Describing Gambling Affinity: The Role of Personality Traits

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the degree to which personality dimensions provide insights into who is likely to gamble a significant dollar amount at a casino. Using measures of the Big Five, it was determined that respondents classified as highly extraverted were the most likely to gamble a day’s wages at a casino. Those classified into the moderate trait scores cluster also exhibited a gambling affinity. Other factors associated with gambling affinity included subjective financial knowledge, financial satisfaction, and risk tolerance. Results from this study show that personality traits are important descriptors of gambling affinity. However, people’s willingness to gamble appears to associate with unique combinations of personality rather than a direct relationship with individual trait factors. Findings from this study provide direct insights into who is more likely to require financial advice regarding gambling expenditures at the household level.