Problem Gambling: One for the Money…?

Abstract

Recent research indicates a diverse range of motivations may help explain problem gambling. However, the role of specific motivations in gambling behaviour is not well understood. The primary objective of the current study was to investigate the role of gambling motivations by comparing two competing models. Namely, the efficacy of monetary motivation model was compared to a model where the emotion focused motivations of excitement, escape, and ego were constrained as the only predictors of problem gambling scores. A sample of 2,033 respondents were drawn from the general community and completed a questionnaire concerning their gambling behaviours and beliefs about gambling as an escape, a social occasion, a way to win money, an exciting activity, and as a means to enhance self-importance. Comparison of the competing models revealed that gambling for the chance to win money was not the most prominent motivation in the prediction of problem gambling scores. Instead, the model that allowed the emotion focussed motivation to predict gambling problems was shown to provide a superior fit to the data. These findings underscore the importance of considering a range of motivational influences on gambling behaviour. Moreover, it appears the emotional aspects associated with gambling play a prominent role in sustained gambling behaviour.

Gambling-Related Beliefs and Gambling Behaviour: Explaining Gambling Problems with the Theory of Planned Behaviour

“…It appears differentiating between perceptions that gambling is a way to experience positive affect (e.g., fun and enjoyment) and the financial outcome expected may be important in understanding gambling behaviours. The current findings are certainly consistent with recent research that shows that gambling for emotion regulation and monetary reasons are related but separate motivations (Dechant 2014;Flack and Morris 2014). It appears that holding increasingly favourable views towards gambling, as a way increase positive mood, and that holding less pessimistic views about winning (or losing) money, increases the likelihood of gambling more frequently.…”

“…There is evidence to support the direct measures of attitude positively relate to gambling frequency (Kassinove et al 1998;Orford et al 2009) and gambling problems (Neighbors et al 2007). Similarly, research has revealed that both gambling frequency and gambling problems are positively associated with gambling-related beliefs (Bouju et al 2014;Flack and Morris 2014;Oei et al 2008;Shead and Hodgins 2009;Strong et al 2004). One advantage of belief-based measures, over the direct measures, is they are helpful in understanding the specific reasons for behaviour (Montaño and Kasprzyk 2008).…”

“…Although the current findings support the notion that a range of gambling related-beliefs are associated with gambling behaviour, this study did not incorporate belief-based subscales to distinguish between positive and negative types of emotional reinforcement. For example, previous studies (e.g., Dechant 2014;Flack and Morris 2014;Stewart and Zack 2008) have shown the emotional reasons for gambling are multifaceted. Therefore, in addition to including the social and cognitive oriented gambling beliefs, the understanding problematic gambling could be enhanced by assessing beliefs that differentiate between the emotion-focused anticipated outcomes of escape and excitement.…”

The Modified Gambling Motivation Scale: Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Links With Problem Gambling

“…Research suggests that emotions, social connections, monetary gain, self-worth, and intellectual challenge are commonly related to gambling behaviour (e.g., Chen, Wu, & Tong, 2015;Francis, Dowling, Jackson, Christensen, & Wardle, 2015;Lee, Chae, Lee, & Kim, 2007;Neighbors, Lostutter, Cronce, & Larimer, 2002;Stewart & Zack, 2008;Wu, Tao, Tong, & Cheung, 2012). Because gambling is a source of entertainment, people often use it to cope with negative feelings and to induce positive feelings such as excitement and thrills from winning money (Chen et al, 2015;Dechant & Ellery, 2011;Flack & Morris, 2015;Goldstein, Stewart, Hoaken, & Flett, 2014;Lister, Wohl, & Davis, 2014;McGrath, Stewart, Klein, & Barrett, 2010;Stewart & Zack, 2008;Wu et al, 2012). People can also be attracted to gambling because of its social aspects, such as spending time with friends (Dechant & Ellery, 2011;Flack & Morris, 2015;Francis et al, 2015;McGrath et al, 2010).…”

“…Because gambling is a source of entertainment, people often use it to cope with negative feelings and to induce positive feelings such as excitement and thrills from winning money (Chen et al, 2015;Dechant & Ellery, 2011;Flack & Morris, 2015;Goldstein, Stewart, Hoaken, & Flett, 2014;Lister, Wohl, & Davis, 2014;McGrath, Stewart, Klein, & Barrett, 2010;Stewart & Zack, 2008;Wu et al, 2012). People can also be attracted to gambling because of its social aspects, such as spending time with friends (Dechant & Ellery, 2011;Flack & Morris, 2015;Francis et al, 2015;McGrath et al, 2010).…”