Development of the gambling attitude scales: preliminary findings.

Social scientists recognize gambling as a universal phenomenon that occurs in a myriad of forms. Although gambling is often a harmless social activity. some participants become pathological gamblers. Given the negative consequences associated with pathological gambling, it is important to understand attitudes toward gambling because they typically represent a readiness to act. One hundred and seventy university students completed four gambling attitude scales constructed to measure general attitudes and attitudes toward gambling in casinos, betting on horse races, and playing the lottery. Results showed the scales to be internally consistent and to have short-term temporal stability. The most positive attitudes were shown toward playing the lottery and the least positive were shown toward betting on horse races. In general, men reported more positive attitudes than women. Positive attitudes toward gambling were related to a tendency toward risk taking.