Study shows Slots Players are the Fattest Gamblers

As it turns out, sitting around and playing slots all day isn’t good for your waistline. A study recently revealed this somewhat obvious fact after interviewing 2,131 British gamblers. The survey included questions about the gamblers’ lifestyles, physical fitness and casino game of choice.

The key finding from this research is that slots players were considered unhealthier than any other type of gambler. Those who play slots were found to have a BMI of 31, making them “moderately obese” and reducing their life expectancy by three years. This is especially the case among those who play on desktop computers, rather than smartphones or in land-based casinos. Additionally, 24% of slots players were found to be smokers, which is slightly above the UK national average of 20%.

Video poker players didn’t fare too well in the study either. They were found to have a BMI of 30, which is very close to the UK average of 27. Blackjack, craps and roulette players also have BMIs over the UK average.

Anybody who wants to stay skinny might try playing poker games. That’s because Pai Gow poker players were found to have the lowest BMI at 23. Those who play other poker games checked in at 25 on the BMI scale. However, it’s worth mentioning that 25% of male poker players did eclipse the average limit for alcohol consumption. Likewise, 26% of female slots players overindulged in alcohol too.

Moving past the health aspects of the study, 51.3% of the survey-takers answered that slots was their favorite game. The next closest game in of popularity wasn’t really even close since poker checked in at number two with 14.7%. Video poker was the third-most popular at 10.4% while roulette was the fourth-most played at 10.0%.

The results of the Jackpot.co.uk study show that some of those who play casino games might want to spend more time exercising and dieting. This is especially true of slots players, who easily led the BMI category. The same can be said for video poker players, who weren’t far behind in their obesity.

Sitting for hours while playing a stationary game certainly doesn’t burn many calories. So anybody who enjoys playing slots or video poker for hours might consider getting a walk or two in during their sessions. Moreover, slots/video poker players should consider improving their diet to counteract the sedentary play.