Motivational differences between slot machine and lottery players.

Little research has investigated motivational differences between players on specific recreational gambling activities. The present study compared 17 slot machine gamblers and 47 state lottery players on the Gambling Motivation Scale. Ages ranged from 17 to 49 years (M=28.7, SD=9.8). Nonparametric tests showed significant differences between the two groups on motivation, but not for sex and age. Compared with lottery players, slot machine gamblers scored higher on motivation for stimulation, tension release, and feelings of importance. Both were almost equally highly motivated for rewards. The findings were discussed in terms of reasons why regular players continue in their preferred forms of gambling.