How Does Problem Gambling Impact the Relationship Between Gambling Attitudes and Frequency?

Abstract

Individuals' beliefs and perceptions about gambling are known to influence gambling behaviours. However, the associations between gambling attitudes, gambling frequency, and problem gambling are unclear within the existing literature. The study aimed to elucidate the relationship between gambling attitudes, gambling behaviour, and problem gambling, using responses to the 2018 Northern Territory Gambling Prevalence and Wellbeing Survey. Data from 1629 participants (Mage = 49.87 years; SD = 14.58 years; 51.63% female) who completed the Attitudes Towards Gambling Survey (ATGS), Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), and reported their gambling frequency were analysed. Prior to testing for moderation of the attitude-frequency path by PGSI risk category, the measurement model of the ATGS was assessed for invariance and one item was removed to improve its psychometric properties. Problem gambling severity moderated the relationship between attitudes towards gambling and gambling frequency. The relationship between attitudes towards gambling and gambling behaviour strengthened at higher levels of problem gambling. Results indicate that the higher the risk of problem gambling, the stronger the influence of gambling attitudes on gambling frequency. These findings are discussed in relation to cognitive dissonance, rationalisation, gambling motivation, and the potential implications for problem gambling prevention strategies.