The emotions and perceptions of poker players towards online poker vary according to the degree of severity of their gambling problem.
For example, non-problem poker players report enjoyment, while problem players express frustration. Our study also shows that at-risk and problem players report specific perceptions whose links to problem gambling merit further in-depth study.
This study revealed several similarities between poker players.
This study also revealed several similarities between poker players. For example, all players mentioned the importance of employing self-control strategies while playing. However, in the context of the project, the majority of players taking part in a mini poker tournament under laboratory conditions did not use these strategies, indicating that the use of such strategies and their effectiveness require further study. These are just a few of the results obtained from this study, whose main objective was to examine the differences in reasons for playing, emotions and perceptions of online poker observed in three types of poker players (non-problem, low risk, problem).
The project’s main impact is through the contribution of information on certain perceptions of poker held by poker players. This information could help policy makers to better adapt prevention and treatment measures to the reality of poker players. It could also form the basis of future studies to evaluate the effectiveness of proactive measures aimed at responsible gambling behaviour, such as measures promoting the use of self-control strategies to stabilize cognitive processes, emotions and behaviour.
Main researcher
Serge Sévigny, Université Laval
Deposit of the research report: September 2013