engleski

Who wants to click and win? Some characteristics of Internet gamblers

Gambling has become one of the most popular and lucrative businesses on the Internet, and there are some indicators that online gambling may be even more addictive and dangerous than traditional forms of gambling. Generally, certain individual characteristics can represent risk factors for developing gambling problems, while coping may be the fundamental mechanism that separates controlled gamblers from excessive ones. However, not all gamblers are the same. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore some characteristics of Internet gamblers, and compare them with characteristics of other gamblers. Data were collected on a national representative sample in Croatia (N = 4992, 54% female), aged 15 to 64 years (M = 39.76, SD = 14.03). Individual characteristics were assessed using a short version of the International Personality Item Pool, Sensation Seeking Scale, and specific dimensions from Brief Cope. Internet gamblers scored higher on Problem Gambling Severity Index than players of more traditional gambling activities (i.e. lottery). Moreover, Internet gamblers had lower results on agreeableness and emotional stability, higher results on sensation seeking and used active coping less than non-gamblers and participants of other gambling activities. Apart from pointing to some specific characteristics of Internet gamblers, this study indicates some directions for prevention and intervention programs.

Internet gambling, personality, coping

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