A comparison of gambling involvement, motives, severity, and personality traits by gambling mode

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Author(s): Leslie, R. Diandra ; McGrath, Daniel S.

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2023

Date Added: April 25, 2023

Gambling both online and offline is called mixed-mode gambling (MMG). This study compared people who gambled online only (ONGs), people who gambled offline only (OFGs), and people who gambled in mixed modes (MMGs) in terms of gambling involvement and severity. It also compared the three subgroups in terms of motives for gambling and personality traits. A total of 517 adults who lived in the United States participated in this study. All participants had moderate-risk or problem gambling based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and had gambled in the previous six months. The results showed that MMGs engaged in a wider range of gambling types than ONGs and OFGs. MMGs also had more severe problem gambling than OFGs and ONGs. MMGs were more likely to gamble to enhance positive feelings and for socialization than OFGs and ONGs.

Citation: Leslie, R. D., & McGrath, D. S. (2023). A comparative profile of online, offline, and mixed-mode problematic gamblers’ gambling involvement, motives, and HEXACO personality traits. Journal of Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-023-10193-3

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-023-10193-3

Keywords: gambling ; motivation ; online gambling ; personality ; problem gambling

Topics: Gambling and the Brain ; Online Gambling ; Personality

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Personality and Temperament ; Exposure - Gambling Setting ; Types - Structural Characteristics ; Exposure - Accessibility ; Psychological Factors ; Types - Motivational Characteristics ; Gambling Exposure

Study Design: Descriptive: Survey

Geographic Coverage: United States of America

Study Population: Participants were adults (between 18 and 81 years of age) who lived in the United States; gambled at least once per month in the past six months; met the criteria for moderate-risk or problem gambling on the PGSI; and were aware that their gambling was problematic (n = 517).

Sampling Procedure: The researchers recruited participants using CloudResearch, an online crowdsourcing platform. This study was part of a larger study on problematic gambling and help-seeking behaviour.

Study Funding:

This study was supported by the Alberta Gambling Research Institute.