Light or dark mode

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Light or dark mode: What works for long online casino sessions?

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The debate between light and dark mode is often framed around aesthetics. For some reason, Redditors and those working in IT cannot wrap their head around anybody using anything other than dark mode. But what about those using a 100 casino bonus and spending their time on casino games specifically, rather than work or social media?

But for the dedicated online casino player, there are some serious considerations around ergonomics, and those Redditors may be on to something. After all, a lot of casino players enjoy playing late into the night, with the lights off, and for long sessions.

While anecdotal evidence is on both sides, the specific visual demands of iGaming, where there’s constant, high-contrast motion, have been somewhat underexplored. 

Understanding the visual demands of online casino gaming

Online casinos are uniquely taxing on the human eye. Unlike static text, gameplay involves rapid-fire animations and vibrant colour shifts. There’s a real destiny of information that requires constant visual processing. While it is somewhat like video games, the latter is a broader category that encompasses quite diverse, both within games (settings often change) but also between games.

Casinos are often some of the most vibrant games colour-wise, it’s just part of the culture. Peak visual and cognitive function is needed to keep making the right decisions. Extended sessions can fatigue anybody, but it can be worse if you’re visually overstimulated. 

The case for dark mode

Dark mode is touted for reducing eye strain in low-light conditions. The primary argument revolves around the reduction of blue light, which can interfere with melatonin production and disrupt sleep cycles. So, you would think this is a guaranteed necessity for night players, though the science is not conclusive. 

A 2023 study found that dark mode may help reduce the risk of eye fatigue and dry eye symptoms compared to light mode. But for some users, particularly those with astigmatism, the “halation effect” can cause light text on a dark background to appear blurry, and this can become straining in and of itself, negating any potential benefit. So, it’s up to you to decide whether you’re atypical or not.

The interaction between dark mode and screen technology itself is actually an underrated factor; on certain OLED screens, the use of Pulse Width Modulation to control brightness can introduce a flicker that is more pronounced in darker settings, again causing discomfort for some.

The case for light mode

The traditional light mode is a positive polarity that offers some advantages of its own, mostly coming from visual acuity. For many, dark text on a light background provides the highest level of readability and this kind of accessibility can improve performance in proofreading tasks. This superior contrast can also help in a gaming context, where quick and accurate recognition of card numbers or slot symbols is needed. 

Studies suggest that in bright ambient light conditions, light mode can reduce eye fatigue more effectively than dark mode. This is because the screen’s brightness is more aligned with the surrounding environment, preventing the pupils from constantly dilating and constricting. For players, this can mean having better alertness and sharper focus during gameplay.

The importance of customization

The binary choice between light and dark mode can be an oversimplification at times. It ignores the fact that brightness, contrast, and color temperature exist on your laptop, mobile or PC monitor. Here, you can adjust it to what the lighting in the room is like at the time, and this can actually have the biggest effect. 

A good place to begin experimenting is light mode on 70% brightness during the day, and dark mode on 10-40% brightness during nighttime sessions. But, let’s not forget blue light filters, which can help increase the warmth of the colors and help you sleep better.

There is no universal best setting, particularly with fairly muddy science. If you’re a migraine sufferer, for example, dark mode is often advised. But, if you’re using an OLED display, dark mode can sometimes create a flicker when on low brightness, and this can actually trigger migraines. The only way to navigate this is by yourself through experimentation. What’s important, though, is knowing these things and trying different settings out. Sometimes, it’s just a feeling, or your psychology, which is important. 

Minimizing eye strain beyond screen settings

Let’s not forget that prolonged screen use is never good, no matter the settings. An important rule is taking regular breaks, like the 20-20-20 rule, where every 20 minutes you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps with reducing eye muscle fatigue. It’s also important to blink more frequently to combat dry eye, or simply use eye drops.

So, if you’ve never used dark mode (light is often the default), definitely try it out. But remember your environment and other settings, as this isn’t just a one-setting-fixes-all situation.

Also read: Casino Trends Shaping the Industry

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