Misleading, Illusory and Deceptive: An Analysis of Losses Disguised as Wins in Electronic Gambling Machines.

This thesis investigates "losses disguised as wins", a design feature of electronic gambling machines in which a net loss is displayed in a manner that closely resembles a genuine win. In light of the evidence reviewed, and the experimental studies conducted as part of this PhD project, the thesis argues that these events are commonly mistaken for wins and reinforce habitual gambling despite being financial losses. The thesis then concludes by advocating for stricter regulation of this design feature in Australia as a means to address gambling-related harm associated with electronic gambling machines.