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Abstract
This study looks at the association between irrational beliefs and gambling and gambling preferences in 4963 adults (15–74 years old). The results from a hierarchical linear regression showed that increased gambling frequency was associated with increased irrational beliefs for all gamblers, but that this effect was stronger for gamblers who preferred gambling machines, bingo automats, card games and Internet gambling. It is suggested that these games have structural characteristics that encourage superstitious thinking more. Finally, it is suggested that a more rapid increase in irrational thinking associated with increased gambling frequency is one of the mechanisms that makes these games more risky.