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Tilt in Online Poker: Loss of Control and Gambling Disorder

Author

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  • Axelle Moreau

    (École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Pavillon Félix-Antoine-Savard, Québec, QC G1V 0A6Q, Canada
    Institut Universitaire sur les Dépendances, Montréal, QC H2M 2E8, Canada)

  • Émeline Chauchard

    (Laboratoire de Psychologie des Pays de la Loire, Université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France)

  • Serge Sévigny

    (Département des Fondements et Pratiques en Éducation, Faculté des Sciences de L’éducation, Pavillon des Sciences de L’éducation, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada)

  • Isabelle Giroux

    (École de Psychologie, Université Laval, Pavillon Félix-Antoine-Savard, Québec, QC G1V 0A6Q, Canada
    Institut Universitaire sur les Dépendances, Montréal, QC H2M 2E8, Canada)

Abstract

Online poker is a form of gambling where an element of skill may influence the outcome of the game. ‘Tilt’ in poker describes an episode during which the player can no longer control their game by rational decisions. It leads to a loss of control over the game, a loss of emotional regulation, higher cognitive distortion, and a loss of money. This phenomenon, experienced by most players, could be the gateway to excessive gambling. The aim of this study was to assess the links between the frequency of tilt episodes, cognitive distortion, anxiety, depression, sensation seeking and excessive online poker gambling. Our sample is composed of 291 online poker players, with a mean age of 33.8 years (SD = 10.6). Participants completed an online self-assessment questionnaire, measuring the frequency of tilt episodes, cognitive distortion, anxiety, depression and impulsivity. The findings indicated that the frequency of tilt episodes and cognitive distortion were the only significant predictors of excessive online gambling (respectively, r = 0.49 and r = 0.20). Tilt frequency and cognitive distortion were strongly correlated (GRCS, r = 0.60), moderate to low correlations were found for tilt and anxiety (HADS, r = 0.40), and positive and negative urgency (UPPS, r = 0.27). To date, tilt has seldom been studied, and could improve our understanding of online poker gamblers. It could be a new means of identifying at risk gamblers, and thus facilitating preventive measures specifically adapted to this population.

Suggested Citation

  • Axelle Moreau & Émeline Chauchard & Serge Sévigny & Isabelle Giroux, 2020. "Tilt in Online Poker: Loss of Control and Gambling Disorder," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:14:p:5013-:d:383609
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jussi Palomäki & Michael Laakasuo & Mikko Salmela, 2013. "'This is just so unfair!': A qualitative analysis of loss-induced emotions and tilting in on-line poker," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(2), pages 255-270, August.
    2. Servane Barrault & Aurélie Untas & Isabelle Varescon, 2014. "Special features of poker," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(3), pages 492-504, December.
    3. Axelle Moreau & Jennifer Delieuvin & Henri Chabrol & Emeline Chauchard, 2017. "Online Poker Tilt Scale (OPTS): creation and validation of a tilt assessment in a French population," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(2), pages 205-218, May.
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