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Compulsive gambling in the financial markets: Evidence from two investor surveys

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  • Cox, Ruben
  • Kamolsareeratana, Atcha
  • Kouwenberg, Roy

Abstract

This study shows that a group of individual investors in the financial markets displays symptoms of compulsive gambling, or an addiction to trading, based on a standard diagnostic checklist from the American Psychiatric Association. In a representative sample of Dutch retail investors, we find that 4.4% of the investors meet the criteria for compulsive gambling in the financial markets. Another 3.6% meet the criteria for problem gambling, which is a less severe form of gambling disorder. Investors with symptoms of compulsive gambling problems tend to follow a more active and speculative trading style, indicated by a higher frequency of stock trading, day-trading and investing in derivatives and leveraged products.

Suggested Citation

  • Cox, Ruben & Kamolsareeratana, Atcha & Kouwenberg, Roy, 2020. "Compulsive gambling in the financial markets: Evidence from two investor surveys," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 111(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:111:y:2020:i:c:s0378426619302808
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2019.105709
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    Cited by:

    1. Niculaescu, Corina E. & Sangiorgi, Ivan & Bell, Adrian R., 2023. "Does personal experience with COVID-19 impact investment decisions? Evidence from a survey of US retail investors," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    2. Mohammad Tariqul Islam Khan, 2022. "Prior perceived losses and investment objectives after stock market crisis: a moderated-mediation model of risk tolerance and loss aversion," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 2(7), pages 1-22, July.
    3. Sun, Kaisi & Wang, Hui & Zhu, Yifeng, 2023. "Salience theory in price and trading volume: Evidence from China," Journal of Empirical Finance, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 38-61.
    4. Kanin Anantanasuwong & Roy Kouwenberg & Olivia S. Mitchell & Kim Peijnenburg, 2024. "Ambiguity attitudes for real-world sources: field evidence from a large sample of investors," Experimental Economics, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 27(3), pages 548-581, July.
    5. Eran Rubin & Amir Rubin, 2021. "On the economic effects of the text completion interface: empirical analysis of financial markets," Electronic Markets, Springer;IIM University of St. Gallen, vol. 31(3), pages 717-735, September.
    6. Gong, Pu & Wen, Zhuzhu & Xiong, Xiong & Gong, Cynthia M., 2021. "When do investors gamble in the stock market?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    7. Jan Hanousek Jr. & Jan Hanousek & Jakub Mikulka & Jared Williams, 2023. "Early Outcomes and Future Risk-taking: Evidence from a Large Gambling Provider," MENDELU Working Papers in Business and Economics 2023-90, Mendel University in Brno, Faculty of Business and Economics.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Individual investors; Trading behavior; Gambling;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G02 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Behavioral Finance: Underlying Principles
    • L83 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism

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