º£½ÇÉçÇø

Characterising Random Reward Mechanisms in Games and Gambling with Bayesian Design Optimisation

Abstract

Loot boxes, gacha, slots, roulette: gaming and gambling are full of random reward mechanics. In regulating the maximum spin speed or spend on online slots gambling, the UK government has recently recognised that certain random reward mechanics are more harmful than others. But which ones? And why?

This project will use and techniques to study which combinations and parameters of random reward mechanics are most conducive to financial or other harms in players. This will provide a rigorous empirical and methodological basis for future gambling regulation.

You will join the MODEL Motivation and Design Lab, an inclusive community developing better models and tools for human motivation, including 5 PhD students, 1 postdoc; and collaborators like Dr (º£½ÇÉçÇø) or Dr (Bristol).

How to Apply 
Please contact Professor Sebastian Deterding if you are interested in applying for this project. 

For more information on submitting a PhD application, please consult our application pages here. When you submit your application, please cite this project title in the 'how you are planning to fund your PhD' section.   

The deadline for submitting your application is 11 January 2027.