Anti Gambling Gamblers School
Course Instructor
Afsoon Yousefi Zowj
Abstract
Anti Gambling Gamblers School – VR is an immersive educational experience developed for the Meta Quest platform using Unreal Engine. This virtual reality project aims to expose the psychological and mathematical strategies casinos use to manipulate players by placing users inside a lifelike VR casino simulation. Players engage with three popular games—Blackjack, Slots, and Roulette—each designed to mimic real-world casino mechanics while embedding interactive educational layers.
Unlike traditional anti-gambling efforts, this project relies on full VR immersion to make learning experiential and engaging. As users play, in-game prompts and visual overlays explain hidden tactics such as house edge manipulation, near-miss outcomes, and psychological reinforcements like sound design and color schemes. For example, when a user interacts with a virtual slot machine, they can trigger a breakdown of the RNG (Random Number Generator) logic and learn how near-miss outcomes increase addiction risk.
The platform features a Transparency Mode where users can reach out and select elements in the environment—such as “SPIN” buttons or blinking lights—to uncover their hidden purposes (e.g., how "MAX BET" buttons are designed to encourage impulsive decisions). Embedded pre- and post-experience assessments measure improvements in gambling literacy, including recognition of manipulation tactics, understanding of odds, and changes in behavioral intent.
The VR game will be tested with 50 college students to measure its effectiveness. Metrics tracked include time spent in different game modules, quiz score improvements, and engagement with interactive educational elements. All data is collected securely via Firebase integration.
Developed using Unreal Engine 5 with Meta Quest SDK support, the project showcases real-time 3D environments, gesture-based input, and immersive feedback to simulate authentic casino settings. Deliverables include a complete VR application, an analytical impact report, and a scalable framework for future topics such as loot boxes, sports betting, and mobile gaming.
By combining immersive technology with hands-on education, Anti Gambling Gamblers School – VR empowers users to critically assess the systems designed to exploit them. The goal is not to promote or gamify gambling—but to demystify it. We aim to flip the script and help players understand the game before the game plays them.
Anti Gambling Gamblers School
Anti Gambling Gamblers School – VR is an immersive educational experience developed for the Meta Quest platform using Unreal Engine. This virtual reality project aims to expose the psychological and mathematical strategies casinos use to manipulate players by placing users inside a lifelike VR casino simulation. Players engage with three popular games—Blackjack, Slots, and Roulette—each designed to mimic real-world casino mechanics while embedding interactive educational layers.
Unlike traditional anti-gambling efforts, this project relies on full VR immersion to make learning experiential and engaging. As users play, in-game prompts and visual overlays explain hidden tactics such as house edge manipulation, near-miss outcomes, and psychological reinforcements like sound design and color schemes. For example, when a user interacts with a virtual slot machine, they can trigger a breakdown of the RNG (Random Number Generator) logic and learn how near-miss outcomes increase addiction risk.
The platform features a Transparency Mode where users can reach out and select elements in the environment—such as “SPIN” buttons or blinking lights—to uncover their hidden purposes (e.g., how "MAX BET" buttons are designed to encourage impulsive decisions). Embedded pre- and post-experience assessments measure improvements in gambling literacy, including recognition of manipulation tactics, understanding of odds, and changes in behavioral intent.
The VR game will be tested with 50 college students to measure its effectiveness. Metrics tracked include time spent in different game modules, quiz score improvements, and engagement with interactive educational elements. All data is collected securely via Firebase integration.
Developed using Unreal Engine 5 with Meta Quest SDK support, the project showcases real-time 3D environments, gesture-based input, and immersive feedback to simulate authentic casino settings. Deliverables include a complete VR application, an analytical impact report, and a scalable framework for future topics such as loot boxes, sports betting, and mobile gaming.
By combining immersive technology with hands-on education, Anti Gambling Gamblers School – VR empowers users to critically assess the systems designed to exploit them. The goal is not to promote or gamify gambling—but to demystify it. We aim to flip the script and help players understand the game before the game plays them.
