Research identifies four types of gambler
Posted by Gavin Smith on 25 Jun 2009 at 23:06
Everyone who likes a flutter can be categorised into four types of betting punter, according to new research.
The Racing Post reports the National Centre for Social Research also noted the terms 'non-problem' and 'problem' were no longer adequate.
Experts identified the likes of 'business gamblers', who see betting as a business and 'enthusiasts' who like to try and beat the bookmaker.
The qualitative study was done on behalf of the Gambling Commission and looked at a sample of people who were also questioned for the 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey.
According to the Post, the study aimed to provide further insight into participants' gambling behaviour" and "to explore the downsides of gambling" where appropriate.
The most intriguing conclusions involved the four categories of gambler pinpointed by the research.
They included;
-Peripheral gamblers who do not bet often and don't tend to think of having a punt as gambling. They are normally motivated by something different than the actual idea of gambling, including social experience or the chance of winning big from a small bet.
-Gambling enthusiasts bet more often but don't feel compelled to. They tend to see it as a fun thing to do and are more likely to bet out of a desire to outwit bookies.
-Business gamblers see gambling more as a business than as a leisure activity or hobby.
-Compulsive gamblers are more motivated to bet by an internal need and may also do so out of escapist tendencies. Gambling can also be a key part of their life which exerts a degree of control on them.
