Examining the role of ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and setting in gambling expectancies and behavior among me

Previous research has demonstrated ethnic and socioeconomic differences in gambling behavior, but the factors that underlie such findings remain under-researched. This study examined socioeconomic (SES) and ethnic differences in problem gambling behavior and risk-taking. Ethnic minorities were compared to Caucasians in further exploring the role of SES when it comes to gambling expectancies, impulsivity, and personal relative deprivation. Additionally, problem gambling behaviors were explored in the context of isolative and non-isolative gambling settings. Problem gambling behavior was consistent across ethnic, educational, and income groups. Caucasians of higher income levels and ethnic minorities of lower income levels showed higher risk-taking. For both ethnic minorities and Caucasians, impulsivity and expecting to feel negatively about oneself were predictors of higher problem gambling behavior. Results of the mediation analysis did not confirm the mediating role of perceived personal relative deprivation in the relationship between expectancies for material gain and problem gambling behavior. Both expectancies for material gain and perceived personal relative deprivation were uniquely associated with problem gambling behavior. Finally, there were no significant differences in problem gambling behavior between isolative and non-isolative settings. Limitations, clinical implications, and directions for future research are discussed.