Male gambling on retirement – qualitative analysis of problem and non-problem Polish gamblers’ motivation to gamble

The aim of the research was to learn about the specifics of motivation to gamble for retired men in Poland against the background of the severity of gambling problems. Gambling activity among seniors has not been studied so far in Poland, while global studies usually include seniors as a homogeneous group in terms of gender, which makes it impossible to recognize the gender-specific motivation. The qualitative study carried out in 2017 included 44 men aged 55–83. The recruitment took place in various gambling establishments in Poland. The study inclusion criteria was the subject’s retirement and regular gambling (once a week or more) at least six months before the interview. The thematic analysis was used to data analysis. Ten main motives and five parent categories of gambling motives among senior male gamblers has been identified. The most common motivation to gamble are factors from the self-gratification area. Challenge was the motivation least frequently mentioned by the sample. Non-problem gamblers are most often motivated by social factors, while problem gamblers are mainly motivated by financial reasons and to cope with difficulties. In Poland, a deteriorating financial situation at retirement age can be an important risk factor for gambling problems.