Can cybernetics inspire gambling research? A limit-based conceptualization of self-control

This study used a negative feedback model to describe why pathological gamblers (PGs) spend more resources than non-pathological gamblers (NPGs) during a video lottery terminal (VLT) gambling session. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected via face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 43 PGs and 38 NPGs concerning their time and money management habits for gambling. Results show that the majority of PGs and NPGs use a monetary loss limit as a self-control strategy to avoid overspending. PGs, however, set a higher limit than NPGs. In addition, whereas NPGs typically stop gambling after having reached their limit, PGs typically keep spending their limited resources. To describe the self-regulation process during a gambling session, we propose an operationalization of self-control based on internal, external, implicit and explicit limits. The usefulness of a limit-based conceptualization of self-control for prevention and research is discussed.