Mediating Effect of Perceived Personal Luck in the Relationship Between Narcissism and Problem Gambling in Strategic Gamblers: An Exploratory Study.

Gambling is becoming increasingly frequent among the French population, which has led to an increased number of individuals exhibiting problematic gambling patterns. Studies have found links between narcissism and cognitive distortions in relation to problem gambling, specifically among strategic gamblers, but none has tested perceived personal luck as one type of cognitive distortion in this regard. This study's purpose was to explore the relationship between narcissism, perceived personal luck and problem gambling among strategic gamblers, and to test for the mediating role of perceived personal luck in the relationship between narcissism and problem gambling. A total of 88 regular strategic gamblers were included (mean age = 37.8), with 49 non-problematic gamblers and 39 problematic gamblers. Participants completed the Problematic Gambling Severity Index, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, and the Personal Luck Usage Scale. Results showed a significant relationship between narcissism and problem gambling, but no significant link between perceived personal luck and problem gambling and no significant mediation effect of perceived personal luck. These results may indicate a strong perception of personal skills compared to a weak perception of personal luck among problem gamblers of strategic games. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing types of gambling and types of cognitive distortions when investigating problem gambling.