Setting limits for gambling can help people reduce their gambling. Some situational factors (e.g., daily stress and resisting other temptations), might make it harder to adhere to gambling limits. This study examined how coping with temptations, daily stress/tension, and trait self-control are linked to gambling limit violations. A total of 103 Canadian adults completed a baseline survey and a daily diary for 21 days. The diary measured their gambling behaviour and daily stress/tension. The researchers found that participants were more likely to ignore their limits when they engaged in riskier gambling (i.e., playing slots) and had more negative emotional responses. Participants were also more likely to ignore their limits when temptations in other areas were high. Trait self-control influenced the strength of the relationship between daily stress/tension and limit violations. Participants with lower trait self-control were more likely to violate their limits if they experienced low stress. But, participants with higher trait self-control were more likely to ignore their limits on days where they had higher stress.
