The effects of gambling-irrelevant positive emotions and perceived luck on gambling behavior

Abstract

The current study investigated the effects of gambling-irrelevant positive emotions and gambling-irrelevant perceived luck on gambling behavior. Participants performed a Game of Dice Task(GDT) comprising 18 trials. Their emotional states and perceived luck in relation to the game were assessed before the first trial and, subsequently, after every trial. In an effort to trigger their emotions, participants were shown film clips before performing the GDT; perceived luck was induced through “lucky” draws for which, unbeknown to the participants, the results were controlled. The results indicated that participants among whom positive emotions and perceived luck were induced, gambled more recklessly after winning consistently, rather than losing. Further, after initially gambling with seemingly even chances of winning, participants gambled less recklessly, despite their induction with both positive emotions and perceived good luck. However, after reckless gambling, positive emotions and perceived good luck had no significant effect on subsequent gambling behavior.View full abstract