Have you ever considered your personality type and how it might affect how you play online casino games? Research suggests that there is often a connection between a gambler’s personality traits and their playing habits, their behaviors while gambling, and the types of games they like to play. Uncovering these patterns within yourself could lead to better outcomes and a more rewarding recreational gambling experience. After all, knowledge is power — and self-knowledge is power over self.
Take a closer look at personality types and how this can impact the psychology of gambling and gambling habits.
How To Establish Your Personality Type
People often refer to zodiac signs for personality traits, while some believe it comes down to introverts vs. extroverts. There are various other tools and theories on which to investigate themselves. One such tool is the Enneagram test and its nine temperaments. Another uses the four humors of ancient Greek mythology. Many personality tests ask a series of questions about yourself, but there are no right or wrongs in your appraisal, and you can choose what you feel works best for you. The numbers, letters, or symbols in terms of which an assessment might describe are called your dominant traits.
These assessments are mainly based on psychological theories; if you took various tests, you would probably find the same dominant characteristics. One of the most popular tests is the evidence-based Myers-Briggs Personality Indicator, which separates four types of personalities. This tool is a decent way to figure out the personality traits of gamblers.
The Relationship Between Personality Type and Gambling
Essentially, the four Myers-Briggs personalities discuss the relationship between a person’s personality type and attitude toward playing casino games.
The Analysts
The analysts make decisions based on logic instead of emotions. Analysts prefer strategy games like blackjack and poker rather than luck-based games.
The Diplomats
The diplomats also exhibit intuition but are more inclined to make decisions based on their feelings rather than thoughts. They enjoy the occasional gamble because of the inherent thrill it has for them and are often drawn towards traditional casino games like baccarat and roulette.
The Sentinels
The sentinels are the least likely to enjoy gaming as they want to be organized, systemic, and responsible. Sentinel characteristics are sensing and judging. They process thoughts using their senses instead of what they feel. Their judging characteristic sees them acting on an organized plan instead of improvising.
The Explorers
The explorers are defined by their senses and what they perceive. As explorers are more impulsive and bolder than other personalities, they enjoy taking risks and are more drawn to chance-based online casino games like online slots.
Personality Traits of a Gambler
There are various types of gamblers. So, what type of casino gamer are you? Do you play casino games regularly or just dip into them occasionally for fun? Maybe you enjoy the social aspect of a night out at the local casino, meeting regulars and enjoying the fun of slots, or joining the more serious strategists playing poker or blackjack. Maybe you prefer the convenience of playing online slots or having a session of table games with a live dealer online. It’s worth asking yourself these questions. You might even improve your game once you’ve discovered your personal gaming traits. To get you started, here’s how the main gambling personality types break down.
Professional Gamblers
Professional and would-be professional gamblers know how to get along with other players both online and in brick-and-mortar casinos. They are also smart in managing their finances and capitalize on everything they’ve learned about casino games. Their decisions are calculated and accurate, while they prefer skilled games like poker and blackjack to jackpot slots. Professionals don’t like surprises and rely significantly on awareness, patience, perseverance, stability, methodology, and betting systems. They accept their losses like a quarterly loss of earnings, something to note and improve on.
Conservative Gamblers
Conservative gamers are amateurs who play mainly for fun. They don’t spend much money, but they play for the enjoyment and experience of gambling. They generally play games other people choose and may imitate winning moves. Conservative gamblers are usually found playing at low-stake tables or machines. When they win, they stop playing and take their winnings home. Despite their conservative habits, they will try most types of games, from the ever-popular slots to video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, or even baccarat, for the thrill of trying something new.
Escapists
Escapist gamblers see gambling as a means of getting relief when loneliness, boredom, or depression take over their lives. Escapists are pretty dedicated to their games and become relatively experienced. However, when their issues are resolved through professional treatment for their depression or their lifestyles change, they stop gambling and don’t return to it.
Social Gamblers
Casual social gamblers thrive on social interaction and are often found at racetracks, where they can socialize on a grand scale while making bets. They like to flirt with luck and may regularly play the lottery or indulge in sports betting. Occasionally, they may go to a brick-and-mortar casino for the fun of it and play roulette, craps, and baccarat. This type of gambler keeps gambling at the bottom of the list of priorities.
Then, there are serious social gamblers for whom gambling is their primary source of fun. Although they gamble a lot, they keep their habits in check. However, they don’t keep away from slots and table games. Serious social gamblers do not like to ruin their reputations by allowing gambling to take over their lives. Still, they are susceptible to turning into compulsive gamblers if they don’t curb themselves adequately.
Type A Gamblers
Type A personality gamblers are ambitious, aggressive, and highly competitive. They like to win at all costs and often play for high stakes at poker tables. They are experts in taking advantage of their opponents, come from all walks of life, and tend to have colorful personalities.
Type B Gamblers
On the other end of the spectrum, Type B personalities tend to be laid back and relaxed. They are great at taking constructive feedback and enjoying the game. However, they might get sidetracked by socializing and may be too relaxed about their losses.
Compulsive Gamblers
Compulsive gamers are those who struggle with gambling addiction. You don’t want to have the personality traits of compulsive gamblers. These are risk-takers who are impulsive and need a constant source of stimulation. They struggle with breaking gambling habits that aren’t good for them or their loved ones.
Keeping a Healthy Balance
As you can see from these descriptions, some personality types thrive on gambling, others are in it just for fun, and others still have a deeply unhealthy relationship with casino games. These are all things to keep in mind when choosing the right casino games for your personality. If you’re a professional gambler, the state of your finances will indicate whether or not you need help. If you’re an average conservative or social recreational player, you’ll know how to keep a healthy balance. It’s the escapists and compulsive gamblers, however, who should consider contacting a professional to address the personal issues at the root of their gambling problem.
Play It Straight With Casino Games at BetMGM
Whether you’re a professional gambler or a recreational player, you’ll find games to suit your tastes at BetMGM. Register to experience a broad range of online casino games, from engaging online slots to casino table games like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette in single-player and live dealer versions. If you’re a poker player, the poker site has you covered. Sports betting? You bet. Practically every code is on the mobile app, so get your game on at BetMGM.
