Problem Gambling Markers among Horse Race Bettors: Associations with IQ, Personality, and Socioeconomic Background

Session Title

Gambling Psychology: Cognition & Sensation

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

26-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between IQ, personality traits—specifically conscientiousness and extraversion—and potentially harmful gambling behaviours. Using player account data combined with socio-economic variables and data from the Finnish Defence Forces for IQ and personality traits, we assess indirect markers of gambling issues, which we term "red flags." Although direct indicators of problem gambling are not observed at the account level, we propose two red flags for potential gambling problems. The first is the ratio of net loss over a year to annual net income. The second is the average number of days it takes a player to return after a loss. We aim to model the direct and indirect effects on these red flags through betting activity using path analysis. Betting activity is quantified by (1) average betting volume per day, (2) average number of betting products wagered per day, and (3) the number of weeks participated in betting over the year. Our path analysis reveals that higher betting activity is a strong positive predictor of red flags. IQ, while not having a direct impact, influences red flags indirectly through betting activity, and may even offer protection against potential harmful gambling patterns. In terms of personality, higher conscientiousness appears to reduce the likelihood of potential harmful gambling patterns, whereas higher extraversion tends to increase it.

Author Bios

Ida Sopala is a doctoral researcher at the Business School of the University of Eastern Finland. Her research interests lie in microeconometrics and gambling markets.

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May 26th, 12:00 AM

Problem Gambling Markers among Horse Race Bettors: Associations with IQ, Personality, and Socioeconomic Background

This study explores the relationship between IQ, personality traits—specifically conscientiousness and extraversion—and potentially harmful gambling behaviours. Using player account data combined with socio-economic variables and data from the Finnish Defence Forces for IQ and personality traits, we assess indirect markers of gambling issues, which we term "red flags." Although direct indicators of problem gambling are not observed at the account level, we propose two red flags for potential gambling problems. The first is the ratio of net loss over a year to annual net income. The second is the average number of days it takes a player to return after a loss. We aim to model the direct and indirect effects on these red flags through betting activity using path analysis. Betting activity is quantified by (1) average betting volume per day, (2) average number of betting products wagered per day, and (3) the number of weeks participated in betting over the year. Our path analysis reveals that higher betting activity is a strong positive predictor of red flags. IQ, while not having a direct impact, influences red flags indirectly through betting activity, and may even offer protection against potential harmful gambling patterns. In terms of personality, higher conscientiousness appears to reduce the likelihood of potential harmful gambling patterns, whereas higher extraversion tends to increase it.