Can cybernetics inspire gambling research? A limit-based conceptualization of self-control

Abstract

This study used a negative feedback model to describe why pathological gamblers (PGs) spend more resources than non-pathological gamblers (NPGs) during a video lottery terminal (VLT) gambling session. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 43 PGs and 38 NPGs concerning their time and money management habits for gambling. Results show that the majority of PGs and NPGs use a monetary loss limit as a self-control strategy to avoid overspending. PGs, however, set a higher limit than NPGs. In addition, whereas NPGs typically stop gambling after having reached their limit, PGs typically keep spending their limited resources. To describe the self-regulation process during a gambling session, we propose an operationalization of self-control based on internal, external, implicit and explicit limits. The usefulness of a limit-based conceptualization of self-control for prevention and research is discussed.

Keywords:

• gambling
• control
• electronic gaming machines
• pathologlcal gambling
• motivation

Acknowledgement

During this study, the first author held scholarships from the Fondation Baxter et Alma Ricard and the Fonds québécois de la recherche sur la société et la culture (FQRSC).

Notes

1. Video lottery terminals (VLTs) are also known as electronic gaming machines (EGMs) or ‘slots’.

2. Forty-eight individuals (35%) did not meet the selection criteria or were not interested in participating in the study and 67 (49%) were unable to be reached after several attempts (five on average).

3. Sixty-five individuals (29%) did not meet the selection criteria or were not interested in participating in the study and 34 (15%) were unable to be reached after several attempts (five on average).

4. Excludes gamblers from the pilot sample.