Gambling study: the thoughts and actions of 43 punters were collated
PICTURE: Edward Whitaker/racingpostpix.comGambling study reveals four types of punter
ALL those who place bets fall into one of four different categories according to a study into the thoughts and actions of 43 punters and researchers concluded that the terms "non-problem" and "problem" gambler are now inadequate.
The qualitative study, conducted by the National Centre for Social Research on behalf of the Gambling Commission, focused on a sub-sample of those who took part in the 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey and aimed to "provide further insight into participants' gambling behaviour" and, where relevant, "to explore the downsides of gambling".
However, its most eye-catching finding was the categorisation of punters as either peripheral gamblers, gambling enthusiasts, business gamblers or compulsive gamblers.
According to the study:
* Peripheral gamblers bet infrequently and do not necessarily view their actions as gambling. Motivation is something other than the gambling itself e.g. social experience or to get a large win from a small outlay.
* Gambling enthusiasts bet frequently but feel no compulsion to do so. They view betting as a fun activity and are motivated by the desire to outsmart bookmakers.
* Business gamblers see betting as a business rather than a hobby or leisure pursuit.
* Compulsive gamblers, spurred on by a sense of escapism, have a powerful internal drive to punt. Gambling can become a central and controlling feature of their life.
What type of gambler do you think you are? Have your say in the comments box below.
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