Article - Knowledge of Random Events and Chance in People with Gambling Problems: An Item Analysis

View the article by Humber Professor Masood Zangeneh. This article will be published in the International Gambling Studies journal.

Article Title: Knowledge of Random Events and Chance in People with Gambling Problems: An item analysis.
Co-authored by: Masood Zangeneh, Ph.D., Faculty of Liberal Arts & Sciences and Innovative Learning
Journal: International Gambling Studies (RIGS)
Journal link: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rigs20/current

Abstract

Problem gamblers have been shown to have a wide range of erroneous beliefs about gambling. Studies of erroneous beliefs and the prevention of problem gambling have produced mixed results. This paper examines problem gamblers' knowledge of random chance and the odds of winning using the Random Events Knowledge Test (REKT) and the Chance Test. A component
analysis was conducted on the REKT. The scale was broken down into four scales: Due to Win, Counterintuitive Nature of random chance, Odds Do Not Improve, and Biases and Wins. The Chance Test was broken down into three components: Abstract Odds, Table Odds, and Chance Odds. To determine which aspects of these variables are most strongly related to problem gambling, we regressed them onto the log value of problem gambling severity and found that all four subscales of the REKT were negatively related to problem gambling; further, we found the Table Odds and Chance Odds were positively related to problem gambling. The results illustrate that problem gamblers generally have an accurate understanding of the odds of winning the games that they play but do not understand various implications of the independence of random events. Furthermore beliefs about the nature of random events, appears to be a multidimensional construct made up of four components. The failure to grasp any of these four components is related to problem gambling. The challenge for the treatment and prevention of problem gambling is how to teach gamblers a realistic understanding of random events. The findings suggest some potential strategies for the prevention of problem gambling.