Gambling behavior and gambling experience of pathologic gamblers using slot machines
Gmür, M.
Zeitschrift für Klinische Psychologie Psychopathologie und Psychotherapie 37(4): 445-450
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0723-6557 PMID: 2618121 Document Number: 347205
A representative sample of 106 men playing at slotmachines with possibility to win money in 61 casinos in Zürich were interviewed. One questionnaire contained sociodemographic variables and gambling habits, the second questionnaire (GBE) was about gambling behaviour and the emotional experience of gambling. One out of four persons proved to be a compulsive gambler on the ground of gambling frequency and duration. 85% of these excessive gamblers could also be identified as pathological gamblers because of their behaviour and emotional experience (GBE-questionnaire) with analysis of discriminance. Compulsive gamblers showed side effects of an addiction like strong tendencies for denial and rationalization. At the same time they heavily relied on acquaintances and friends for acquiring finances. On the other hand they were characterized by being unable to set limits to the gambling habit and the perception of being dependent.