Culture can have an enormous impact on how and what people gamble, as well as whether they develop gambling problems and seek assistance.
Studies have demonstrated that different cultural groups experience gambling fallacies differently. Chinese gamblers, in particular, may be more susceptible to the gambler’s fallacy and hot hand fallacy than European North Americans.
Origins
Gambling has long been part of human culture. Although gambling exists across most societies, its social and cultural acceptance varies depending on your culture – in some it can be seen as socially acceptable but lucrative while other may view it as potentially hazardous activity.
At present, research is scarce on examining the role culture has on the onset and maintenance of gambling-related problems. There may be various reasons why some cultural groups may be more vulnerable than others to gambling-related problems; such as beliefs regarding luck and superstitions as well as cognitive factors which contribute to gambling fallacies like gambler’s fallacy and hot hand fallacy.
Variations
Numerous factors influence a person’s decision to gamble. These include societal acceptance of gambling as well as personal values and beliefs. One cause of problem gambling among Chinese cultural groups has been linked to socializing gambling as an acceptable lifestyle choice.
This study evaluated an individual and family predictors model as potential predictors of youth gambling behavior across two cultures (Portugal and England). Results demonstrated sensation seeking as a significant predictor of youth problem gambling; this finding is in keeping with research which has suggested an association between sensation seeking and gambling behavior.
Future research should address whether culturally specific lay theories of change (i.e. beliefs about how events unfold over time) impact gambling fallacies such as gambler’s fallacy and hot hand fallacy.
Popularity
Gambling is an ancient human activity and is widespread across cultures worldwide, yet can also present significant risks and concerns. Researchers believe cultural variables play a part in problem gambling (PG) rates; research indicates some cultures view gambling as more socially acceptable than others, potentially accounting for why some cultures experience higher rates than others.
One study reported that Asian university students had higher estimated gambling rates than Caucasians and African Americans, likely because gambling is often perceived as a way of testing one’s luck and fate is seen as playing an integral part in Chinese culture. Further research needs to be conducted into how cultural beliefs impact gambling fallacies; specifically whether different cultural groups endorse gambler’s and hot-hand fallacies differently.
Regulations
As gambling becomes ever-more widespread worldwide, governments are finding it more challenging to regulate it effectively. Some jurisdictions ban it entirely while others limit or tax it heavily – this is particularly relevant with online-gambling that may bypass local restrictions. Therefore it is vital that societies understand how their cultures and beliefs shape people’s thoughts, values and attitudes about gambling.
Previous studies have linked culture and gambling behavior, yet much research has focused on individual differences without exploring cultural variables. A new study has discovered that various cultures experience gambling fallacies differently, which is partially explained by differences in cognitive beliefs underlying gambling fallacies. This may have important ramifications for gambling education outreach programs and treatment, and should also highlight why it is vital to take an integrated cultural approach when assessing youth problem gambling.
Legality
Though gambling may be perceived by some cultures as risky or harmful activity, others find it an enjoyable pastime that provides entertainment and socialization – some even consider it a source of luck and fortune! Gambling legality depends on several factors including its history, regulations and society perception of chance.
Studies have revealed that various cultural groups experience gambling fallacies differently, likely due to varying cognitive beliefs between cultures. Euro-Canadians and Chinese hold different theories of change which affects their beliefs regarding gambler’s fallacy and hot hand fallacy.
However, most prevalence studies fail to consider the influence of culture. This research seeks to advance previous gambling research for adolescents by investigating culture-related variables like sensation seeking and parental attachment across two cultural contexts.
