Illusion of control and passion mediate the relationship between winning exposure and problem lottery gambling in a multigroup analysis.

Previous studies have highlighted the key role of winning exposure in problem lottery gambling. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying this relationship, particularly in mainland China. The current study investigated the structural relationships among winning exposure, illusion of control, harmonious passion, obsessive passion, and problem lottery gambling across three age groups. A total of 3602 Chinese lottery gamblers (3032 males, mean age = 39.72 years) were recruited to participate in this study and completed measures of demographic information, winning exposure, illusion of control, lottery gambling passion, and problem lottery gambling. There were significant correlations between winning exposure, illusion of control, harmonious passion, obsessive passion, and problem lottery gambling. Winning exposure positively predicted problem lottery gambling. Winning exposure related to problem lottery gambling via the illusion of control, via harmonious passion, via obsessive passion, serially via the illusion of control and harmonious passion, and via the illusion of control and obsessive passion. The mediation model varied within three age groups. Illusion of control and gambling passion mediate the relationship between winning exposure and problem lottery gambling. This mechanism of problem lottery gambling varies with ages. These findings expand the understanding of the theoretical mechanism underlying the relationship between winning exposure and problem lottery gambling.