Beliefs About Control Over Gambling Among Young People, and Their Relation to Problem Gambling

The aim of this study was to assess the association between beliefs about 2 types of control-(a) illusion of control and (b) internal locus of control-and gambling frequency-problem gambling among young people age 14 to 25 years (435 males, 577 females, and 5 unreported gender). A revised version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen and measures of gambling frequency and gambling beliefs were administered. Results indicated that irrational control beliefs were strongly associated with problem gambling. Young problem gamblers were more likely to believe that they needed money and that gambling would provide it. In addition, young problem gamblers had more faith in their ability to manipulate chance and "beat the system." Regression models with illusion of control and internal control over gambling significantly predicted gambling frequency and problem gambling.