Risk Propensity, Gambling Cognition and Gambling Behavior: The Role of Family and Peer Influences

Drawing on learning style theory (Curry, 1983), the present study examines the influence of risk propensity on gambling behavior by focusing on the mediating role of gambling cognition and the moderating role of both familial monitoring and peer gambling. Applying a survey of 207 local residents and tourists in Macau, we found that risk propensity positively related to gambling behavior through its influences on facilitating gambling cognition controlled by familial monitoring; and gambling cognition also positively linked to gambling behavior moderated by peer gambling. Moreover, the moderated path analysis suggests that familial monitoring weakened risk propensity’s direct influence on gambling cognition, and peer gambling strengthened the relationship between gambling cognition and gambling behavior. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.