Gamble Thrills: Male Motivations

This text discusses the motivations of young Australian men aged 18-34 years, who are at increased risk of developing gambling problems with the shift to online betting. The authors use self-determination theory to understand the psychological needs behind gambling and distinguish between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Men are more likely to gamble for skill demonstration, competition, and excitement, and gaining social status, while women gamble to escape boredom, loneliness, and stress. The article highlights the different factors that motivate young men to gamble and explains that the thrill of the activity, being part of a group or consumption community, and gaining social status through their knowledge and betting skills are among the most common motivations. The article emphasises the importance of understanding these motivations to prevent harm, as some young men seem to struggle to control their online sports betting behaviour.

Authors of this review:

Nikita Goncharenko

Date of Publication:

05/03/2023

Academic Reference:

Lamont, M. and Hing, N. (2018). Sports Betting Motivations Among Young Men: An Adaptive Theory Analysis. Leisure Sciences. 42. 1-20.

Tags:sports gambling sports psychology

Key Ideas

Young men aged 18-34 are particularly vulnerable to developing gambling problems around their sports betting behaviors.

Negative consequences of problem gambling include chasing losses, losing more than one can afford, and a sense of impaired control.

Sports betting operators have strategically targeted young men through promotional activities.

Online betting has increased the risk of gambling harm.

Treatment services report that young men struggle to control their online sports betting.

Self-determination theory explains the behaviour through the prism of 3 key components: Competence, autonomy, and relatedness. These components represent the innate needs that are important for psychological health.

Intrinsic motivation is performing or not performing a behavior solely by choice.

Extrinsic motivation stimulates behavior through rewards or punishment.

Integrated regulation is when formerly extrinsic forces become internalized.

Winning, being with friends/similar people, risk-taking, excitement, and reinforcing self-image are among the factors that motivate gamblers.

Men are more likely to gamble for skill demonstration, competition, and excitement. Being part of a consumption community around sports betting has social benefits. Shared cultural values, friendly in-group competition, loyalty expressed through connection and shared interest, and power and status are derived from acumen and skill.

Men prefer strategy-based gambling activities.

The thrill of the activity, being part of a group or consumption community, and gaining social status through knowledge and betting skills are common motivations.

Women gamble more to escape boredom, loneliness, and stressful lives.

Women tend to prefer pure luck-based gambling activities.

A four-factor model of motivations includes excitement, escape, challenge, and winning money.

Online gambling can cause potential harm to this group, and understanding these motivations can help prevent this harm.

Citations

External References

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Gainsbury, S. M., King, D. L., & Delfabbro, P. H. (2014). Motivational factors and problem gambling: A longitudinal study of casino gambling in New South Wales. Journal of Gambling Studies, 30(2), 565-582.

Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Intrinsic and extrinsic motivations: Classic definitions and new directions. Contemporary educational psychology, 25(1), 54-67.

Weinstein, N., & Ryan, R. M. (2010). When helping helps: Autonomous motivation for prosocial behavior and its influence on well-being for the helper and recipient. Journal of personality and social psychology, 98(2), 222-244.

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