Male gambling on retirement – qualitative analysis of problem and non-problem Polish gamblers’ motivation to gamble

ABSTRACT

The aim of the research was to learn about the specifics of motivation to gamble for retired men in Poland against the background of the severity of gambling problems. Gambling activity among seniors has not been studied so far in Poland, while global studies usually include seniors as a homogeneous group in terms of gender, which makes it impossible to recognize the gender-specific motivation. The qualitative study carried out in 2017 included 44 men aged 55–83. The recruitment took place in various gambling establishments in Poland. The study inclusion criteria was the subject’s retirement and regular gambling (once a week or more) at least six months before the interview. The thematic analysis was used to data analysis. Ten main motives and five parent categories of gambling motives among senior male gamblers has been identified. The most common motivation to gamble are factors from the self-gratification area. Challenge was the motivation least frequently mentioned by the sample. Non-problem gamblers are most often motivated by social factors, while problem gamblers are mainly motivated by financial reasons and to cope with difficulties. In Poland, a deteriorating financial situation at retirement age can be an important risk factor for gambling problems.

KEYWORDS:

• Problem gambling
• seniors
• elderly
• motivation
• pathological gambling

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Maria Chuchra for her assistance in carrying out the studies, and the participants in the study for sharing their experiences.

Funding sources

The research was funded by a grant from the Ministry of Health in Poland, Gambling Problem Solving Fund awarded to The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (grant number: 1/HMK/2017). The data may be made available at the request of the interested person, due to the funding of research from the grant, the data belongs to the Minister of Health in Poland.

Constraints on publishing

No constraints on publishing was declared by the authors in relation to this manuscript.

Competing interests

No competing interests were declared by the authors in relation to this manuscript.

Preregistration statement

No preregistration was declared by the authors in relation to this manuscript.

Data availability statement

No data set was declared by the authors in relation to this manuscript.

Ethical approval

Ethics approval for the study to proceed was obtained from the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (no KEBN_32/2020).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bernadeta Lelonek-Kuleta

Bernadeta Lelonek-Kuleta Involved in gambling research since 2004. Interests include gambling and seniors, gambling among prisoners, gaming disorder, Pay-to-Win games and loot boxes. Manager of research projects (including international) financed by the Minister of Health in Poland. Author of articles on gambling disorder. Works as a specialist in addiction psychotherapy.