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The Portrayal of Gambling and Cognitive Biases in Chinese Gambling-Themed Movies

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Abstract

This study was undertaken to explore movie portrayals of Chinese gambling behaviors. More than 350 observation hours were spent reviewing and documenting 39 Chinese gambling-themed movies. In general, observations found that Chinese gambling-themed movies tended to portray gambling positively. More importantly, cognitive distortions were represented commonly in these Chinese gambling-themed movies. Specifically, active illusionary control via skill efficacy was depicted most frequently, followed by cognitive control, talismanic control, and behavioral control. Passive illusionary control via luck was represented regularly in these movies. These findings will help policymakers to understand the extent and types of distortion better as well as misinformation that Chinese gambling-themed movies convey to the public.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Macau Gaming Management Association, Macau, China

    Josephine Un

  2. Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, E22, Avenida da Universidade, Taipa, Macau, China

    Desmond Lam

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  1. Josephine Un
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  2. Desmond Lam
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Correspondence to Desmond Lam.

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Un, J., Lam, D. The Portrayal of Gambling and Cognitive Biases in Chinese Gambling-Themed Movies. Int J Ment Health Addiction 14, 200–216 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-015-9563-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-015-9563-0

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