Hedonistic Differences Between Mechanical Game Players And Table Game Players: An Exploratory Investigation On The Road To A Comprehensive Theory For Gambling

This exploratory research examined relationships between casino play and hedonic factors. The hedonic factors examined were emotion, sensation seeking and impulsivity, absorbing experiences, and analytical characteristics. Differences between slot players and table game players were measured. The subjects were a convenience sampling of 1,010 casino gamblers at a Las Vegas Strip casino catering to out of town visitors. All participants completed a 45- item survey. The constructs were measured using the Mehrabian and Russell (1974) pleasure, arousal, and dominance scale; the Zuckerman Kuhlman sensation seeking and impulsivity scale; the Swanson (1978) absorbing experience scale; and an analytical scale developed by the researchers. Both table game players and slot players derive pleasure from the pursuit of gambling. Table game players are more deeply involved and tend to be more aware of the intricacies of the games than slot players. Table game players are not as impulsive and tend to be more controlled than slot players. The overwhelming majority of table game players and slot players demonstrate discipline in terms of their gambling spending.