Reinterpretation of the Meaning of Speculation in Gambling. An Approach From the Concept of Play and Gambling

Based on a close look at the meaning of speculation(i.e.,speculative characteristics of gambling), this study reinterpreted gambling as a spectrum from a play to an addictive activity. After a categorization of gamblers and a review of individual and social factors underlying gambling addiction, the meaning of speculation was interpreted both from a play and gambling perspective. From the entertainment culture or play perspective, gambling could be defined as a voluntary activity, pastime and relaxation, while it could be characterized as a game of luck and way of earning money from the gambling perspective. Finally, this study proposed a conceptual approach to play and gambling in gambling leisure activity and suggested the necessity of future research on the moderating factors which could hinder gambling addiction