A mixed method approach to developing a multidimensional scale for gambling fallacy in the Korean context

ABSTRACT

This article offers an understanding of and reduces gaps in the existing literature regarding cognitive distortion (e.g. gambling fallacy) and problem gambling behaviour. The primary objective of this study is to develop a valid gambling fallacy scale for the South Korean population using qualitative and quantitative methods to thoroughly understand the underlying structure of erroneous beliefs towards gambling among recreational and problem gamblers. The study interviewed eight casino supervisors and dealers and conducted online (n = 1419 gamblers) and onsite surveys (n = 400 gamblers) in South Korea. The proposed scale satisfies reliability and numerous types of validity that provide evidence on the three distinctive underlying structures of gambling fallacy (i.e. a system to win, superstitions, and follow and blame) among the Korean population. This study carries substantial theoretical and practical implications that further assure its usability as a platform for developing scales in various cultural settings.

KEYWORDS:

• Gambling fallacy
• mixed methods
• scale development
• recreational gambler
• problem gambler
• Korea

Conflicts of interestFunding sources

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government (NRF-2016S1A2A2911588).

Competing interests

The authors declared no competing interests.

Constraints on publishing

The authors declared no constraints on publishing.

Supplemental material

Supplementary data for this article can be accessed here.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government (NRF-2016S1A2A2911588).

Notes on contributors

Ki-Joon Back

Ki-Joon Back is a professor in the C. N. Hilton College at University of Houston, USA. His research area includes gambling motivation, gambling passion, gambling policy, and hotel marketing.

Choong-Ki Lee

Choong-Ki Lee is a professor in the College of Hotel and Tourism Management at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, Korea. His research area includes responsible gambling, gambling motivation, and gambling policy. He currently serves on the editorial boards of Tourism Management, Journal of Travel & Tourism Marketing, Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research, and International Gambling Studies.

Jiseon Ahn

Jiseon Ahn is a senior lecturer for School of Hospitality, Tourism, & Events at the Taylor's University Lakeside Campus. Her research interests are tourism and hospitality brand management, integrated resort, luxury brand management, and gambling behavior.

Achim Schmitt

Achim Schmitt is a Full Professor of Strategic Management and Associate Dean, Graduate Programs at Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, HES-SO // University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland. His past and current research focuses on corporate turnarounds, organizational decline, managerial cognition, as well as strategic renewal and innovation.

Hyesun Kim

Hyesun Kim is a visiting professor in the Department of Hotel and Tourism Management at Woosong University in Daejon, Korea. Her research area includes gambling motivation and valuation of ecotourism.