Gambling in Cultures

Humans have gambled for ages. It is found in almost all cultures and most parts of the world (Custer & Milt, 1985). People’s attitudes toward gambling differ depending on their cultural background. However, in most countries, gambling is open and shared. In some, it is a national pastime. Gambling exists in most cultures. Problem gambling (PG) does, too (Raylu & Oei, 2002). According to Lesieur and Rosenthal (1991), gambling has been legalized in more than 90 countries. PG is a problem for nations and the world (Lamberton & Oei, 1997). For example, many people use and enjoy the sportsbook online. It shows how common and easy gambling has become. It also highlights the global nature of both gambling and PG.

Compulsive gambling, or PG, arises when gambling spirals out of control. It starts causing people problems with society, themselves, and others. In gambling literature, various terms have been employed to describe problem gambling. This paper will broadly use PG, as in the Raylu and Oei (2002) review. It means gambling that meets the DSM-IV criteria (APA, 1994). It also includes gambling problems in people who do not meet the requirements.

Demographic and Cultural Variations in Problem Gambling

Problem gamblers (PGs) come from many backgrounds. Some groups are more likely to gamble and develop PG. Our review (Raylu & Oei, 2002) found that some studies link PG to gender, income, work, marriage, and age. However, not all findings agree. Gambling rates vary widely by country and region. Anecdotal and media reports suggest high rates among specific cultural groups, like Asians. They gamble in casinos and commit related crimes. However, systematic reviews to confirm these observations still need to be included. Most PG studies focus on Western populations. Few study ethnic minorities. Blaszczynski et al. show this. (1998), the GAMECS Project (1999), the VCGA (1999), and Volberg & Abbott (1997). No reviews yet compare how gambling rates vary by culture. They show the need for more research on cultural differences.

Cultural Influences on Gambling and Problem Gambling Rates

Rates of gambling and problem gambling (PG) vary widely. This is due to how gambling is marketed and available in different regions. Cultural differences also shape gambling. They affect how games work, gender, and the forms of gambling people prefer.

Exploring cultural factors in gambling is crucial for two reasons:

1. Many studies have limitations. They do not consider cultural factors (Betancourt & Lopez, 1993). Cross-cultural studies often assume cultural factors without directly evaluating them.

2. Several factors influence gambling behavior: thoughts, personality, biology, mental states, and family influences. However, these do not explain cultural differences in gambling rates.

Culture affects beliefs and values, help-seeking behaviors, and acculturation. These factors may also be key. They play a big part in starting and maintaining gambling habits.

Addressing Cultural Gaps and Future Directions in Gambling Research

There are significant cultural gaps in the gambling literature. To confront these challenges, the objective of this paper is:

1. See if some cultures have high rates of gambling and problem gambling (PG).

2. Discuss how culture affects mental health. Include beliefs, values, and help-seeking. Also, acculturation and how these factors apply to PG will be discussed.

3.     Blend these cultural factors with those in Western studies. These include personality, biochemistry, and mental states. Use them to treat and prevent PG.

4. Recommend future research studies and consider methodological issues.

Research in this area is limited. So, this paper reviews cultural issues rather than specific studies. Betancourt and Lopez (1993) suggest a general way to find and measure cultural factors. These variables affect behaviors like gambling and should be added to theories.

This assessment serves as the preliminary phase in grasping the impact of culture on gambling.

Cultural Factors in Gambling

The literature has identified three cultural factors that play a role in causing and maintaining mental health problems like substance abuse. (De-La-Rosa et al., 2000; Escobar et al., 2000; Loue, 1998; Westermeyer, 1999). Considerations include cultural values, adapting to new cultures, and attitudes toward seeking professional help.

The PG may also be affected by these variables. These variables interact with one another.

Discussion

Research has not studied how culture affects gambling and PG. The objective of this paper is to narrow down this disparity. The report reviewed how often gambling and PG occur in different cultural groups. It found that research on the rates in both the community and treatment still needs to be done. Gambling patterns for some cultural groups have not been studied. In others, studies are few and unexplored.