The Psychology of Gambling
M. B. Walker · 2026 · 428 citationsRead the paper
Why do people gamble, and why is it that people sometimes gamble to excess? Originally published in 1992, The Psychology of Gambling provides a comprehensive study of gambling behaviour and explores both theories and therapies for the treatment of problem gambling. Involvement in each form of gambling is examined in terms of social and cognitive factors and from this a socio-cognitive theory of gambling is developed in which false beliefs about gambling play a core role in maintaining gambling involvement. While alternative theories of gambling are reviewed, excessive gambling is explained in terms of irrational thinking with the implication that the most effective therapy for gambling problems is some form of cognitive restructuring. For psychologists, psychotherapists and anyone interested in the phenomenon of gambling.
4 ideas Seedlabs derived from this research
A digital therapeutic tool that identifies and corrects specific 'false beliefs' and irrational thinking patterns associated with gambling to reduce compulsive behavior.
AI score 68/100A digital therapeutic tool that identifies and corrects the specific 'false beliefs' and irrational thinking patterns that drive problem gambling.
AI score 65/100An embeddable SDK for online casinos and sports betting apps that detects behavioral markers of irrational thinking (e.g., loss-chasing, win-streak attribution) and delivers in-session micro-interventions grounded in cognitive restructuring principles.
AI score 62/100A standalone mobile app delivering structured cognitive-behavioral therapy modules that systematically identify and challenge a user's specific gambling-related false beliefs, using the socio-cognitive framework as its therapeutic backbone.
AI score 50/100