Taiwanese gambling behaviors, perceptions, and attitudes

This study categorizes different Taiwanese gambling types using PGSI, and further evaluates the perceptions and attitudes toward the legalization of casino gambling. A survey was conducted using convenient sampling and distributed by Internet. Results indicate that across groups of different types of gamblers, there are significant differences in perceptions toward the legalized casino gambling industry. Also, across groups of different types of gamblers, there are significant differences in attitudes toward legalized casino gambling. Additionally, there are significant differences between perceptions toward the legalized casino gambling industry, and attitudes toward the legalization of casino gambling. In general, non-gamblers are relatively more conservative toward the development of the casino gaming industry due to non-gamblers' sensitivity toward the involvement of the economic and social costs involved in investing in this particular industry. Moreover, as the number of problematic gamblers increase, non-gamblers tend to feel negatively toward the gaming industry. Overall, with the exception of non-gamblers, all other groups are supportive of the gaming industry. In addition, the results of this study provide the Taiwan government with information about Taiwanese gambling behaviors and opinions toward newly legalized gambling. By understanding Taiwan residents' gambling behaviors, perceptions, and attitudes prior to the opening of the casinos, this study could benefit Taiwan society and maximize the benefits and minimize the costs associate with the development of the casino industry.