The Impact of self-awareness and physiological arousal on EGM gambling behaviour

This report describes four experimental studies investigating psychological factors that influence betting behaviour on Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs). Findings on these psychological factors are intended to help inform governments on the impact of policies aimed at reducing gambling-related harm. The research builds on the theoretical framework of the Four Es theory of risk for gambling problems (Rockloff, M. & Dyer, V., 2006, 2007). The Four Es risk factors include Escape, Excitement, Esteem and Excess; which are hypothesised motivations underlying problem gambling behaviour. This report focuses on the Escape and Excitement motivations.