141. Is Greed Good?

This book, based on fifteen years of field research in Las Vegas, explores how the mechanical rhythm of electronic gambling machines induces a trancelike state known as the 'machine zone. ' In this state, gamblers' daily worries and bodily awareness fade away, and they continue to play not to win, but to maintain the state of continuous play. Schüll delves into the strategic design of game algorithms, machine ergonomics, casino architecture, and 'ambience management,' all aimed at maximizing 'time on device. ' The book also examines the broader social and cultural implications of machine gambling, including the debate over whether addiction stems from the consumer, the product, or the interplay between the two.