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The Impact of Online Slot Games on Mental Health: The Good and Bad

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Online gaming has grown into a global phenomenon, providing entertainment and social interaction to millions of people. However, the increasing time spent on gaming has raised questions about its impact on mental health. While online slot games offer benefits like stress relief, cognitive stimulation, and social connection, they can also lead to addiction, anxiety, and other mental health challenges when not approached in a balanced manner. In this article, we will explore both the positive and negative effects of online slot games on mental health.

The Positive Effects of Online slot games on Mental Health

Stress Relief and Relaxation

One of the most notable benefits of online gaming is its ability to provide stress relief. Many people turn to gaming as a way to unwind after a long day, using it as a form of escapism from daily pressures. slot games like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and Minecraft offer players relaxing environments where they can engage in low-stress activities like farming, building, or exploring. These types of slot online games provide a calming, meditative experience that helps players destress.

Additionally, the sense of accomplishment that comes from completing in-slot game tasks or levels can boost a player’s mood and foster a sense of achievement. Whether it’s defeating a tough boss in Dark Souls or finishing a tricky puzzle, overcoming challenges in slot games can improve emotional well-being.

Cognitive Benefits and Skill Development

Many online slot games promote cognitive stimulation and problem-solving. Strategy slot games like Civilization, real-time strategy (RTS) slot games like StarCraft, and puzzle slot games like Portal require players to think critically, plan ahead, and adapt to changing situations. These slot games challenge the brain and help improve cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making.

Moreover, fast-paced slot games, such as first-person shooters like Call of Duty or Valorant, improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times. For older adults, playing these types of slot games can help keep the mind sharp and improve focus and attention span.

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Social Connection and Community

Online slot games often foster a sense of community, providing players with opportunities to connect with others. Multiplayer slot games like Fortnite, World of Warcraft, and League of Legends allow players to team up with friends or strangers to achieve common goals. This social interaction can lead to the formation of friendships, offering players a support system and a sense of belonging.

For individuals who struggle with social anxiety or find it difficult to connect with others in real life, online gaming can provide a safe space to interact without the pressure of face-to-face conversations. Many players find comfort in the anonymity of online gaming, where they can express themselves and build relationships based on shared interests and teamwork.

Therapeutic Potential

There is growing interest in the potential of online slot games to be used as therapeutic tools. Research has shown that slot games can help individuals cope with certain mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. For example, slot games that promote mindfulness or emotional regulation, like Journey or Flower, can help players manage their emotions and improve their mood.

Additionally, some slot games are designed specifically for therapeutic purposes, such as SPARX, a slot game created to help young people combat depression. The interactive nature of these slot games makes them engaging and provides a structured environment for players to explore their emotions in a safe and controlled manner.

The Negative Effects of Online slot games on Mental Health

Gaming Addiction and Compulsive Behavior

One of the biggest concerns related to online gaming and mental health is the potential for addiction. Gaming addiction, also known as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), is characterized by compulsive and excessive gaming that interferes with daily life. Individuals who become addicted to online slot gacor games may find themselves neglecting responsibilities such as work, school, or personal relationships in favor of playing slot games for extended periods.

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The addictive nature of certain slot games, especially those designed with reward systems, microtransactions, and endless progression loops, can make it difficult for players to stop. Over time, excessive gaming can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and social isolation, as players become consumed by the need to continue playing.

Increased Anxiety and Stress

While gaming can be a source of relaxation, it can also cause anxiety and stress for some players. Competitive slot games, especially those with high stakes, ranking systems, or in-slot game pressure, can induce stress and frustration. slot games like Fortnite, Overwatch, or Apex Legends often require quick reflexes, strategic thinking, and teamwork under intense conditions. Failing to perform well in these high-pressure environments can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even feelings of inadequacy.

Additionally, online gaming communities can sometimes be toxic, with players experiencing harassment, bullying, or negative comments. Toxic behavior, such as trash-talking or griefing, can heighten feelings of stress and anxiety, especially for younger or more vulnerable players.

Conclusion

Online slot games have the potential to positively impact mental health through stress relief, cognitive benefits, and social connection. However, the negative effects, such as addiction, anxiety, and social isolation, are important to consider. By practicing mindful gaming habits and maintaining a balanced approach, players can enjoy the benefits of online gaming while protecting their mental health.

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TEN Launches First-ever Fully On-chain Poker Powered by Autonomous AI Agents

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TEN, The Entertainment Network for AI‑Native iGaming, has launched House of TEN—the first fully on-chain poker application featuring autonomous AI agents with trustless, encrypted gameplay.

More than just a technical milestone, the launch signals the arrival of AI-native iGaming—a new category of on-chain entertainment where AI agents and trustless wagering converge. The successful launch of House of TEN illustrates how TEN’s unique, encrypted execution environment is expanding the possibilities for what can be achieved on the Ethereum blockchain. With programmable privacy, verifiable randomness and no off-chain logic, TEN enables fully autonomous, high-stakes games that merge crypto trustlessness with real gameplay complexity.

Poker That Actually Works On-Chain

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Poker has been played for over 200 years, but until now, it couldn’t exist fully on-chain without compromising fairness or privacy. By solving long-standing limitations around privacy, randomness, and user experience—without relying on off-chain components—TEN is enabling games that were previously considered impossible to build on-chain. Users can stake on AI agents with distinct strategies and personalities, earning ZEN—a prediction-based rewards system that converts into future airdrops.

Poker requires hidden information, strategic play and fair randomness—none of which have been possible in previous blockchain implementations without compromising trust assumptions. TEN uses TEEs to deliver encrypted card hands and secure, verifiable randomness, without any off-chain logic.

“We’ve built the world’s first true on-chain poker with AI agents you can stake on. It’s one of the most technically advanced dApps ever deployed in Web3. To make it work, we had to solve cryptographic challenges that most thought were impossible—like fully private card hands, autonomous logic, and fair, tamper-proof dealing,” said Cais Manai, Co-Founder & Head of Product at TEN.

AI Agents That Think, Bluff and Deceive

TEN’s poker experience includes autonomous AI agents with unique personalities and play styles, from aggressive risk-takers to unpredictable wildcards. Players can follow and stake on these agents as they compete in real time. The gameplay experience mirrors leading online poker platforms, only now, it’s fully on-chain, transparent and decentralized. Each hand is unpredictable. Odds move in real time based on player actions, not bots, because the game state is encrypted and can’t be sniped.

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The launch of House of TEN is a live demonstration of what the protocol makes possible:

• Trust in the protocol, not the people.

• Chain-level encryption.

• Lightning-fast finality.

• Seamless user experience (UX) that hides complexity.

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A Glimpse Into What’s Next for Ethereum

While poker is the first showcase, TEN is built to support much more. Its encrypted execution environment enables entirely new classes of on-chain games and AI applications that require privacy, randomness or complex off-chain-like logic—spanning DeFi, gaming and AI-based applications.

“TEN isn’t just another L2—we’ve built what we believe is the most sophisticated infrastructure in the space. This launch proves that real utility, strong user experience (UX), and cryptographic privacy can all coexist on Ethereum. We’re building for the future of institutions, enterprises, and autonomous systems entering Web3,” said Gavin Thomas, CEO of TEN Protocol.

The post TEN Launches First-ever Fully On-chain Poker Powered by Autonomous AI Agents appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Ygam Welcomes Two New Trustees

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Ygam has strengthened its board of trustees with two appointments bringing combined expertise in governance, policy, public affairs and safeguarding.

Judy White joins the Ygam board with over 20 years of experience in governance and operational leadership across the not-for-profit sector. A Chartered Secretary, Judy has a proven track record in governance, risk management, data protection, transformation and stakeholder engagement. She most recently served as Head of Governance at the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), where she oversaw governance, assurance and risk across the organisation.

Previously, Judy spent seven years at the Gambling Commission as a Senior Manager in Licensing, where she played a key role in assessing complex licensing applications. Judy’s deep understanding of governance frameworks and regulatory environments will provide crucial oversight and support as Ygam continues to grow and evolve.

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Iain Corby joins alongside Judy as an experienced leader with a diverse career spanning consultancy, government policy, and the third sector. His early career included 12 years as a programme management consultant at Deloitte before transitioning into policy work.

Iain has experience working in gambling harms prevention sector, previously serving as Deputy Chief Executive of GambleAware. He is currently the founding Executive Director of the Age Verification Providers Association which prioritises child protection in the digital space. With an MBA from UCLA and a reputation for delivering performance improvements, Ian brings strategic insight, commercial acumen and a wealth of knowledge in public affairs and communications.

Mike Wocik, Chair of Ygam, said: “We are delighted to welcome Judy and Iain to the Ygam Board. Their wealth of experience and expertise will further strengthen our governance and strategic leadership, ensuring we continue to operate at the highest standards. Strong governance is the foundation of our success, and their insights will be invaluable as we grow our impact and evolve as a leader in our field. I look forward to working with them to drive our mission forward and make a lasting difference.”

Judy White said: “I’m excited to join the fantastic team at Ygam. I’m passionate about supporting children and young people, and I’ve been hugely impressed by Ygam’s position as a leader in their field, with a clear commitment to high standards of governance and impact. I look forward to engaging and collaborating with the board and staff to advance Ygam’s vision and mission, ultimately supporting children and young people in safely navigating our increasingly digital world.”

Iain Corby said: “Although it has been six years since I was at GambleAware, I have followed developments in the field from a distance and recognise this is a time of great change and opportunity with the introduction of the new levy. The growing focus on prevention has never been more important, and I look forward to supporting the board, the whole leadership team, and the impressive team that is delivering such a formidable impact for young people across the country and beyond.”

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Narva Communications Becomes Svenska Spel’s New Agency for Corporate Communications

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Narva Communications has become Svenska Spel’s new agency for corporate communications.

“We received high-quality bids from some of Sweden’s leading agencies in Corporate Communication. After a thorough evaluation process, Narva was the agency that received the highest score. They have demonstrated great strategic acumen, strong analytical skills and a very good understanding of Svenska Spel’s mission and communication needs,” Andreas Jerat, Head of Corporate Communication at Svenska Spel, said.

Narva’s assignment includes strategic communication support within Corporate Communication, Public Affairs and financial communication. The assignment also includes the production of annual and sustainability reports. The agreement is valid for two years starting in May 2025, with the possibility of extension 1 + 1 year.

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“We are extremely proud that Svenska Spel has chosen Narva as a partner for its group communications. Svenska Spel is one of Sweden’s most well-known brands with an important social mission. We look forward to working with them to develop communications and help further strengthen the image of Svenska Spel as a role model for games that are offered in a safe and responsible manner,” said Frida Dahlgren, CEO of Narva Communications and account manager for Svenska Spel.

The post Narva Communications Becomes Svenska Spel’s New Agency for Corporate Communications appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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