Predicting Online Gambling Addiction with the Dark Triad Traits

Gambling poses new risks for individuals due to technological developments and easier and faster access to online games. The increase in participation in online gambling activities such as betting and games of chance further increases the prevalence of gambling and the risk of addiction. Identifying risk groups and factors is critical to prevent these harmful activities with adverse psychosocial and economic consequences. This study aimed to investigate the effect of gender and dark personality traits on online gambling addiction. Data were obtained from 376 Turkish university students (M = 20.40, SD = 1.96). The current study revealed the tendency of men towards online gambling addiction. 93% of participants were above the addiction score threshold. The findings showed a positive association between narcissism and psychopathy and online gambling addiction and no relationship between Machiavellianism and this addiction. Narcissism and psychopathy personality traits were determined to be risk factors for online gambling addiction. Since this study identified that men and students with the personality traits of narcissism and psychopathy are prone to online gambling, interventions with these groups may help prevent the negative consequences of online gambling before they occur.