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Journal of Gambling Studies
Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies 1/2016

01-03-2016 | Original Paper

Betting Decision Under Break-Streak Pattern: Evidence from Casino Gaming

Authors: Lawrence Hoc Nang Fong, Amy Siu Ian So, Rob Law

Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Cognitive bias is prevalent among gamblers, especially those with gambling problems. Grounded in the heuristics theories, this study contributes to the literature by examining a cognitive bias triggered by the break streak pattern in the casino setting. We postulate that gamblers tend to bet on the latest outcome when there is a break-streak pattern. Moreover, three determinants of the betting decision under break-streak pattern, including the streak length of the alternative outcome, the frequency of the latest outcome, and gender, were identified and examined in this study. A non-participatory observational study was conducted among the Cussec gamblers in a casino in Macao. An analysis of 1229 bets confirms our postulation, particularly when the streak of the alternative outcome is long, the latest outcome is frequent, and the gamblers are females. The findings provide meaningful implications for casino management and public policymakers regarding the minimization of gambling harm.
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Metadata
Title
Betting Decision Under Break-Streak Pattern: Evidence from Casino Gaming
Authors
Lawrence Hoc Nang Fong
Amy Siu Ian So
Rob Law
Publication date
01-03-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Gambling Studies / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-015-9550-1

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