Persistence in soccer gambling : the effects of BIS/BAS sensitivity, secondary knowledge, stakes, gambling outcomes and types of gamblers on Singapore Youth Gamblers' Decision.

Abstract

Gambling, especially soccer betting, has become increasingly popular among Singapore youths (MCYS, 2008). By using a soccer betting paradigm, this study hoped to unravel what motivates youth gamblers to persist. The effects of five factors were investigated: BIS/BAS sensitivity, secondary knowledge, stakes, gambling outcomes, and type of gamblers (in terms of profits/losses made). Singapore male youths (N = 214) placed their bets on 20 computer-simulated soccer matches and were requested to indicate their decision to continue or quit gambling at the end of the experiment. BIS sensitivity was found to be the strongest significant predictor to continue gambling. BAS sensitivity, secondary knowledge, and stakes were insignificant predictors. Gambling outcomes and types of gamblers were found to be marginally significant predictors.