The Psychological and Behavioral Characteristics of the Pathological Gamblers in Horse Racing

Lee, Heung Pyo; Kim, Dai Jin; Sung, Sang Kyung; Yang, Ik Hong; Go, Hyo Jin

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We investigated the socio-demographic, psychological and behavioral characteristics of the pathological gamblers in horse racing.
METHODS
Among 61 horse-racing gamblers, 20 pathological gamblers were diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria, and compared with 18 healthy horse racing spectators.
RESULTS
1) The education level of the pathological gamblers was lower and the duraton of gambling history longer than the healthy horse racing spectators. 2) The number and the amount of the bet of pathological gamblers in one day were higher than those of the healthy horse racing spectator. Especially, the highest amount of money gained of the pathological gambler were significantly larger than that of the healthy horse racing spectators. 3) The pathological gamblers bet with the purpose of restoring loss sum, gaining money, and avoiding dysphoric and negative mood. To be opposed, the healthy horse racing spectator play for rest, pleasure and excitement seeking. 4) The healthy horse racing spectators enjoy pleasure and euphoric mood through horse racing more than the pathological gamblers. However, the pathological gamblers experience repentance after game, and irritable and unstable mood while they were betting. 5) The pathological gamblers could control impulse less than the healthy horse racing spectator because of being habituated to the game.
CONCLUSIONS
Horse racing is one of the most popular and legitimate leisure and gambling activities in Korea. In such a legitimate gambling activity, serious pathological gamblers are found frequently and their psychological and societal problems are increasing. Therefore, the prevention and the therapeutic intervention for the pathological gambling would be urgent.