An Empirical Study on The Habits of Problem Gamblers and High Frequency Gamblers

Abstract

This paper analyzes a population of individual gamblers and sorts them into groups based on gambling frequency and whether or not they are problem gamblers. Independent variables like demographics, preferences, and behavior from the dataset are analyzed to see which variables are associated with individuals who are problem gamblers and high frequency gamblers. Once I conclude which variables are related to high frequency gambling behaviors and problem gambling behaviors, I will analyze various advertisements to see if these variables are present within them. These two groups of gamblers are likely to gamble the most creating more revenue for gambling entities which is why they were chosen for this analysis. The data shows gambling advertisements contain many factors that are correlated with behaviors of high frequency gambling and problem gambling. Gambling advertisements could be taking advantage of these individual’s weaknesses to entice them with well targeted advertisements to get more customers regardless of the repercussions gambling could have on these individuals. Problem gambling is a mental illness and it is important to consider whether or not it is moral for advertisers to be targeting these individual’s sicknesses.