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The modern digital space, dominated by instant content platforms such as TikTok, has created a new type of consumer focused primarily on “fast content.” These users have a significantly shorter attention span and are constantly looking for quick stimuli and results. Previously, this phenomenon was thought to be characteristic only of children. Recent studies have shown that content lasting 10-30 seconds also distracts adults. Mykhailo Zborovsky, an expert in the strategic development of iGaming products, notes that these changes have also affected the gambling industry.
“Players respond better to instant wins and shorter game cycles. This is forcing operators to radically change the mechanics and design of their products.”
Clip attention — a new form of behavior
Intensive use of digital media, where information is presented in the form of short, visually rich clips, makes users less tolerant of delays. The brain gets used to dopamine surges from rapid task switching and new notifications. Research confirms that a significant proportion of adults who actively use smartphones show signs of inattention and impulsivity that were previously characteristic only of people with ADHD.
ADHD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
This poses a challenge for iGaming: traditional betting models and long game cycles are starting to seem too slow. Players are not willing to wait for long animations to finish — they want to see the result “here and now.” This is forcing the industry to look for mechanisms that mimic the rhythm of social media: fast, effortless, and with immediate emotional rewards.
Impact on iGaming product mechanics
The demand for instant results has forced iGaming operators to radically rethink their product lines, giving preference to shorter, more dynamic mechanics. A bet should work like a “swipe” on social media. This has led to the rise in popularity of genres such as crash games and modifications of traditional slots with accelerated animation. Small bets and low entry thresholds also reduce cognitive load, allowing players to quickly test different mechanics.
So, what trends have come to traditional slots?
- Acceleration of cycles. Maximum reduction of time between the start of a session and the result.
- Sensory hyperstimulation. Aggressive use of bright visual effects, sound effects, and rapid light signals.
- Fragmentation of rewards. Frequent but small wins that create a constant stream of positive stimuli.
- Gamification of instant tasks. The introduction of quests and missions with large bonuses.
These elements create an effect of constant emotional tension, mimicking the rhythm that the brain has become accustomed to, formed in the environment of mobile content. Mykhailo Zborovsky is confident that companies that are the first to invest in modern platforms will be able to attract players who need a “new” speed in entertainment.
