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The Experience of Gambling and its Role in Problem Gambling

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  • Nigel E. Turner
  • Masood Zangeneh
  • Nina Littman-Sharp

Abstract

This paper reports on the results of a psychological study conducted in Ontario, Canada, that attempted to answer the question of why some people develop gambling problems while others do not. A group of social gamblers (n = 38), sub-clinical problem gamblers (n = 33) and pathological gamblers (n = 34) completed a battery of questionnaires. Compared to non-problem gamblers, pathological gamblers were more likely to report experiencing big wins early in their gambling career, stressful life events, impulsivity, depression, using escape to cope with stress and a poorer understanding of random events. We grouped these variables into three risk factors: cognitive/experiential, emotional and impulsive and tested the extent to which each risk factor could differentiate non-problem and pathological gamblers. Each risk factor correctly identified about three-quarters of the pathological gamblers. More than half (53%) of the pathological gamblers had elevated scores on all three risk factors. Interestingly, 60% of the sub-clinical cases had elevated scores on only one risk factor. The results are interpreted in terms of a bio-psycho-social model of gambling addiction.

Suggested Citation

  • Nigel E. Turner & Masood Zangeneh & Nina Littman-Sharp, 2006. "The Experience of Gambling and its Role in Problem Gambling," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(2), pages 237-266.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:intgms:v:6:y:2006:i:2:p:237-266
    DOI: 10.1080/14459790600928793
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    Cited by:

    1. Ricijas, Neven & Dodig Hundric, Dora & Huic, Aleksandra, 2016. "Predictors of adverse gambling related consequences among adolescent boys," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 168-176.
    2. Kevin Harrigan & Vance MacLaren & Dan Brown & Mike J. Dixon & Charles Livingstone, 2014. "Games of chance or masters of illusion: multiline slots design may promote cognitive distortions," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(2), pages 301-317, August.
    3. Terri-Lynn MacKay & David C. Hodgins, 2011. "Cognitive distortions as a problem gambling risk factor in Internet gambling," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(2), pages 163-175, December.

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