Ohtsuka, Keis and Karoglidis, Helen (2001) Gambling among older Greek Australians: influence of illusion of control beliefs and risk-taking. In: 11th National Conference of the National Assoctiation for Gambling Studies. National Association for Gambling Studies, 2001, Alphington, Vic, Australia.

Abstract

This study explored (a) whether illusion of control beliefs and risk-taking predict problem gambling within the elderly Greek-Australian community, and (b) types of leisure activities associated with gambling. One hundred sixty-four elderly Greek Australians (67 males, 84 females, 13 unknown sex) completed questionnaires on demographic questions, a modified version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen (Lesieur & Blume, 1993), questions regarding illusion of control beliefs, risk-taking, and leisure activities. Backward multiple regression analysis found that illusion of control beliefs, risk-taking, and age together predict problem gambling (accounted for 23% of the variance). Factor analysis isolated 3 groups of leisure activities. Factor 1 comprised dances (.61), eating out (.59), talking on the telephone (.59), and gambling (.75). Factor 2 included a distinct group comprising going for walk (.76), reading/writing (.81), and artistic/craft hobby (.54). Factor 3 accounted for outdoor activities (.75), coffee shop (.56), and part-time work (.57). Based on risk-taking, sensation seeking, illusion of control beliefs, sex, and level of education, the discriminant analysis classified non-problem and problem gamblers with 84.3% accuracy. The results suggest that illusion of control beliefs and risk-taking propensity play a major role in the formation of problem gambling among the elderly Greek Australians.

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