This study explores the underlying personal meanings of gambling behavior from the perspective of enduring involvement and considers the relationships among gambling and gender, level of participation, and illusion of control. Based on a self-administered survey of gambling visitors to Black Hawk, Colora, the study found three underlying factors of gambling involvement: (1) self-identity, (2) pleasure/importance, and (3) centrality. The study also found gender differences in gambling involvement, suggesting that male participants tended to view gambling as a form of self-enhancement or self-expression more strongly than did female participants. Management and research implications drawn from these findings are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Abt, V., M. C. McGurrin, and J. F. Smith (1984). “Gambling: The Misunderstood Sport—A Problem in Social Definition.”Leisure Studies,6 (2): 205-220.
2.
Ajzen, I., and B. L. Driver (1992). “Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Leisure Choice.”Journal of Leisure Research, 24 (3): 207-224.
3.
Ajzen, I., and M. Fishbein (1980).Understanding Attitudes and Predicting Social Behavior. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
4.
Au, N., and J.S.P. Hobson (1997). “Gambling on the Internet: A Threat to Tourism?”Journal of Travel Research, 35: 77-81.
5.
Bergler, E. (1970).The Psychology of Gambling. London: International University Press.
6.
Bloch, H. A. (1951). “The Sociology of Gambling.”American Journal of Sociology, 57 (3): 215-221.
7.
Brannan, L., C. Condello, N. Stuckum, N. Vissers, and S. Priest (1992). “Public Perceptions of Risk in Recreational Activities.”Journal of Applied Recreation Research, 17: 144-157.
8.
Breen, R. B., and M. L. Frank (1993). “The Effects of Statistical Fluctuations and Perceived Status of a Competitor on the Illusion of Control in Experienced Gamblers.”Journal of Gambling Studies, 9 (3): 265-276.
9.
Buchanan, T. (1985). “Commitment and Leisure Behavior: A Theoretical Perspective.”Leisure Sciences, 7 (4): 401-420.
10.
Burger, J. M., and N. G. Smith (1985). “Desire for Control and Gambling Behavior among Problem Gamblers.”Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 11 (2): 145-152.
11.
Caillois, R. (1961).Man, Play, and Games. New York: Free Press.
12.
Calantone, R. J., and J. S. Johar (1984). “Seasonal Segmentation of the Tourism Market Using a Benefit Segmentation Framework.”Journal of Travel Research, 13 (2): 14-24.
13.
Chantal, Y., R. J. Vallerland, and E. F. Vallières (1995). “Motivation and Gambling Involvement.”Journal of Social Psychology, 135 (6): 753-755.
14.
Cook, R. A. (1992). “Toward Understanding Today's Changing Gaming Participants.”Journal of Travel and Tourism Marketing, 1 (2): 63-69.
15.
Cotte, J. (1997). “Chances, Trances, and Lots of Slots: Gambling Motives and Consumption Experiences.”Journal of Leisure Research, 29 (4): 380-406.
16.
Crespi, I. (1968). “The Social Significance of Card Playing as a Leisure Activity.” InSociology of Everyday Life, edited by M. Tuzzue. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, pp. 101-108.
17.
Derevensky, J. L., R. Gupta, and G. D. Cioppa (1996). “A Developmental Perspective of Gambling Behavior in Children and Adolescents.”Journal of Gambling Studies, 12 (1): 49-66.
18.
Dickerson, M. G. (1984).Compulsive Gamblers. New York: Longman.
19.
Dillman, D. A. (1978).Mail and Telephone Surveys: A Total Design Method. New York: John Wiley.
20.
Dimanche, F., M. E. Havitz, and D. R. Howard (1991). “Testing the Involvement Profile (IP) Scale in the Context of Selected Recreational and Touristic Activities.”Journal of Leisure Research, 23 (1): 51-66.
21.
Dimanche, F., and D. Samdahl (1994). “Leisure as Symbolic Consumption: A Conceptualization and Prospects for Future Research.”Leisure Sciences, 16: 119-129.
22.
Dixey, R. (1987). “It's a Great Feeling When You Win: Women and Bingo.”Leisure Studies, 6: 199-214.
23.
Driver, B. L., P. J. Brown, and G. L. Peterson (1991).Benefits of Leisure. State College, PA: Venture.
24.
Dumont, M., and R. Ladouceur (1990). “Evaluation of Motivation among Video Poker Players.”Psychological Reports, 66: 95-98.
25.
Fisher, S. (1993). “The Pull of the Fruit of Machine: A Sociological Typology of Young Players.”Sociological Review, 41: 446-474.
26.
Freud, S. (1975). “Dostoevsky and Parricide.” InThe Psychology of Gambling, edited by J. Halliday and P. Fuller. New York: Harper Colorphon Books, pp. 157-174. (Reprinted fromThe Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, edited and translated by J. Strachey [1953], London: Hogarth, Vol. 21, pp. 177-194)
27.
Gallup Short Subjects (1996, July).Gallup Poll Monthly, No. 370, pp. 30-33.
28.
Gitelson, R. J., and D. L. Kerstetter (1990). “The Relationship between Sociodemographic Variables, Benefits Sought, and Segment Vacation Behavior: A Case Study.”Journal of Travel Research, 28 (1): 24-29.
29.
Goffman, E. (1967).Interaction Ritual: Essays on Face to Face Behavior. Garden City, NY: Anchor Books.
30.
Griffiths, M. D. (1990). “The Cognitive Psychology of Gambling.”Journal of Gambling Studies, 6 (1): 31-42.
31.
Havitz, M. E., and F. Dimanche (1990). “Propositions for Testing the Involvement Construct in Recreational and Tourism Contexts.”Leisure Sciences, 12: 179-195.
32.
Havitz, M. E., and F. Dimanche (1997). “Leisure Involvement Revisited: Conceptual Conundrums and Measurement Advances.”Journal of Leisure Research, 29 (3): 245-278.
33.
Havitz, M. E., F. Dimanche, and T. Bogle (1994). “Segmenting the Adult Fitness Market Using Involvement Profiles.”Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 12 (3): 38-56.
34.
Havitz, M. E., and D. R. Howard (1995). “How Enduring Is Enduring Involvement? A Seasonal Examination of Three Recreational Activities.”Journal of Consumer Psychology, 4: 255-276.
35.
Henderson, K. (1990). “The Meaning of Leisure for Women: An Integrative Review of the Research.”Journal of Leisure Research, 22 (3): 228-243.
36.
Henderson, K. (1994). “Gender, Leisure, and Constraint: Towards a Framework for the Analysis of Women's Leisure.”Journal of Leisure Research, 26 (1): 1-7.
37.
Henderson, K., M. D. Bialeschki, S. M. Shaw, and V. J. Freysinger (1989).A Leisure of One's Own: A Feminist Perspective on Women's Leisure. State College, PA: Venture.
38.
Herman, R. D. (1967). “Gambling as Work: A Sociological Study of the Race Track.” InGambling, edited by R. D. Herman. New York: Harper & Row, pp. 87-106.
39.
Hong, Y., and C. Chiu (1988). “Sex, Locus of Control, and Illusion of Control in Hong Kong as Correlates of Gambling Involvement.”Journal of Social Psychology, 128 (5): 667-673.
40.
Houston, M. J., and M. L. Rothschild (1978). “Conceptual and Methodological Perspectives on Involvement.” InResearch Frontiers in Marketing: Dialogues and Directions, edited by S. C. Jain. Chicago: American Marketing Association, pp. 184-187.
41.
Iso-Ahola, S. E. (1980).The Social Psychology of Leisure and Recreation. Dubuque, IA: William C. Brown.
42.
Jamrozy, U., S. J. Backman, and K. F. Backman (1996). “Involvement and Opinion Leadership in Tourism.”Annals of Tourism Research, 23 (4): 908-924.
43.
Kaiser, H. F. (1974). “An Index of Factorial Simplicity.”Psychometrika, 39: 31-36.
44.
Kapferer, J., and G. Laurent (1985). “Consumer Involvement Profiles: A New Practical Approach to Consumer Involvement.”Journal of Advertising Research, 25 (6): 48-56.
45.
Kim, S. (1996). “The Role of Involvement and Commitment in Explaining Intention to Engage in Birding Trips.” Master's thesis, Texas A&M University.
46.
Kim, S., D. Scott, and J. C. Crompton (1997). “An Exploration of the Relationship among Social Psychological Involvement, Behavior Involvement, Commitment, and Future Intentions in the Context of Birdwatching.”Journal of Leisure Research, 29 (3): 320-341.
47.
Kusyszyn, I. (1984). “The Psychology of Gambling.”Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences, 474: 133-145.
48.
Ladouceur, R., M. Mayrand, R. Dussault, A. Letarte, and J. Tremblay (1984). “Illusion of Control: Effects of Participation and Involvement.”Journal of Psychology, 117: 47-52.
49.
Langer, E. J. (1975). “The Illusion of Control.”Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 32 (2): 311-328.
50.
Laurent, G., and J. Kapferer (1985). “Measuring Consumer Involvement Profiles.”Journal of Marketing Research, 22: 41-53.
51.
Long, P. (1996). “Early Impacts of Limited Stakes Casino Gambling on Rural Community Life.”Tourism Management, 17 (5): 341-353.
52.
Martinez, T. M. (1983).The Gambling Scene: Why People Gamble. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.
53.
McCool, S. F., and M. Reilly (1993). “Benefit Segmentation Analysis of State Park Visitor Setting Preferences and Behavior.”Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 11 (4): 1-14.
54.
McIntosh, R. W., C. R. Goeldner, and J.R.B. Ritchie (1995).Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies. 7th ed.New York: John Wiley.
55.
McIntyre, N. (1989). “The Personal Meaning of Participation: Enduring Involvement.”Journal of Leisure Research, 21 (2): 167-179.
56.
McIntyre, N., and J. J. Pigram (1992). “Recreation Specialization Reexamined: The Case of Vehicle-Based Campers.”Leisure Sciences, 14: 3-15.
57.
McKercher, B. (1996). “Differences between Tourism and Recreation in Parks.”Annals of Tourism Research, 23 (3): 563-575.
58.
Park, S. (1996). “Relationship between Involvement and Attitudinal Loyalty Constructs in Adult Fitness Programs.”Journal of Leisure Research, 28 (4): 233-250.
59.
Philipp, S. F. (1998). “Race and Gender Differences in Adolescent Peer Group Approval of Leisure Activities.”Journal of Leisure Research, 30 (2): 214-232.
60.
Reik, T. (1940).From Thirty Years with Freud. New York: International University Press.
61.
Saunders, D. M., and D. E. Turner (1987). “Gambling and Leisure: The Case of Racing.”Leisure Studies, 6: 281-299.
62.
Schreyer, R., and B. L. Driver (1989). “The Benefits of Leisure.” InUnderstanding Leisure and Recreation: Mapping the Past, Charting the Future, edited by E. Jackson and T. Burton. State College, PA: Venture, pp. 385-419.
63.
Schuett, M. A. (1993). “Refining Measures of Adventure Recreation Involvement.”Leisure Sciences, 15: 205-216.
64.
Selin, S. W., and D. R. Howard (1988). “Ego Involvement and Leisure Behavior: A Conceptual Specification.”Journal of Leisure Research,20 (3): 237-244.
65.
Siegenthaler, K. L., and T.C.M. Lam (1992). “Commitment and Ego Involvement in Recreational Tennis.”Leisure Sciences, 14: 303-315.
66.
Smith, R. W., and F. W. Preston (1984). “Vocabularies of Motives for Gambling Behavior.”Sociological Perspectives, 27 (3): 325-348.
67.
Smith, S.L.J. (1990).Dictionary of Concepts in Recreation and Leisure Studies. Westport, CT: Greenwood.
68.
Stevens, J. (1996).Applied Multivariate Statistics for the Social Sciences. 3rd ed.Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
69.
Stokowski, P. A. (1996).Riches and Regrets: Betting on Gambling in Two Colorado Mountain Towns. Niwot: University Press of Colorado.
70.
Tinsley, H.E.A., and D. J. Tinsley (1987). “Uses of Factor Analysis in Counseling Psychology Research.”Journal of Counseling Psychology,34 (4): 414-424.
71.
Veblen, T. (1899).The Theory of the Leisure Class. New York: Penguin.
72.
Walker, M. B. (1992).The Psychology of Gambling. New York: Pergamon.
73.
Watkins, M. N. (1987). “The Influences of Involvement and Information Search on Consumers' Choices of Recreation Activities.” Doctoral dissertation, University of Oregon.
74.
Zola, I. K. (1967). “Observations on Gambling in a Lower Class Setting.” In Gambling, edited by Robert D. Herman. New York: Harper & Row, pp. 19-32.
