Cognitive distortions and problem gambling in sports betting

Abstract

Sports betting is an activity that has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. The integrative nature of sports betting in marketing mediums and the advent of modern technology makes it a particularly dangerous form of gambling. This study aimed to compare the cognitions of sports bettors and non-sports gamblers. A total of 713 participants were recruited, of which 80 were sports bettors, 270 were non-sports gamblers, and 363 were non- gamblers. Cognitive distortions were measured using the Gamblers Belief’s Questionnaire, which comprises two factors: Luck/Perseverance, and Illusion of Control. The results of a between-groups MANOVA showed that sports bettors recorded higher scores for Luck/Perseverance (M = 35.27, SD = 13.63) than non-gamblers (M = 17.60, SD = 8.20, p < .001) and non-sports gamblers (M = 27.19, SD = 11.81, p < .001). Sports gamblers also recorded higher Illusion of Control scores (M = 25.48, SD = 8.81) than both non-gamblers (M = 13.46, SD = 6.50, p < .001) and non-sports gamblers (M = 19.76, SD = 7.91, p < .001). Problem gambling was measured using the South Oaks Gambling Screen. One-way analysis of variance between the three groups showed sports bettors scores (M = 3.45, SD = 3.29) were higher than those of nonsports gamblers (M = 1.62, SD = 2.30), and non- gamblers (M = 0.29, SD = 0.96, p < .001). These findings suggest that gamblers should not be treated as a homogenous group, and that greater attention should be placed on sports bettors in prevention and treatment efforts.