Numerical Reasoning Ability and Irrational Beliefs in Problem Gambling

Abstract

Numerous studies have shown that pathological gamblers are particularly prone to various cognitive biases that may explain why they continue to gamble despite having occurred substantial losses. A common explanation advanced to account for this finding is that pathological gamblers may have poorer numerical or statistical knowledge than other people. Addressing these deficits is therefore seen as one possible way in which to assist pathological gamblers or prevent the development of problematic behaviour within the broader community. The aim of this study was test this assumption by assessing the numerical reasoning skills, objective gambling knowledge and tendency towards biased reasoning in a sample of 90 regular poker-machine gamblers (pathological and non-pathological) and a non-gambling comparison group (n = 45). Analyses based on both group comparisons and regression analyses controlling for differences in educational attainment showed that pathological gamblers scored significantly higher on the cognitive biases measure than other gamblers. However, this difference could not be attributed to poorer knowledge of gambling odds or limited numerical ability among pathological gamblers. The findings suggest that educating pathological gamblers with greater knowledge about the odds of gambling is unlikely to be an effective harm minimisation strategy.

Notes

1. In Australia, the term ‘problem gambler’ is usually used instead of ‘pathological gambler’ to encompass the broader aetiological basis for the disorder.

2. It is important to point out that the desire for monetary gain is not the only motivation for gambling (see Chantal et al., 1995). However, this assumption is central to cognitive theories of gambling and it can be argued other motivations such as gambling for enjoyment or excitement are not independent of monetary motives. As Walker (1992) points out, there is evidence that laboratory investigations that fail to include any genuine chance to win money do not evoke the same level of physiological arousal as those with only token rewards (e.g. Anderson and Brown, 1984; Diskin et al., 2003).

3. Poker machines or electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are the Australian equivalent of fruit machines in the United Kingdom and slot-machines in North America. Australian machines usually involve five spinning reels. Players win money based on whether specified combinations of symbols line up in a row on a particular betting line (e.g. the middle row, upper, lower or other patterns). Players can play up to 20 games per minute with a maximum bet of A$10 (equivalent to approximately £2 sterling orUS$7.5).