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The Role of Light and Music in Gambling Behaviour: An Empirical Pilot Study

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Abstract

Empirical research examining the situational characteristics of gambling and their effect on gambling behaviour is limited but growing. This experimental pilot investigation reports the first ever empirical study into the combined effects of both music and light on gambling behaviour. While playing an online version of roulette, 56 participants took part in one of four experimental conditions (14 participants in each condition); (1) gambling with fast tempo music under normal (white) light, (2) gambling with fast tempo music under red light, (3) gambling with slow tempo music under normal (white) light, and (4) gambling with slow tempo music under red light. Risk (dollars spent) per spin and speed of bets were measured as indicators of gambling behaviour. Significant main effects were found for speed of bets in relation to musical tempo, but not light. No significant effects were found for risk per spin for either of the two independent variables. A significant interaction between light and music for speed of bets was shown. Planned comparisons revealed that fast tempo music under red light resulted in faster gambling. These findings are discussed along with the methodological limitations, and potential implications for various stakeholders including the gambling industry and practitioners.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nottingham Trent University, Psychology Division, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham, UK

    Jenny Spenwyn, Doug J. K. Barrett & Mark D. Griffiths

  2. Nottingham Trent University, International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Division, Burton Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU, UK

    Mark D. Griffiths

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  1. Jenny Spenwyn
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  2. Doug J. K. Barrett
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  3. Mark D. Griffiths
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Correspondence to Mark D. Griffiths.

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Spenwyn, J., Barrett, D.J.K. & Griffiths, M.D. The Role of Light and Music in Gambling Behaviour: An Empirical Pilot Study. Int J Ment Health Addiction 8, 107–118 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-009-9226-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-009-9226-0

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