manipulative design patterns within these games, such as Nagging, Disguised Ads, and Toying with Emotions, highlighting how interface elements are systematically used to induce higher-risk behavior.