The Evaluation of The Role of Self-Rules on Gambling Behaviors Using a Slot Machine

• Main Author: Owens, Kelti
• Format: Others
• Published: OpenSIUC 2015
• Online Access: https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/theses/1617; https://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2631&context=theses

Current research on problem gambling has focused primarily on how the gambling mechanism effects a person's problem gambling. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effects of a second slot machine on gambling behavior. This would show that other contingencies in the environment affect a gambler's behavior. A within and between-subjects group design was used with 26 participants. Experimental group participants experienced a baseline condition, a winning condition and a losing condition. Control group participants experienced three sessions of baseline condition. During the winning and losing conditions a second slot machine was present and would show winning outcomes or losing outcomes. Visual analyses and independent sample t-tests were conducted on rate of play, amount bet, reported wins, and number of spins. Significant differences were shown for rate of play and number of spins, but not for reported wins and amount bet. The current study provided evidence that gambling with another slot machine present increases risky gambling behavior.