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Interesting findings from "A national survey of online gambling behaviours" by Columb & O'Gara (2017)

Source: https://sci-hub.tw/10.1017/ipm.2017.64

* Sportsbetting via a mobile app is the mainstream;
* Main reason to gamble is to win money; and
* Contrary to my belief, the most popular reason for ending gambling sessions is "had something else to do," and not because "running out of money."

If you think about it:
* Gambling is a time-wasting activity; and
* To stop gambling, keep yourself occupied with something.

What do you think about the above findings?

I used to gamble on my free time before, and now that most of my time is occupied by my job, which I would rather choose to rest than to gamble since it is exhausting, I barely open any gambling site or even play poker with my friends. Diversion can help lessen or stop gambling addiction. It is either you let yourself drowning from gambling addiction or you set your priorities straight.

That's an interesting stats to know, the number of people who participated on the survey is not huge but its still the replica of most of the gamblers emotions and behaviors.Its true that if we want to stop something then we have to spend more time on other things and gambling is no exception to that.Hope this might helps for someone who wants to stop gambling.

This is kinda interesting to see. But maybe those who answered they have something else to do that's why they stop, are gamblers who are not that addicted to gambling. Because if they are, they will always make time to gamble. But seeing their reason, it's obvious that gambling is not their priority. Perhaps they want to win money, but when they have something else to do, they will stop.

I guess I understand why they have that reason because personally, I would also stop gambling because I have something else to do. It's like, I have other priorities that I need to focus on rather than gambling. Running out of money can also be a reason, but if you are a smart gambler, you don't want to reach the point that you're running out of money before you will stop.

I love gambling in the past, however I stopped playing because of money issues and now I rather spend my hard earned money on whatever I need instead. I realize that I have been on huge loss trying to win some extra cash. I think in the survey, lots of people said "had something else to do" is just afraid to admit that they dont have money to gamble anymore

That line "had something else to do" is just purely an excuse to those people who had been surveyed because most of them knows the truth that they dont have any money to play further on a particular day.
Its no surprising about high percentage when it comes to the true motive on why people do gamble which is always to make money.

Most people when they occupied themselves self with something else other than what they used to do, become pro on what that thing is and they will become beginner on what they used to do. Like for example, I know someone who was known to be a great guitarist. this man has stopped playing for quite some years now because he is busy with something else that caught his attention to leaves his old habit. When he asked to play some music with the guitar, man! you're not gonna believe this man was a known guitarist. he is playing guitar like a kid nowadays. this is the case for some people. If we want to leave gambling, we need to occupy ourselves with something else that will let us forget everything about gambling and become better on that new thing.

Tbh, the only people who would gamble inspite of them needing to do something else that is much more important than gambling are only those that addicted to it or are about to be addicted. This just goes to show how the majority of the gambling community are addicts. In fact, we are all pretty much experienced at this point and has come to realize that gambling is just a game of sorts, not a job. Yes, it can be a source of money, but that's it. It isn't supposed to be the main pathway of our lives to money. Sure, there could be professional gamblers here and there but they only amount to a few. A majority of gamblers are those that chose gambling as a source of side income or just for entertainment, just like in the survey and that's it.

It's a good tip and I am also surprised with the result especially the reason in quitting gambling which is "had something else to do", this data can be use by gambling addicts who would like to stop for good. Meaning they can just look for something that will make them occupied so they can end their gambling addiction.

With regards to main reason why  we gamble, I am not that surprise with it knowing that there are many greedy people who like to earn an easy money and gambling is one of the best shortcut if you will just keep on winning.

Since a lot of people gamble using their mobile phones, it could also be a major distraction. I regularly study using my mobile device, but noticed that I concentrate better while using a book, than an eBook. To keep gamblers glued to a small screen for a long time, the platform would have to offer a variety of attracting options, or their attention would be taken by some other app. So even if one has free time off work, they may still have something else to do other than gambling.

203 gamblers is a small sample size to obtain a relevant study from tbh. Nevertheless, if the sampling is completely random at best, we can say that the study bears true-to-life responses at the least that really happens in the life of a gambler. The study's purpose is quite good, though the poster re: the potential dangers of gambling would be ignored if people realize that the number of those who responded is very little to make a solid point.

Anyway, it's not really surprising that gamblers would have something else to do in their time that's why they stop playing. I myself know this as I usually play on my phone and just leave it in my desk or in my locker whenever I need to go back to the lab. Of course, I also stop playing when I no longer have the funds to do so, as it's basically irresponsible gambling to borrow money in hopes of making it big in that particular gambling session.

Let's see the result:
Source (https://sci-hub.tw/10.1017/ipm.2017.64)

Since participants can pick more than one answer, then perhaps "had something else to do" is always chosen, then they picked either "lost too much money" or "run out of money," that's possible I think.

Agree, this survey is like a pilot study at best. At least, it's better than a forum poll.
I'll try to search for another interesting study about gambling (preferably quantitative one). Wish me luck ;D

Since the survey was way back 2017 I think there will be changes on how gamblers do behave these year or the past year but that survey was an interesting one. I've read further on the paper and interesting that after the question ‘Which of the following aspects
of the gambling experience are important to you?’, enjoyment is next to to win money. So we can say, that these people been surveyed are not only after money but the fun the get while gambling.

I'll just quote here as well the conclusion of the study:

I think that maybe that “had something else to do” is not that strong to believe.I start from my own personal experience and that of my friends that we all end our gambling session when we end our money.We are not that greedy to recharge our balance again and we call it a day and quit.I think more gamblers fit into this category rather than the “had something else to do”

Yes, it is true gambling is sometimes a time-wasting activity just for fun but for other people maybe not, it is a source of their income. We have different statuses in life so we have a different definition of gambling we just need to respect each other perspective on gambling. If you have daily work about 8 to 10 hours a day I think we are pretty occupied and no time for gambling anymore. I guess majority of the gamblers do not gamble every day only if they have free time or day off. Much better if you are a freelancer or business owner you have all the time.

Now those who won a lot of money who are about 75 participants are the luckiest if these 75 gamblers are among those who says they had something else to do and so they stop gambling. That's a good number. 

These ar just survey though, how do they know thse peopl are saying th truth specially if some of them says they frustrated whn in fact they run out of money already.

Truth about when it comes to surveys yet you wouldnt know if those words are not lies or alibis on some people.



Basing up on the results which these are just on the same category but since its been mentioned by those surveyors then it do counts.
Just surprised to those people who say about boredom thing.

No, that's a very bad number clearly showing how a significant number of people only stop gambling when they have some other thing to do like cooking or whatever else. It explains that they would basically continue to gamble if there wasn't another activity they had to do, and that proves their addiction..

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Well, running out of money apparently leads to the result of this survey: "75% – had to borrow or sell to fund gambling", so it makes sense. Lots of gamblers are buried deep in debts.

I find this to be a load of bs. I never heard a gambler / betting man say "had to make french fries and learn knitting... there was just not enough time to place my bet!" cmon...

The psychology of gamblers is a science on it's own...
I found that for me i had little to no remource when losing. I was more upset about not winning than actually throwing away the money. Winning released tons of endorphins and was ecstatic. Losing almost left me numb.

Have not set foot in a casino for 4 years now. Please do not direct me to a good sign up bonus :))

Does a gambler carry his casino with him in the shower/while cooking/while getting ready for a job? I don't think so - and this is probably why they only stop when some other activity interrupts them from gambling. There's just a time when you have to stop, you can't continue a gambling session forever.. I guess it's common sense.

Might be better if you add a poll in your thread here and see what we got combining that number and what the poll would got?

That would be much more interesting. It's worth a shot, since the survey result is taken at year 2017 and every second things always have changed.

Well...YES !


I would argue it's about a shift in mentality, not in hobbies/activities imo

I agree with most of the results of the national survey. Mainly because almost everyone who has the money to gamble equally translates having a phone because they can afford it.

I agree with the idea that it's always about winning money.

The had something else to do makes sense to me because there could be stuff that should be prioritized more compared to just losing money. If the person is not addicted, then they still have a sense of urgency to gamble only what they can afford.

Lastly, the potential dangers of gambling are advertised, IMO, not by marketing ads but by definition. The word gambling is already associated most of the time with addiction if the person plays too much and doesn't control themselves.

At one point you will get bored or will find a new hobby that you will enjoy aside from gambling. It and sometimes gamble with it, this might be different but I consider my self an online game addict where I spent most of my free time playing it. People at some point have changes in their hobbies and interest, but still, it is a case to case basis depending on the level of your addiction to gambling.

Excitement and to win money is what keeps gambling from playing it's been this way and will always this way, gambling is already embedded on people, usually people will stop gambling when they have money to gamble, now you need a distractions to get away from gambling but I doubt this distractions will help, these kind of gamblers needs a professional help.

I agree with the findings.

However, it is worth noting that it is a national finding, in Ireland to be specific. It therefore reflects the gambling situation only in Ireland. It could be very different in other countries. Moreover, the study is focusing specifically on online gambling activities. The numbers could change significantly if the entire gambling industry is covered, online gambling being probably a minority.


Probably because there is always someone to turn to, or something to sell, whenever they're drained of money. After all, the study also found out that 75% resorts to borrowing or selling something to be able to continue gambling.

Gambling takes time if you are a busy person I doubt that you are willing to be so active in it.
I see that the survey gave the results according to reality.
The mobile phone is the king for which gambling companies are developing their Apps so that users can comfortably browse on their smartphones.
Gambling must be taken with great caution and control. Not overdo it.

And I though the study says those who said "had something to do" didn't return to gambling after doing what they had to do.

The survey was for gamblers who use mobile to gamble I think there are more mobile gamblers than the ones who go visit a traditional casino. Traditional Casinos are for wealthy individuals but gamblers online can spend $10-20 a day just to test their luck.

It's not really time wasting, it's only considered a waste when you suck at it and always in a lose streak. Gambling can become a fun way to kill time especially with these lock, if properly controlled and do not exceed money that you can't afford to bet because you may end up which a huge debt after.

It makes sense if you stop gambling because of "had something else to do" because that will force you to quit gambling without any excuse. But I never think that gambling is a time-wasting activity because we are playing gambling in our free time, and we don't use gambling as one primary activity in a day. I agree that if you want to stop gambling, you need to keep yourself busy doing something else which is not related to gambling. Your mind will not think about gambling, your body, and your hand busy by doing something, so you don't even think about gambling.

The first one is obvious already I think. Sports betting is easier to bet especially if you are only betting in your favorite team.

Mobile app is the most commonly used device because it is more convenient. It is obvious also that people are gambling either online of offline because they want to win money so for those who are saying "they are gambling just for fun", :P.

Well for the reason they are ending it, I believe that they will not stop unless they will do something more important than gambling. Maybe the 2nd reason why they are stopping is because they don't have any funds already. Overall, I agree with the survey they did and its

I think the "running out of money" option is the number 2 :D.


Gambling maybe waste of time for others but for some who sees this as a hobby, I don't think that they see gambling as this. Different people = different perspective about gambling.

The problem is, like you said,,, it is about being an addict. It is not about finding a hobby but for many people, gambling is an addiction. You do not just go out and find a new hobby to quit smoking, or porn, or alcohol or whatever it is you are addicted to. I think people have to find something to live for first. And then everything else just becomes something of a leisure activity.

For me I gamble to win and have some fun but now that I have seen some more interesting things to do rather than gambling and I could save some money because of it there is no reason for me anymore to continue on gambling.
I think about it thoroughly and gambling only risk our money and take some of our time so instead of gambling I would do something more important to help me save some money instead of wasting it on gambling.

Sticking to basics i can clearly confirm that people who do not gamble voted gambling as a time wasting activity because it it is not so.
As a man, you can only stare off gambling if you do not love sports.

Mind you, gambling is not limited to sportsbet websites, if you predict a score of a match on social media sites to win, what did you do indirectly??

The most important part is the will to win, it leads so many peeps to addiction. So please and please, nobody should borrow to gamble
Never let the fun die out of gambling for you.

Well, actually it depends on the gambler himself because not all gamblers do think of the same way the participants of the survey have answered the survey questions. Having 208 participants out of thousands or even millions of gamblers around the world cannot duly be represented by a small group of people. Although the data gathered might be also the answer of other gamblers out there, getting into such conclusion for me is not considered as a representation of a whole because not all gamblers think of the same way. Many are just playing for fun or entertainment so you cannot call it as a waste of time. But indeed that if you want to be able to stop gambling (this is for those who are proven or claimed to be gambling addicts) must divert their attention into something to keep themselves occupied to avoid playing gambling if it has bad effects for them.

But at least those numbers and their reasons would somewhat picture out on whats on the minds of most gamblers.It might not pictured out the entire gambling community but those reasons are acceptable.
Indeed that stopping gambling will vary on each person on how they do deal up with things because we arent on the same situation from time to time specially in real life situations.Come to think that not all
have the same capacity when it comes on how deep our pockets and can sustain to gamble for long compared to those who do only have enough money to use on.

i agree on the survey  . ive been on the gambling for a while but i seen many confessions by gamblers on different gambling site   .  about stopping gambling ,  obviously we will only stop when we dont have a balance anymore or have something to do but we can find our self keep coming back again as long as we are now free again  or even if we only have small breaks during our working hours   .  there is no real reason to end gambling permanenly if you think if you can get benefits from it  .

Agree with the existing points in the OP, but to end gambling must at least start from one's own desires first because I think it will be useless if this determination or intention is not owned or realized at the beginning. Someone who just does something else or occupies himself with something else to end gambling will not succeed if they do not have the strong will to stop, because even those who have succeeded in ending gambling but at least there will be another time that will bring them back to do gambling for various reasons.

^ Definitely you have stated it right.
I really believe in the survey but pointing out that the reason to end the session because of something else to do really captures my attention. There are instances that we really end gambling if we need to do something but that is if we do online gambling like through the mobile app. On the thread it only asks about ending gambling sessions it was not mentioned if it is only for online but if we are on land or physical gambling I dont think you will end playing and leave the place telling other players because you remember that you have to do something. On this thread as well I dont think we are already talking about gambling addiction instead we are only discussing the reason why we need to stop playing when we do gambling and the reason for "has something else to do" is only applicable to online gambling. Nevertheless, if we get a higher percentage of this reason that shows people are fond of online gambling.

Seeing the percentage of mobile app usage of 68.6%, this might indicate that the dependence on gambling will be hard to leave. At present, online gambling can be easily and simplified through the mobile app. This means where each user can do gambling wherever they want. So, it's only right if the number of gamblers increases from time to time. And gambling makes it addictive. When we have won once, then we will be addicted, want to win again and again. Meanwhile, in fact, we have lost hundreds of times. Ironic, but most probably experienced this.

That is right, making ourselves busy with real activities or other business. Well, it may be difficult for those who are addicted to playing gambling. Moreover, they may remind of gambling every time they hold or open their mobile phone. However, if we really want to out from gambling, this can be tried.

However, in fact, those who are playing gambling will commonly stop doing it when they don't have enough money, and after getting the money or loans, playing gambling will continue again. It is actually quite difficult to stop gambling, likely to stop smoking. However, if we really want to stop it, just stop it.

Well, it makes sense if you think from the casual gamblers' perspective, i.e., those who play on their mobile phone. It's just like a mobile game where you open it when you need to waste some time.

Nice idea mate, next time!

Yea, but they claim the results were similar worldwide.


Enjoyment is number 2

It is number 4 (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5244174.msg54316775#msg54316775) actually...

Sorry for my bad English. What I mean by time-wasting activity is not something bad, but to kill time when you are waiting or idling. Mobile games are one of the closest examples of this kind of activity.

Waiting sucks! I'd rather gamble than doing nothing for more than 30 minutes.

Yeah, there is no reason to believe otherwise. They must have enough bases for concluding that.

However, I think that online gambling comprises a small percentage of the entire gambling industry, both legal and illegal, in other countries. I have reasons to believe that in a poor country like mine, the primary reason why an ordinary gambler stops gambling is not that he/she has "something else to do" but probably because he/she runs out of money.

Everything seems accurate, although I think have my doubts about the reason people stop gambling, some use that excuse of the, 'have something else to do' to cover up when they have run out of funds to sponsor their games. It isn't actually the main purpose from my schoyof thiigyand ibhav experience this first hand, on numerous occasions my oals have used that excuse as the reason he want to spot gambling firbtge day but actually he was out of cash.

So if you ask me the main reasons should be "run out of cash". For me, I have my gambling budget when ever I feel the need to gamble, this help me stay on track in regards to my spendings. Gambling isn't totally a waste of time most especially when you're on the profiting side.

I agree that gamblers never think about stopping or quitting (permanently) even after they run out of bankroll as they do get loans and other sources to continue their gambling. If you are able to stop your gambling for the reason of your other responsibilities, probably you will never get running out of your bankroll and moreover you will get get addicted to gambling. Yes, if you are able to stop at your wish, then it means you have all the control over your gambling. That must be the right way to gamble.

Gambling cannot be a time-wasting thing to have but it should be an activity to kill our boredom. But, getting bored while gambling must be an appropriate way of gambling which is possible only when you start feeling like gambling is a time wasting entertainment because of after gambling you make nothing but losing your hard-earned money.

To stop gambling, you must have strong will power. If you fail to control yourself then you cannot stop even you have your life's most important responsibilities. It means keeping yourself occupied may not work when you are not strong enough with your will power.