Cultural Differences In Gambling

Gambling is found in almost all cultures in most parts of the world (Custer & Milt, 1985). Since gambling exists in almost every culture, so will problem gambling (Raylu & Oei, 2002). Raylu and Oei (2004) state that, the rates of gambling and problem gambling varies with each location, depending on the number of ways gambling is marketed and available, cultural differences or geographical. The media have reported that there are higher rates of problem gambling in certain cultural groups (Raylu & Oei, 2002). Most studies on problem gambling been completed with Western samples, but a few have looked at problem gambling among ethnic minority groups (Victorian Casino and Gambling Authority [VCGA], 1999). Differences in gambling and problem gambling

The beliefs and values of a cultural group has been identified in the gambling literature as playing a role in initiating and maintaining mental health problems (Loue, 1998). Different cultural groups have different motivations towards gambling, Koreans and Arabs used gambling as entertainment and an escape from daily life, the Chinese regarded it as a regular social activity and the Vietnamese regarded it as a fast way of earning money (GAMECS Project, 1999). American Indian teenagers began gambling at an earlier age compared to non-Indian teenagers, American Indian teenagers also showed more behaviours of problem gambling compared to non-Indian teenagers (Zitzow, 1996). This was due to gambling availability, low socioeconomic status, exposure to gambling and also the cultural acceptance of beliefs of magical thinking that gambling is to try one’s luck or the believing in fate (Raylu & Oei, 2004). A problem gambling study found that problem gamblers were more likely to come from a minority ethnic group and that Hispanics gamble weekly and had a higher chance of having a gambling disorder than Caucasians (Wallisch, 1996). In another study, among 1771 university students, Asians had a significantly higher rate of gambling compared to American Indians, Caucasians,

The main reason preventing the Chinese from seeking problem gambling services is shame (VCGA, 1999). In Chinese cultures, shame is associated with losing the respect or face amongst members of the group (Raylu & Oei, 2004). They believe that they should maintain harmony with those around them, so they avoid conflict as much as possible and they do not want to burden others with their own troubles (Cheung, 1993a). The gambler is then concealed, and the head of the family will decide which treatment to take, usually herbal medicines and traditional healing methods (Cheung, 1993b). The Chinese feel that the gambler is their own responsibility and they do not believe in outside assistance and so, they are less likely to seek professional help (VCGA,