Spatial Clusters of Gambling Outlet: A Machine Learning Tree-Based Algorithm

Salvador Martínez-Cava, Fernando A. López () and MLuz Maté Sánchez-del-Val
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Salvador Martínez-Cava: Programa de Doctorado DEcIDE, Facultad de Ciencias de la Empresa, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, C/Real, 3, 30201 Cartagena, Spain
Fernando A. López: Facultad de Ciencias de la Empresa de CC de la Empresa, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, C/Real, 3, 30201 Cartagena, Spain
MLuz Maté Sánchez-del-Val: Facultad de Ciencias de la Empresa de CC de la Empresa, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, C/Real, 3, 30201 Cartagena, Spain

Stats, 2025, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-16

Abstract: The localization of gambling establishments is a relevant topic in gambling research. In this paper, we analyze the spatial distribution of two types of gambling establishments—private and public—over the last 10 years in the municipality of Madrid (Spain). Using a spatial scan statistic, we identify the temporal dynamics of spatial clusters with high densities. The results reveal different spatial patterns regarding the locations of these two types of gambling establishments. While public gambling establishments do not exhibit spatial clustering, private gambling establishments show a growth in spatial clustering with dynamic behavior, seeking locations with specific sociodemographic characteristics. A machine learning tree-based algorithm is used to confirm that decisions on where to put new gambling establishments are based on targeting customers with a gambling profile.

Keywords: gambling; spatial clusters; scan statistic; classification trees; Madrid (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C1 C10 C11 C14 C15 C16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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