Every now and then I like to do more of a deep dive into what motivates people to gamble. Despite the fact that we are all humans, we are also unique, meaning we don’t have the same reasons for seeking the thrill of an online casino.
Breaking Down Gambling Habits
There are many different ways of breaking down gambling habits and how gambling fits into people’s lives. One of these theories breaks players down into a variety of typologies.
Cryptocurrency or fiat players, based on these different typologies, you can get a better understanding of the mindset that drives players.
So, I’m going to take a closer look at the 8 gambling typologies that are applicable to this article.
Some Truth Behind It
This way of looking at players and the different typologies have been used quite extensively in research over the years. Based on that, I feel confident that there is some truth behind it and a valid view that I can present to you.
These Are the 8 Typologies When It Comes to Gambling
1) Social Play
These are the people that enjoy gambling together with friends. Gambling is something that everyone, or at least the majority of the group, enjoy doing and the activity sets up a really fun way of spending time together.
Having an opportunity to win money only adds to the fun but it’s the activity itself that is the main focus.
A Certain Level of Confidence
Normally this type of player has at least some knowledge of the game, which also brings a certain level of confidence. They know that playing together increases the chances of winning but they are also aware that you win some and lose some.
My own personal experience of this is that many times, competitive types such as team sport athletes fit into the Social Play category.
Characteristics:
– Enjoy gambling with friends and/or family
– Competing with or against friends and/or family
– They tend to enjoy the game or the gamble itself
Motivations:
– To be social and to feel part of something
– To have fun
Triggers:
– Someone recommended them to play.
The Social Play is more likely to play:
– Bingo in person
– Sports betting on races
– Arcades
Most likely to be a Social Play typology:
– Under 45 and particularly under 25. This is the youngest of all typologies.
2) Wise Decision
The Wise Decision typology is a confident gambler, often with a routine to their gambling. They believe that their knowledge of the game will give them an advantage and thereby are very confident that they’ll win.
To win money is the main focus and the Wise Decision gambler is less worried about having fun. Details are very important to their routine so studying form, conditions and odds is necessary.
Characteristics:
– Confident they will win
– Believe skill is required to gamble
Motivations:
– To add excitement to a game and/or experience
Triggers:
– Change in game or odds
– Big games like playoffs, Super Bowl or World Cup
The Social Play is more likely to play:
– Sports betting on games
– Sports betting on races
Most likely to be a Wise Decision typology:
– Males Under 45
– High income
– From Black or ethnic minority background
3) Me Time
I know I’m not the only one that needs a bit of “Me Time” from time to time. You know, when you can just switch off your brain and recharge. This is the time when it’s ok to be boring and just let time pass you by while essentially doing nothing at all.
The Me Time typology prefers this way of gambling. Even though winning is to be preferred, it is not necessary in order for them to enjoy it.
Characteristics of the Me Time typology:
– See gamble as an opportunity for some ‘me’ time
– Can turn to gamble when feeling lucky
Motivations of the Me Time typology:
– To pass the time
Triggers of the Me Time typology:
– Had some money left in their online account.
The Me Time is more likely to play:
– Online slot machines
– Classic fruit slots
– Online casino games
Most likely to be a Me Time typology:
– Slightly younger, under 45 years old
4) Just What I Do
Then we have the gamblers who don’t really think about gambling. It’s just a part of their routine and if you ask them about it, you can expect an answer in the lines of “it’s just what I do”.
This type of player does believe in the tiny possibility of winning big but can get happy even from smaller wins.
Characteristics of the Just What I Do typology:
– They always do it
– Look at gambling as a solo activity
– Enjoy playing even if they lose
Motivations of the Just What I Do typology:
– It’s just a part of their routine
– See it as a treat.
Triggers of the Just What I Do typology:
– They gamble regularly so there are no special triggers.
People whose gambling falls into Just What I Do are more likely to play:
– Lottery
– Scratch Cards
– Instant Win Games
Most likely to be a Just What I Do typology:
– Over 55 years old
– Have a slightly lower annual income of under €20,000
5) Along for the Ride
Not everyone is actually interested in the gambling activity itself. Instead, they are more interested in the opportunity to meet up with friends or family. The actual gambling part is just something they happen to do while they are together.
They are fully aware of the fact they may lose money as a result but are ok with that. It’s all about the comradery and spending time together. In other words, they are just Along for the Ride.
Characteristics of the Along for the Ride typology:
– They partake in gambling with friends or family
– Have no idea if they will win anything at all
Motivations of the Along for the Ride typology:
– To be a part of the social life.
Triggers of the Along for the Ride typology:
– Someone else recommended them to play
People whose gambling falls into Along for the Ride are more likely to play:
– Lottery
– Scratch Cards
– Bingo
– Arcades.
Most likely to be a Along for the Ride typology:
– Mostly women under the age of 35
6) Money To Burn
The Money to Burn guys have already either won money, have some spare change burning holes in their pockets or been given free spins or the equivalent of. There’s a desire to turn something small into something bigger and gambling is already a part of life.
Characteristics of the Money to Burn typology:
– Prefers playing with “free money”
– Feel they have nothing to lose
– Gambles on a whim.
Motivations of the Money to Burn typology:
– It’s most often a spontaneous decision.
Triggers of the Money to Burn typology:
– When they are offered free spins, bets, bonuses etc.
– Finding loose change in their pocket.
People whose gambling falls into Money to Burn are more likely to play:
– Scratch Cards
– Instant win games
– Online bingo
Most likely to be a Money to Burn typology:
– Have a slightly lower annual income of under €20,000
7) Feeling Lucky
I’m not a big believer in aligning stars etc but I have definitely felt extra lucky at times and that things just go my way. There are players who take this as a sign and feel that they can’t lose and get the immediate urge to seize the moment and gamble.
Their gambling is driven by the belief that they’ll win, more so than the desire to participate. However, the activity must still feel like fun as it’s all about “the moment”.
Characteristics of the Feeling Lucky typology:
– The “stars aligned” for them to win
– See it as a way to prove their skill to friends or family
Motivations of the Feeling Lucky typology:
– They felt lucky
Triggers of the Feeling Lucky typology:
– Heard of someone winning big
– Just received a salary or some other money
– Saw something online, social media or on TV
People whose gambling falls into Feeling Lucky are more likely to play:
– Any gambling activities
– Leaning slightly towards slot machines.
Most likely to be a Feeling Lucky typology:
– Earning a high annual income of more than €70,000
– From a Black or ethnic minority background
– Under 35 years old
8) For the Money
Go big or go home! This guy is all about the big wins. The player is fully aware of it being a longshot and that it all comes down to chance. However, they are willing to go all in, hoping to make the big bucks!
The gambling activity itself is not at all important because the focus is only on winning.
Characteristics of the For the Money typology:
– Not very involved in the activity itself
– Know that winning is a long shot, and the result is all down to chance.
Motivations of the For the Money typology:
– To win large amounts of money.
Triggers of the For the Money typology:
– A progressive jackpot or something BIG
People whose gambling falls into For the Money are more likely to play:
– Lotteries like EuroMillion, Thunderball etc.
People whose gambling falls into For the Money are most likely to be:
– A non-problem gambler
– More than 55 years old.
Which One Are You?
Now that you’ve seen the entire lineup of gamblers, which one of them looks like the best fit for you? Personally, I’m leaning towards a mix between Social Play and Wise Decision. I do enjoy sharing the experience with my friends, good or bad. At the same time, when it comes to big games, I do lean on my own knowledge and expertise as I prefer betting on sports over slots.
I enjoyed this article and getting a better understanding of what motivates gamblers and I hope you had fun reading it as well.
Until next time.
What Motivates People to Gamble and Their Different Personalities
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