Rationalizing gambling behaviours
This article of theoretical reflection seeks to rationalize the behaviours of Lotto 6/49 gamblers in Quebec. Having ascertained the limits of psychology cognitive behavioural theories of gambling, the author proposes a new framework for analysis inspired by the intersubjective perspective of Maurice Allais in which the beliefs of gamblers are studied as an integral part of the gambling experience. He advances two indicators for assessing the decision to gamble as being rational: 1) it should be consistent with the gambler’s real-life experience and 2) it should be part of a desire for gratification. His demonstration rests on a study of nine cases drawn from a body of 200 open interviews conducted in Québec over the winter of 2010. These cases demonstrate how three beliefs about gambling (systemism, the malevolent power of the jack-pot and participation of the deceased) can be experienced in very different ways. His interpretation reiterates the importance of taking a gambler’s experience into consideration in order to further advance knowledge.