Personal Luck Usage Scale (PLUS): psychometric validation of a measure of gambling-related belief in luck as a personal possession

Michael J.A. Wohl, Melissa J. Stewart and Matthew M. Young

International Gambling Studies, 2011, vol. 11, issue 1, 7-21

Abstract: Luck is by definition a random event. However, many people believe luck to be something it is not -- an internal, personal quality. An obstacle for understanding personal luck and its sequelae among gamblers has been the lack of a psychometrically sound measure. The current paper reports the development of the Personal Luck Usage Scale (PLUS). In Studies 1 and 2 ( N s = 347 and 361, respectively), a one-dimensional, eight-item scale emerged and was subsequently confirmed among university-aged gamblers. Importantly, the PLUS was distinguishable from a general belief in luck (Study 2). In Study 3 ( N = 60), a behavioural consequence of belief in personal luck was assessed among a community sample of gamblers. Specifically, PLUS scores were positively associated with the average amount of money spent in a gambling session. The implications of a belief in gambling-related personal luck for the progression and maintenance of problem gambling are discussed.

Date: 2011
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DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2010.541270

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