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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Gambl Stud / An empirical study of the impact of complexity on participat...
Journal of gambling studies1997; 13(2); 159-172; doi: 10.1023/a:1024903418798

An empirical study of the impact of complexity on participation in horserace betting.

Abstract: The aim of the research reported in this paper was to explore empirically whether levels of participation in horserace betting are affected by the complexity of the betting task. The study employed a systematic random sample of 1161 betting decisions made in UK offcourse betting offices during 1987. The research was conducted in a naturalistic setting where it was possible to grade complexity and to measure levels of participation. Complexity was defined in terms of both the number of alternatives in the decision-maker's choice set (number of horses in a race) and the complexity of the attributes set for each horserace (handicap vs. non-handicap races). Results indicated that bettors are not inhibited by alternative-based complexity, but may be inhibited to some extent by attribute-defined complexity.
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Publication Date: 1997-07-01 PubMed ID: 12913393DOI: 10.1023/a:1024903418798Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates if complexity in horse race betting impacts the participation of bettors. Focusing on factors such as the number of alternatives (like horses in a race) and attribute-related complexity (like handicap vs. non-handicap races), the study suggests while people don’t get discouraged by alternative-based complexity, attribute-defined complexity might hinder their participation to some extents.

Objective of the Research

  • This study mainly investigates how the complexity of horserace betting affects the participation of bettors.
  • It was aimed to offer empirical insights into how the intricacies involved in betting tasks influence the decision-making process of bettors.

Methods Used

  • The study employed a systematic random sample composed of 1161 betting decisions.
  • The bets were collected from UK offcourse betting offices over the year 1987.
  • The research was conducted in a natural environment to observe and grade complexity and to measure levels of participation.

Complexity Definition

  • In the context of this research, complexity was identified by the number of alternatives available in the decision process and the complexity level of attribute sets for each horserace.
  • The number of alternatives referred to the number of horses in the race, providing the bettors with options.
  • The attribute set complexity was distinguished by handicap versus non-handicap races, which present bettors with different conditions and requirements.

Research Findings

  • The study findings indicated that alternative-based complexity, such as the number of options (horses to bet on) in a race, did not discourage bettors.
  • However, bettors might be somewhat discouraged by attribute-defined complexity, such as the choice between handicap and non-handicap races. These results suggest that the characteristics of the race itself may play a bigger role in reducing bettors’ participation than the number of options they have to select from.

Cite This Article

APA
Johnson JE, Bruce AC. (1997). An empirical study of the impact of complexity on participation in horserace betting. J Gambl Stud, 13(2), 159-172. https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1024903418798

Publication

Journal of gambling studies
ISSN: 1050-5350
NlmUniqueID: 9425991
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 2
Pages: 159-172

Researcher Affiliations

Johnson, J E
  • Centre for Risk Research, Social Sciences Faculty, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
Bruce, A C

    References

    This article includes 5 references
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    Citations

    This article has been cited 1 times.
    1. Armstrong T, Rockloff M, Greer N, Donaldson P. Rise of the Machines: A Critical Review on the Behavioural Effects of Automating Traditional Gambling Games. J Gambl Stud 2017 Sep;33(3):735-767.
      doi: 10.1007/s10899-016-9644-4pubmed: 27704237google scholar: lookup
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