| This study examined the extent to which pathological gamblers and problem gamblers have significantly more cognitive distortions about gambling probability outcome than do recreational gamblers. One hundred forty-five female and 139 male gamblers, purchasing lottery tickets in the Calcasieu Parish area of Louisiana, were administered a test packet containing the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the Gamblers' Beliefs Questionnaire, and a brief demographic questionnaire. Gamblers' Beliefs Questionnaire scores were used to determine that significant differences did exist in cognitive distortions among the different gambling conditions (recreational gamblers, problem gamblers, pathological gamblers). Pathological gamblers had significantly higher Gamblers' Beliefs Questionnaire scores than did either problem gamblers or recreational gamblers and problem gamblers scored significantly higher than did recreational gamblers. There was no significant difference by gender on the Gamblers' Beliefs Questionnaire scores, suggesting that male and female lottery gamblers have a similar degree of cognitive distortions concerning gambling probability outcome. The finding that pathological gamblers have significantly more cognitive distortions about gambling probability outcome than do nongamblers suggests a need for increased research in the role that cognitive distortions play in the etiology and maintenance of pathological gambling. |
