In France, rates of problem gambling are higher among people involved in strategic gambling activities (i.e., those that involve an aspect of skill that can influence outcomes, like poker). In this study, the researchers looked at the relationships between problem gambling, narcissistic personality traits, and perceived personal luck among people involved in strategic gambling activities. Participants were 88 adults living in France who had gambled at least once per week or spent at least 500 euros on gambling in the past 12 months. Participants completed an online survey between January 2023 and April 2024.
The study found that participants with problem gambling had higher levels of narcissism than those without problem gambling. No difference in perceived personal luck was found between participants with and without problem gambling. Perceived personal luck did not explain the relationship between narcissism and problem gambling. The findings suggest that personality traits like narcissism should be assessed in problem gambling treatment.
