Lister et al (2016)_Gambling goals predict chasing behavior during slot machine play

Achieving gambling goals: Why gamblers may continue to gamble even in the face of loss What this research is about “Chasing” behaviour is when gamblers continue to gamble and bet more money to win back losses This behaviour is often found in problem gamblers A gambler may continue to play to achieve a gambling goal, such as winning money Limit-setting tools on electronic gaming machines aim to reduce chasing behaviour by encouraging players to limit their money and time spent on gambling However, some gamblers may be resistant to placing limits on their time and money because it may reduce their chances to reach their gambling goal This study explored the relationship between chasing behaviour and achieving gambling goals The researchers assessed how achieving gambling goals could influence young adult gamblers from a Canadian university to continue gambling on slot machine play What the researcher did 121 participants who reported lifetime gambling were recruited through the researchers’ web-based portal at a Canadian university Participants played slot machines located in a virtual casino environment They had $20 to gamble and minutes to play 30 spins The researchers programmed the first 30 spins, with half the participants having either won or lost a certain amount of money (up or down $3) After the 30th spin, the researchers asked the participants if they wished to continue gambling If they agreed, the next slot machine outcomes were losses What you need to know Gambling goals may influence gamblers to chase after their losses and to win back money Gambling goals may include winning more money than other players or showing off gambling ability In this study, gamblers who placed a greater importance on achieving their gambling goals were more likely to chase after their losses and chase in the face of loss than gamblers who were less motivated to achieve their gambling goals Gambling policy makers may use this information to promote responsible gambling Responsible goal-setting tools that encourage setting realistic gambling goals maybe more effective at reducing problem gambling behaviours compared to limit-setting tools The participants completed self-reported questionnaires on other motivational behaviours, problem gambling severity and the importance of achieving gambling goals Gambling goals included winning more money than other participants, winning money to show off gambling ability and winning back money that was lost from past plays The researchers analyzed the data to assess what factors influenced a player’s: (1) decision to chase and (2) the number of plays or chasing spins after the player had decided to chase What the researcher found Many of the participants had problem gambling symptoms Most of the gamblers decided to chase after the first 30 spins Gamblers with higher gambling goals were more likely to chase and chase for more spins in the face of loss Gamblers who reported higher gambling goals and more severe gambling problems were more likely to continue to play How you can use this research Gambling goals may be linked with chasing behaviour Young adult gamblers who are motivated to win money and place a greater importance on achieving their gambling goals may chase more often and continue to chase in the face of loss Gambling health promoters may use this information to develop tools to help gamblers set responsible gambling goals Gamblers may need to understand setting high gambling goals may lead to more problem gambling behaviours Gambling policy makers may use this information to promote responsible gambling Responsible goalsetting tools may be adapted with messaging around the gambler’s achievement to remind players and offer a reality check on the time and money spent About the Researcher Jamey J Lister is affiliated with the School of Social Work, Wayne State University and the Substance Abuse Research Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA Lia Nower is affiliated with the Center for Gambling Studies, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA Michael J.A Wohl is affiliated with the Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Correspondence about this article can be directed to Jamey J Lister, jlister@wayne.edu Citation Lister, J J., Nower, L., & Wohl, M J A (2016) Gambling goals predict chasing behavior during slot machine play Addictive Behaviors, 62, 129-134 doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.06.018 Keywords Gambling goals, chasing, electronic gaming machines (EGMs), problem gambling, motivation, responsible gambling Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO) Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO) has partnered with the Knowledge Mobilization Unit at York University to produce Research Snapshots GREO is an independent knowledge translation and exchange organization that aims to eliminate harm from gambling Our goal is to support evidenceinformed decision making in responsible gambling policies, standards and practices The work we is intended for researchers, policy makers, gambling regulators and operators, and treatment and prevention service providers Learn more about GREO by visiting greo.ca or emailing info@greo.ca This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 Canada License 2016 ... Gambling goals predict chasing behavior during slot machine play Addictive Behaviors, 62, 129-134 doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.06.018 Keywords Gambling goals, chasing, electronic gaming machines... loss Gambling health promoters may use this information to develop tools to help gamblers set responsible gambling goals Gamblers may need to understand setting high gambling goals may lead to... Responsible goalsetting tools may be adapted with messaging around the gambler’s achievement to remind players and offer a reality check on the time and money spent About the Researcher Jamey J Lister