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CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

This chapter includes the background of the study, statement of the problem,

review of related literature and the significance of the study, in which each discusses the

information and introduction toward the behaviors of male Filipino adults engaged in

Lottery Gambling.

Background of the Study

"What we’re really buying is the fantasy that we might win, as opposed to really

believing we will."(Schaffel, 2018). With the winning prize starting at P6,000,000 of the

Philippines Lotto 6/42 game, Filipino lottery players buy P20 lottery ticket and choose

six numbers from 1 to 42. Still, the chances of winning the first prize jackpot in

Philippines Lotto are only one in 5,245,786 even though this game has the smallest

number format and is considered the easiest lotto game to win (“Philippine Lotto

Strategies”, 2018). Even if the chances of winning is so small, the reason why we keep

trying is that we all believe money buys happiness. A recent Swedish study found that

winning the lottery really does lead to a greater life satisfaction. This leads people who

can least afford to pay to get in the game. (Schaffel, 2018).

Lottery gambling has enjoyed appeal around the world for many years and is very

popular (Brenner & Brenner, 1990; Wolfson & Briggs, 2002). According to Lotterycodex

(2017), the lottery is relatively inexpensive. The promise of a huge jackpot prize made it
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the most popular form of gambling among the masses. Spend a little, get a lot -- the basis

for every good investment. The low cost of a lottery ticket is one of the most seductive

things about it (Smith, 2016).

Lotto has become a gaming phenomenon in the Philippines, having thousands of

lotto outlets in the Philippines. Lured by the hope of getting a winning ticket, the lotto

quickly became a part of life for millions of Filipinos as lotto branches opened in the

metro and in provincial areas. Lotto outlets can be spotted everywhere, and are quite

noticeable as ridiculously long lines form when big jackpot dates draw near (Guia, 2012).

Historically, according to Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (2017), lotteries

have been in existence in the Philippines as early as 1833. Under the auspices of private

enterprises called Empresa de Reales Loteria Espanolas de Filipinas, the Spanish

government conducted loterias to generate revenues. With the irruption of the Philippines

Revolution, the loteria was forced to stop operations. And it was not until the early 1930s

that the thought of holding lottery games was revived. As of now, lotteries are now a big

business, and there are now literally millions of players in the Philippines.

In the context of many Filipinos, a single lotto ticket can change their lives and

their fortunes and be millionaires.  It is this dream of an easier, more comfortable life that

has made the lotto a part of the Filipino life and culture. It is the dream of every Filipino

to win the million-peso jackpot week in and week out (Guia, 2012).

The mystery lies to the reasons on why people play the lottery. It is said that

players are happy to spend Php 20 for approximately 15 seconds of irrational hope, for
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the pleasure of thinking about what might happen if he would suddenly won millions of

peso (Lehrer, 2011).

According to Lehrer (2011), while most players know the slim chances of

winning – the odds are a joke – the latex coated ticket is a cheap permission to daydream,

to think about the possibility of a better life.

 Lottery like any other form of gambling is meant to be fun. The lottery is just

entertainment. However, for a minority, losses from the lottery may lead to a desperate

attempt to win back money rather than having fun. Everyone who holds misconceptions

about the random nature of the lottery is at risk of addiction (Lotterycodex, 2017).

Gambling addiction can lead to a number of negative effects. Anon (n.d.) states

that community gambling addiction dangers include: increased rates of unemployment,

bankruptcy, fraud and check forgery, forced home sales, increased alcohol and drug

abuse and poor mental and physical health of individual and families. Although

government revenue received directly from gambling provision or indirectly from

taxation of businesses providing gambling. Taxes come in the form of licensing fees,

property tax, corporate income tax, and goods and services taxes. It is also important to

consider whether taxes may have risen if government had not received additional revenue

from gambling (Williams, Rehm and Stevens, 2011). Revenues from lottery gambling

provides the community welfare and the government additional funds.

This research study will showcase the contemporary behaviors of male Filipino

adults toward lottery gambling in Naga City. It will show the reasons why these lottery
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gamblers engage in lottery gambling and what are the effects of gambling excessively

toward the male Filipino adults and their lives.

Statement of the Problem

This study explored the contemporary behaviors of male Filipino adults toward

lottery gambling in Naga City. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the behavioral patterns that can be observed toward male Filipino adults that

are engaged in lottery gambling?

2. What are the reasons toward the gambling behavior of the male Filipino adults of Naga

City?

3. What are the effects of the behaviors toward the lottery players?

Review of Related Literature

This section of the study provides related literatures about the behaviors of lottery

gamblers. There are various reports and studies on gambling both locally and

internationally. In this section are the related literature and studies that will aid in the

research study toward the contemporary behaviors of male Filipino adults toward lottery

gambling in Naga City.

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Gambling

Gambling is defined by M.D Griffiths, a scholar and historian of gambling in

Western Culture, as “an exchange of wealth determined by a future event, the outcome of

which is unknown at the time of the wager” (Dickerson and O’Conner, 2006). Another is

that, “Gambling is taking part in any game or activity in which you risk money or a

valuable object in order to win money” (Anon., 2018). Thus, these definitions focuses

solely on how gambling takes place.

A more complete definition is given by Fiedor (2016, p. 5), who defined gambling

as a very specific kind of socio-economic activity, as it brings not only entertainment, but

in extreme cases, also personality and behavioral disorders in the form of problem and

pathological gambling.

This case study takes account on the accessibility of gambling in a Czech City,

Olomouc. In which, different gambling activities are being stated such as the presence of

Electronic Generated Machines used in gambling, casinos, betting shops, and gambling

halls. It is estimated that gambling halls are preferably accessible in the city.

In the Philippine Context, there are numerous gambling activities that takes place.

According to SWS (1999), during the nationwide survey, top ten gambling activities in

the Philippines were measured. It involves 30 percent for buying a lotto ticket, 20 percent

for betting in jueteng, 16 percent for buying jai-alai ticket, 12 percent for playing card

games for money, 9.2 percent for playing bingo for money, 8.1 percent for betting in

masiao, 7.1 percent in betting in a cockfight, 4.8 percent for playing mahjong, and 1.0

percent in a casino. Wherein among the 66 percent of Filipino survey participation,

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gambling tends to be higher to men than women, and it peaks in the age group, 25-49

years old and older.

It is estimated that over 62 percent of male Filipino adults are engaged in some

form of gambling. In gender preferences, the top preference of male Filipino adults is

lottery gambling (Stradbrooke, 2010).

Moral Attitudes toward gambling that affect gambling behavior

The theoretical framework that chosen to define lottery gambling is based on the

contemporary and moral attitudes that affect gambling behavior. According to Hanss et

al. (2014), public perceptions of gambling are equivocal. On one end, people are aware

that gambling presents risks to those who are predisposed to gambling excessively.

However, it is still being considered that gambling results to positive outcomes for the

community such as provide a source of revenue for humanitarian causes and be a source

of entertainment for individuals.

Nevertheless, there is an adequate evidence that shows how people tend to act

toward the idea of gambling shows how much they gamble and how often do they

experience gambling-related problems. These findings provide support for theories of

behavior and decision-making that assign attitudes an important role in determining

people’s intentions to act and, indirectly, their actual behavior; an example is the theory

of planned behavior (Hanss et al., 2014). Proof that one attitude can be the basis for the

attitude of others. This study focuses on how do the attitude and beliefs of other people

affect the behavior of gamblers themselves. In the data reported by Hanss et al. (2014),

the study gathered a large subset of three thousand teenage respondents and provided
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them test which involves a 14-item Attitudes Toward Gambling Scale (ATGS) by Orford

et al. (2009). To study their perception and moral attitudes toward gambling that may

affect the behaviors of gamblers. The principal conclusion of the study is that, gambling

attitudes showed a strong positive association with approval of gambling by family

members and peers. Family and peer approval of gambling may have commonalities with

gambling-related knowledge that could explain why knowledge turned out to be non-

significant in the regression analysis. In an instance, it seems likely that adolescents

acquire their knowledge about gambling through interactions with family members or

peers. Perhaps those who strongly approve or decline of gambling are more likely to

share their opinion with others, and adolescents’ knowledge about gambling may be

biased toward the knowledge and beliefs of opinion leaders (Hanss et al., 2014). Wherein

the perceived analysis of potential or current gamblers is affected by the opinions and

attitude of other people toward gambling.

According to Moore, Susan & Ohtsuka, Keis. (1999), intentions to gamble was

significantly predicted by attitudes and subjective norms. The more positive the attitudes

toward gambling, and the more positively the norms of significant others to gambling

were perceived, the greater the intention to gamble. Wherein, male with strong intentions

to gamble and positive subjective norms were more likely to take engage in this activity.

Psychology of Lottery Gambling

Psychology, as a science and profession, has much to contribute to understanding

gambling from the perspectives of theory, research and practice. Recognizing the critical

role of psychology in addressing this important public issue, the APS developed a
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Position Paper on The Psychological Aspects of Gambling Behavior in 1997. As years

gradually pass by, the scientific understanding of gambling behavior has grown, and

problem gambling has become acknowledged as both a public health and mental health

issue (Rickwood, Blaszczynski, Delfabbro, Dowling, and Heading, 2010).

Further, compulsive consumers share psychological characteristics with addicts

including abnormal thrill, variety, or sensation-seeking, impulsivity, and a need to relieve

the stress of low esteem via escape or fantasy (Burns, Gillett, Rubinstein and Gentry,

1990). In this exploratory study, 235 usable questionnaires from random respondents

were utilized. The results and discussions involve how lottery players apparently view

their playing as socially acceptable risk-taking which provides then with a means of

fantasizing sudden wealth and escape from their current status. Players are stimulated by

situational factors, and most are likely to increase their purchases when the jackpot grows

in size. There are heavy players who buy more tickets regularly even when the jackpot is

at its lowest level. These lottery gamblers acquired less education than the light players,

and that they fantasize about winning to a greater extent.

According to Dr. Kevin Bennet (2016), brains of the players evolved under

conditions where they never had to make any probability calculations like those involved

with things like Powerball tickets, and so the odds in these games fall outside the range of

everyday life experiences. Also, availability bias shapes the player’s perception of how

likely it is they would win. Gamblers would also have a mistaken belief and fallacy of

gamblers. Wherein, the mind of the player is making a misapprehension of the losses and

misses. The player would think that a series of missed or losses is a sign that the next bet

that the gambler would place is a win; a psychological experience of a “near miss”.
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Some people have been playing lotto games for decades. The investment in

lottery tickets over the years has piled up – and this helps to justify continued investment

to recoup losses, this is called Social Traps by Dr. Bennet.

Effects of Lottery Gambling

Lotteries indeed provide state governments with a relatively easy way to enhance

their revenues without imposing more taxes (Anon., 2018). It is still being considered that

gambling results to positive outcomes for the community such as provide a source of

revenue for humanitarian causes and be a source of entertainment for individuals (Hanss

et al., 2014).

As the stakes of the lottery prize increase as time passes by, a lot of people engage

in buying and placing a bet for lottery tickets, anticipating to win the prize. The

anticipation of being the lottery winner makes the gamblers place more bet profusely

until it becomes a serious habit.

According to Evans (2018), “It is now thought that 430,000 adults are suffering as

a result of a gambling addiction. The consequences of problem gambling can be severe,

including the loss of relationships, health issues due to stress and of course, serious

financial difficulties.” For instance, a 48-year old fish vendor from Iloilo, who admittedly

does not have enough money to send his children to college, spends P50 a day for lotto

tickets. Even though the amount is small, when computed, he spends about P18, 000 just

for lotto tickets every year which is considerably a large amount (Naorbe, 2014).

In the study conducted by Grüsser, Plöntzke, Albrecht, and Mörsen, the positive

effect of lottery gambling includes the negligence of something unpleasant, the players
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learn to reward themselves by gambling the lottery. In the standardized questionnaire

handed out to 171 active lottery gambling subjects, the negative and positive effects of

lottery gambling reflect the expected function of lottery gambling. Lottery gambling

becomes a misappropriated function for an inadequate stress-coping mechanism. It is also

that the desire to win is the most important purchase motivation of lottery gamblers

Grüsser, Plöntzke, Albrecht, and Mörsen, 2007).

SYNTHESIS

Lottery evolves through eras but the system of gambling is still on going. Both the

player and the one selling the tickets for instance are benefitted in ways. The lottery itself

is giving people a chance to win but the chance is one in a million. The Filipino culture

showcases Filipinos as people who like to play games that ensures a reward. This

behavior has been much influenced by their ancestors and subjugators. As lottery came in

the Philippines in 1833, when the Spanish Government conducted these lotteries as

means to generate revenues (Primer, 2018). On the other hand, the one who sells tickets

for legal gambling also enjoys the pleasure of gaining profit from it.

Lottery gambling is still alive and prosperous nowadays. The players are

motivated because of the prize or prizes offered for every player with the mindset of

joining because there is nothing to lose if they try to join. Gambling, as defined by M.D

Griffiths, is a trade of possessions determined by a succeeding event in which the effect is

unknown during the wager. Further definition of gambling was given by Fiedor (2016, p.

5) who stated, since gambling does not only bring entertainment but also disorders
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relating to personality and behavior in the form of pathological and problem gambling,

gambling is a particular kind of socio-economic activity.

There are a countless gambling activities that take place in the Philippines. Top

ten gambling activities were found throughout the nationwide survey according to SWS

(1999). The survey found 30 percent of gambling activities is for buying lotto ticket,

betting in jueteng gained 20 percent, buying jai-alai ticket gained 16 percent, playing

card games for money gained 12 percent, playing bingo for money gained 9.2 percent,

betting in masiao gained 8.1 percent, betting in a cockfight gained 7.1 percent, playing

mahjong gained 4.8 percent and casino gained 1 percent. Among the 66 percent of the

Filipino survey participants, gambling is found to be more inclined to men than women

and peaks in ages 25-49 years old.

It is estimated that over 62 percent of male Filipino adults are engaged in some

form of gambling. In gender preferences, the top preference of male Filipino adults is

lottery gambling (Stradbrooke, 2010). According to research, when the prize/s involves

cash, luxury items or things that can be used, people will indulge on playing the game.

Psychologically, Filipinos who play the game gets something even if they are not

winning, these are the satisfactory feeling of hoping to win, experiencing an escape from

the reality of being hopeless. According to Hanss et al (2014), there is a sufficient proof

that the way people are inclined to the idea of gambling manifests just how much they

place bets and how frequently they encounter problems related to gambling. These results

give support for the conjectures relating to behavior and decision-making that allocates

significant role in discovering the purpose of a person to act and the person’s behavior.

As it has been stated by Burns, Gillet, Rubinstein, & Gentry (1990), compulsive
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consumers have psychological characteristics namely abnormal thrill, variety, or

sentsation-seeking, impulsivity, and a need to relieve the stress of low esteem which is

quite similar with addicts.

Lottery Gambling does not also affect the gambler itself, but also the

environment, family ties, financial security and health of the gambler. As stated by Evans

(2018), as a consequence of gambling addiction, 430,000 adults are now suffering.

Problem gambling can result to serious effects which includes loss of relationships,

health issues that resulted from stress and financial difficulties. A fish vendor from Iloilo,

who is suffering from financial difficulties due to problem gambling, is an example of

this. Although the fish vendor does not have enough money to send his children to

college, he still spends P50 every day for lotto tickets. Even if the amount is small, when

calculated, about P18, 000 is the amount of money he spends for lotto tickets every year

which is already considered as a large amount. In contrast with this, Grüsser, Plöntzke,

Albrecht, and Mörsen concluded the positive effect of lottery gambling is the negligence

of the players of something displeasing, they learn to reward themselves by placing bets

in the lottery.

At the end of the day, these gamblers would have a score of chance on winning

the lottery game. Considering the fact that a lot of people want to win a great amount of

prize just by placing a bet in lottery tickets. Although it is a gamble that involves money

and luck, either way, what they give that lessens their own money, will therefore gain

them in the side of chances. The process is a system of losses and gains, just like in

business.
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Significance of the Study

This study focused on the behaviors of male Filipino adults engaged in lottery

gambling in Naga City. The findings in this study may be beneficial to the following:

Participants and other lottery gamblers. The findings in this study may serve as a tool to

get to know themselves better by identifying factors such as why they engaged in lottery

gambling. Hence, the study would help them identify the source of their addiction that

would become a key in improving their own lifestyle. They would also be able to

recognize the possible effects of lottery if they resort to lottery addiction.

Family members of the lottery gamblers. The study may be beneficial for the family

members as they will be able to understand the reasons why they resort to lottery

gambling. Thus, they will be able to have the capacity to help their family member in

improving his lifestyle.

Society. The results of this study will contribute to the society considering that a lot of

people engage in lottery gambling despite the slim chances of winning. The great number

of people that engage in lottery gambling justifies the needs of enhancing their awareness

in terms of lottery gambling.

Future Researchers. The study intends to help them in conducting further studies in the

field of lottery gambling. Researchers may use this study to further improve knowledge

in terms of lottery gambling in Naga City and in the Philippines

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CHAPTER II

METHODOLOGY

In this chapter the methodology that the researchers implemented will be

presented. This chapter will introduce the research design, definition of terminologies,

ethical consideration, data collection source and procedure, and also the data analysis for

further understanding and interpretation of the data and information gathered.

Research Design

This study follows qualitative case study means of identifying inputs for the

respondents. In which, the researchers explored the complex phenomenon through

identifying the different factors to determine the contemporary behaviors of the Male

Adult Filipinos engaged in lottery gambling, their perceived reasons and the impacts of

lottery gambling toward their environment and lives. The researchers conducted data

collection process, wherein the data gathered served as one of the bases of the research

discussion.

Definition of Terms

In this study, terms are being used and elaborated. The definition of some terms

are explained below:

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Contemporary Behaviors (n.d) Contemporary Behaviors is defined as a mean behavior

happening or existing at the same time. Whereas in the study, it pertains to the recent and

current behavioral patterns of Filipino fathers toward Lottery Gambling.

Frequent Gambler (2008) Frequent Gambler is someone who indicates gambling

“1/week,” “2-3 times/week,” or “4-7 times/week” on any of the gambling activities listed

in the Gambling Behavior Scale. Wherein in this study, it is referred to male Filipino

adults that spend a day or more in a week to gamble in lottery.

Gambling (n.d) Gambling is to play a game for money or property. In this study, it is the

wagering of money in lottery bets; often becomes the root of other forms of legal bets and

games.

Lottery (n.d) Lottery is the act of drawing of lots in which prizes are distributed to the

winners among person buying a chance. In this study, it is referred as the form of

gambling often played by male Filipino adults in Naga City.

Ethical Consideration

In this study, the researchers are about to focus on the contemporary behaviors of

adult male Nagueños toward lottery gambling to study their sentiments that the

researchers can use in this research case. This study will focus with male Nagueños, ages

25-54 years old, which is the average median age range of male Filipino adults, according

to Index Mundi (2017), of which each is engaged in lottery gambling. In this research
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study, accountability and transparency is considered, whereby the researchers will be

conducting an experiment in a fair manner. The essentiality will also be considered,

whereby the study is containing the use of the participants that are considered to be

absolutely necessary for the existing knowledge in the research.

Data Collection

Data Collection Source

The researchers used the Purposive sampling, wherein the researchers chose the

respondents based on the characteristics of the population in relation to the objective of

the study. This study will involve three participants of Male Adult Filipinos residing in

Naga City, who have been frequent gamblers for more than a year. The factors that were

considered on how to identify lottery gamblers from nonplayers are stated by Burns,

Gillett, Rubinstein and Gentry (1990). This includes mainly those male, older people who

are heavy players and are most likely to increase their purchases when the jackpot grows

in size and would continuously place bets regularly even when the jackpot prize is at its

lowest.

Data Collection Procedure

The researchers used various processes and procedures in order to acquire the

proper and accurate information for the research study. First is Note Taking, the

researchers wrote down background information on the informants such as name and age

as well as the important points that the informants make during the interview. The
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researchers used Mobile Phone Recording, such that the availability of the voice

recording application on most mobile phone such as the one that is utilized by the

researchers enabled the oral recording of the narration of the informants. Thus, will

ensure and record verbatim transcripts that is efficient for the research study. Also,

recorded interviews is transliterated. The cellphone after the interview was carefully

transcribed into written transcript by the researchers. Ethical Considerations were used,

as it is understood that some of the informants would like to be interviewed only on the

condition of the anonymity. In consideration with the condition of this confidentiality,

those who are requested anonymity shall be referred to in this paper using general codes

or fictional names, including their age. Lastly, the length of the Interviews was

considered during the Data Collection Procedure. The number of minutes that were

consumed during the interview, ranged from five minutes to thirty minutes depending on

the length of narrative given and time availability of the respondent. The researchers

utilized these processes to gain accurate results as possible.

Data Analysis

This study made use of content analysis specifically thematic content analysis

which is one of the most common forms of analysis in qualitative research. Thematic

analysis describes an iterative process as to how to go from a messy data to a map of the

most important themes in the data (Mortensen, 2019). First, the researchers familiarized

the transcribed data to pay attention to the patterns that occur. Second, the researchers

assigned preliminary codes the data to describe the content furthermore --- where and

how patterns occur. The researchers collapsed the data in labels in order to create

categories for more efficient analysis. Third, the researchers combined codes into
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overarching themes across the different interviews that accurately represent the data.

Fourth, the researchers reviewed at how the themes support the data and the theoretical

perspective. Fifth, the researchers defined and named what each theme is. Lastly, the

researchers wrote and produced the report, and must be able to decide which themes

make significant contributions to understanding the data collected.

CHAPTER III

RESULTS

This chapter presents the findings regarding the behavioral patterns of male

Filipino adults engaged in Lottery Gambling and the reasons why they still play the lotto

despite of the slim chances of winning. The gathered data through the interview are

discussed in this chapter. The data are presented in this narrative and tabular form per

case in order to have wider view of the themes that surfaced during the interview.

Case A:

Winston

Table 1. The Behavioral Patterns of Winston that can be observed toward his

engagement in Lottery Gambling.

Theme Code Sample Statement

Habitual Playing Lottery playing is done as a “Minsan ‘pag may pera,

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habit and playing depends araw-araw ganon, pero

on the amount of money daan-daan lang, mga dala-

one possesses. dalawa, 20 pesos ganon,

pero ngayon tumaas na, 24

pesos na.”

(Sometimes if I have

money, every day, if I just

pass by, just two, for

example a bet for 20 pesos,

but today each bet is

amounting for 24 pesos.)

Fallacy of Gamblers Lottery playing gives slim “Mas madami ang

chances of winning to pagkatalo kasi araw-araw,

players. pero kapag nanalo ka,

malaking pera.”

(I experience more loses

because I play every day,

but if you win, more

cashback.)
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Table 1. shows the behavioral patterns that can be perceived toward his engagement in

Lottery Gambling. Wherein it involves Habitual Playing and Fallacy of Gamblers.

Table 2. The reasons of Winston toward his gambling behaviors.

Theme Code Statement

Entertainment and Lottery Playing provides “Pag tumataya ng lotto,

Recreational Purposes entertainment and serves as medyo nalilibang, para

a pastime. makalipas yung oras,

ganon.”

(Whenever I place a bet in

lotto, I’m entertained, just

to let the time pass, just

like that.)

“Tumataya ako para ‘di

makatulog sa tanghali at

malibang.”

(I place a bet so that I

won’t be able to sleep in

the afternoon, and to be

entertained.)

Hope to win Lottery players assume and “Tumataya pa rin ako kasi
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hopes for victory, despite tsamba-tsamba lang, baka

the slim chances of manalo ulit, ganyan.”

winning. (I still play, even though

it’s just a fluke, I might

win again, just like that.)

Table 2. shows the reasons as to why Winston engaged in lottery gambling. It includes

Entertainment and Recreational Purposes and Hope to Win.

Table 3. The impacts of the gambling behaviors that Winston upholds.

Theme Code Statement

Acceptance Lottery playing is “Wala naman, uhm

somehow accepted by the pagkakaintindihan sa

family members of the pamilya, okay naman sa

lottery gambler. kanila.”

(There’s nothing, uhm

regarding my relationship

with my family, they’re

okay with it.)

Extensive Needs of Money Lottery playing involves “Minsan ‘pag may pera,

for Bets squandering an amount of araw-araw ganon, pero

money for an uncertain daan-daan lang, mga dala-

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victory. dalawa, 20 pesos ganon,

pero ngayon tumaas na, 24

pesos na.”

(Sometimes if I have

money, I will play every

day, but only if I pass by,

sometimes two for 20

pesos, but the rate got

higher, it’s already 24

pesos.)

Satisfaction Lottery playing gives “Ang maganda na, minsan

satisfaction to the players nananalo, nakapanalo na

by winning a large amount rin ako nung 2017

of money at a certain time. nakapanalo ako ng 45k.”

(The beauty is, I sometimes

win, I earned 45k in 2017

because I won.)

Unassertive Victory Failure is inevitable in “Wala na pagtapos nun ‘di

lottery gambling, therefore naman na ako nagtataya ng

one must not consume too araw-araw, minsan 8k lang

much money on an ganyan (ang napapanalo),

unassertive victory. ganito lang, pito lang,

nakaka 2k.”
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(After that, nothing more, I

don’t place a bet every day,

sometimes I win atleast 8k,

that’s for seven times,

sometimes 2k.)

“Madalas din ang talo pero

kuwan lang, halimbawa

may pera na 90 pesos

hanggang dun lang hindi

na lalagpas (ang itatayang

pera)”

(I often lose but, for

example you have 90

pesos, I stop there, I do not

spend more than that

amount.)

“Pag nanalo, wala na.”

(If I win, that’s it.)

Table 3. shows the impacts of the behavioral patterns and lottery gambling itself, toward

Winston. The themes that surfaced are the Acceptance, Extensive Need of Money for

Bets, Satisfaction and Unassertive Victory.

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Narration

Winston is a 53 years old who engaged in lottery playing and resides at the

rear side of Ateneo de Naga University Campus. He started playing lotto when he is 50

years old. During year 2018, he suffered from stroke that is why every lunch he goes to

Puregold Centro to play lotto. This serves as his entertainment and past time activity for

him not to fell asleep during lunch. There is no certain time and day for him in playing

lotto. Every time he has money, he goes to lottery and buys ticket in amount of Php

20.00 and place his bet on it. Lotto is a matter of luck where he cannot remember of how

many times he loses in playing. But he already won an amount of Php 45,000 last 2017.

Despite of slim chances of winning he still chose to play again and again hoping that he

could win again.

Behavioral Patterns

Habitual Playing

One of the themes that surfaced during the interview with Winston regarding the

behavioral patterns is habitual playing. He made lottery gambling a habit in every week,

“Minsan ‘pag may pera, araw-araw ganon, pero daan-daan lang, mga dala-dalawa, 20

pesos ganon, pero ngayon tumaas na, 24 pesos na.” (Sometimes if I have money, I play

every day, but if I just happen to pass by, just two, for example a bet for 20 pesos, but

today each bet is amounting for 24 pesos.) Even though he does not play the lotto every
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day, he makes it as a habit if ever he has a money to use in placing a bet on a lottery

ticket.

Fallacy of Gamblers

Another theme that surfaced under the behavioral pattern of Winston is Fallacy of

Gamblers. “Mas madami ang pagkatalo kasi araw-araw, pero kapag nanalo ka,

malaking pera.” (I experience more loses because I play every day, but if you win, more

cashback.) He believes that they would always be a loss when playing a lotto, but if you

try to win, in exchange, you will gain a lot of money.

Reasons

Entertainment and Recreational Purposes

If the participant were to ask what their reasons behind these gambling behaviors

are, Entertainment and Recreational Purposes is one of the themes that emerged. He feels

like lottery gambling helps him to be entertained and too let time pass especially when he

has nothing to do. “Pag tumataya ng lotto, medyo nalilibang, para makalipas yung oras,

ganon.” (Whenever I place a bet in lotto, I’m entertained, just to let the time pass, just

like that.) “Tumataya ako para ‘di makatulog sa tanghali at malibang.” (I place a bet so

that I won’t be able to sleep in the afternoon, and to be entertained.) It is one of the

positive reasons on why does he chose to play lottery gambling.

Hope to Win
 26

Hope to Win is one of the themes that appeared during the interview with

Winston in line with his reasons toward his gambling behaviors. Despite of the slim

chances of winning, he still plays his luck in for his desire and aspiration to win.

“Tumataya pa rin ako kasi tsamba-tsamba lang, baka manalo ulit, ganyan.” (I still play,

even though it’s just a fluke, I might win again, just like that.) Regardless of his number

of losses or his hunches, he still hopes to win.

Impacts

Extensive Needs of Money for Bets

One of the impacts of the gambling behaviors of Winston is Extensive Need of

Money for Bets. Lottery gambling involves a squandering of money for uncertain bets

and unassertive victory. Therefore, Winston as a habitual lottery player, needs money for

him to place bets. “Minsan ‘pag may pera, araw-araw ganon, pero daan-daan lang, mga

dala-dalawa, 20 pesos ganon, pero ngayon tumaas na, 24 pesos na.” (Sometimes if I

have money, I will play every day, but only if I pass by, sometimes two for 20 pesos, but

the rate got higher, it’s already 24 pesos.)

Satisfaction

Lottery Playing gives the players satisfaction, most especially when they win

greater amounts that their bets. Winston stated this as one of the impacts that he receives

whenever he plays the lotto. “Ang maganda na, minsan nananalo, nakapanalo na rin ako

nung 2017 nakapanalo ako ng 45k.” (The beauty is, I sometimes win, I earned 45k in
 27

2017 because I won.) Even though, lottery playing upholds a great risk, it still gives

satisfaction to the players whenever they win, just like Winston for example.

Unassertive Victory

Another impact that surfaced during the conversation with Winston is Unassertive

Victory. Although it is given when gambling is involved, unassertive victory is still an

impact toward

the lottery players. “Wala na pagtapos nun ‘di naman na ako nagtataya ng araw-araw,

minsan 8k lang ganyan (ang napapanalo), ganito lang, pito lang, nakaka 2k.” (After that,

nothing more, I don’t place a bet every day, sometimes I win atleast 8k, that’s for seven

times, sometimes 2k.) “Madalas din ang talo pero kuwan lang, halimbawa may pera na

90 pesos hanggang dun lang hindi na lalagpas (ang itatayang pera)”

(I often lose but, for example you have 90 pesos, I stop there, I do not spend more than

that amount.), “Pag nanalo, wala na.” (If I win, that’s it.) Lottery players anticipate the

loss that they will be encountering as they engage in lottery gambling, but even though

unassertive victory is one of the impacts of lottery gambling, they still choose to play it.

Case B:

Dikdik

Table 1. The Behavioral Patterns of Dikdik that can be observed toward his engagement

in Lottery Gambling.
 28

Theme Code Sample Statement

Habitual Playing Lottery players place bets “Ahh minsan thrice,

weekly minsan twice sa sarong

semana.”

(Ahh, sometimes I’d place

bets thrice or twice in one

week)

Impulsive Money Lottery players place bets “Pag may pantaya, oo pag

Consumption whenever they have may pantaya.”

money. (Whenever I have the

Playing lotto also depends money to place bets, yes

if the player has a money whenever I have the money

to buy a ticket. to place bets)

Fallacy of Gamblers Lottery playing is a pursuit “Pero okay lang,

for risk; a venture. But makikipagsapalaran lang.”

players still engage with it, (But it’s okay, I will

for the belief that they will gamble.)

win after the losses.

Table 1. shows the behavioral patterns that is evident in Dikdik. It includes Habitual

Playing, Impulsive Money Consumption and Fallacy of Gamblers.

 29

Table 2. The reasons of Dikdik toward his gambling behaviors.

Theme Code Sample Statement

Entertainment Lottery players are “Nag-eenjoy lang ako.”

entertained when playing (I just enjoy playing lotto)

lotto. “Parang ano lang yan, yang

Lotto serves as an lotto, libangan.”

entertainment. (That’s just like, lotto, an

entartainment)

Hope to win Lottery players play lottery “Nagbabakasakali na uh,

for the possibility of manggana.”

winning (I’m hoping to, uh, win)

Lottery players hope to “Malay mo, malay ko,

win. malay natin, manalo diba?”

(Who knows, maybe I’ll

win right?)

Take Chances Lottery players are willing “Nakiki-

to take chances in order to nakikipagsapalaran para

win. manggana.”

(I take the chance to win)

Help Society The beauty of playing lotto “Pero sagayon man,

is that it helps the society. sagayon man,

Lotto players play lotto to nakakatabang man kaya

help society. saka ta nakakatabang

 30

man.”

(But the beauty of it is that

it is also helpful.)

Table 2. shows the reasons as to why Dikdik engaged in lottery gambling. It includes

Entertainment, Hope to Win, Take Chances and Help Society.

Table 3. The impacts of the gambling behaviors that Dikdik upholds.

Theme Code Sample Statement

Acceptance Lottery playing is “Wala pa naman ‘di, uh,

somehow accepted by the pagkakaintindihan sa

family members of the pamilya.”

lottery gambler. (There’s no, uh, no

misunderstanding in the

family.)

Extensive Need of Money One negative effect of “Masama eh magastos

for Bets Lottery Gambling is that it hehe.”

is costly. (The bad effect is that it is

costly hehe)

Frequent Losses Losing happens frequently “Walang madalas puro talo

when playing lotto. kapag nagtataya.”

(Not often, I lose all the

time)
 31

Excitement Lottery players feel “Na e-excite. Oo excite,

excitement when playing excite lang.”

lotto. (I feel excited. Yes, I just

feel excited )

Table 3. shows the impacts of the gambling behaviors that can be observed in Dikdik. It

includes themes such as Acceptance, Extensive Need of Money for Bets, Frequent Losses

and Excitement.

Narration

Dikdik is a 45 year old male adult residing in Naga City. He engaged in playing

lotto ever since lottery started in Naga City and that’s about 15 to more than 20 years ago.

He was about 25 years old at that time. Every week, he at least place lottery bets twice or

thrice. Dikdik showed behavioral patterns in his behaviors toward lottery gambling.

Dikdik also stated many reasons why he keep on placing lottery bets and impacts of his

gambling behaviors.

Behavioral Patterns

Habitual Playing

One of the themes that arose during the interview with Dikdik, regarding his

behavioral pattern toward lottery gambling is Habitual Playing. “Ahh minsan thrice,

minsan twice sa sarong semana.” (Ahh, sometimes I’d place bets thrice or twice in one
 32

week. Even though lottery playing is not done every day for the week, it is still done as a

constant habit.

Impulsive Money Consumption

Lottery players place bets whenever they have money, as for the reason that you

need money to play the lotto. Impulsive Money Consumption is one of the perceived

behavioral patterns that can describe Dikdik as a lottery player. “Pag may pantaya, oo

pag may pantaya.” (Whenever I have the money to place bets, yes whenever I have the

money to place bets). He explained that whenever he has the money to place a bet on a

lottery ticket, he will.

Reasons

Entertainment

Entertainment is one of the themes that emerged when Dikdik was asked on why

he plays the lotto. “Nag-eenjoy lang ako.” (I just enjoy playing lotto), “Parang ano lang

yan, yang lotto, libangan.” (That’s just like, lotto, an entartainment), he stated. Lottery

Playing, for Dikdik, is a form of entertainment and relaxation.

Hope to Win

Hope to Win is another reason why Dikdik plays the lotto. “Nagbabakasakali na

uh, manggana.” (I’m hoping to, uh, win), “Malay mo, malay ko, malay natin, manalo

diba?” (Who knows, maybe I’ll win right?). His drive to win serves as his motivation to

continue playing the lotto.

 33

Take Chances

Another reason on why Dikdik engage in Lottery Gambling is to Take Chances,

“Nakiki-nakikipagsapalaran para manggana.”(I take the chance to win), he stated. He

tries his luck and takes his chances to win.

Help Society

To help the society is another reason for the gambling behavior of Dikdik. “Pero

sagayon man, sagayon man, nakakatabang man kaya saka ta nakakatabang man.” (But

the beauty of it, is that it is also helpful.) He clarifies that the beauty of placing bets in

lottery tickets lies on the fact that it also helps the community.

Impacts

Acceptance

Acceptance is considered one of the positive effect Lottery Gambling that

impacted on Dikdik. “Wala pa naman ‘di, uh, pagkakaintindihan sa pamilya.” (There’s

no, uh, no misunderstanding in the family.) No matter what the reasons and behavioral

patterns Dikdik upholds toward his engagement in Lottery Gambling, his family still

supports him. Thus, he does not have any misunderstandings with his family members,

therefore they support his gambling activities.

Costly
 34

For Dikdik, the adverse impact of Lottery Gambling is that it is costly. “Masama

eh magastos hehe.” (The bad effect is that it is costly hehe.) Dikdik admitted that Lottery

Gambling requires a sum of money to squander.

Frequent Losses

Frequent Losses is another impact of Lottery Gambling toward Dikdik. “Walang

madalas puro talo kapag nagtataya.” (Not often, I lose all the time.) He confessed that

he does not win, the bets he place always loses.

Excitement

Excitement is one of the reasons why Dikdik engaged in lottery gambling. “Na e-

excite. Oo excite, excite lang.” (I feel excited. Yes, I just feel excited.) He feels

excitement whenever he plays the lotto.

Case C:

Dennis

Table 1. The Behavioral Patterns of Dennis that can be observed toward his engagement

in Lottery Gambling.

Theme Code Sample Statement

Habitual Playing Lottery playing is not “Hmm…dae man

commonly done every day, araaldaw, mga apat na

but is done as a habit for a beses sa sarong semana.”

 35

week. (Hmm. I don’t play every

day. But I at least play four

times a week.)

Table 1. shows the behavioral patterns that is evident in Dennis. It includes Habitual

Playing.

Table 2. The reasons of Dennis toward his gambling behaviors.

Theme Code Sample Statement

Entertainment and Lottery playing serves as “Mayo man, pero

Recreational purposes an entertainment and form nalilibang kaya ako lalo na

of leisure. pag mayong magibo.”

(Nothing, but I am

entertained most especially

when I have nothing to

do.”

Hope to Win Lottery players assumes “I hope to win. Ta kung

and hope victory, despite dae ako mataya dae man

of slim chances of winning ako mangagana diba?”

and clear possibility of (I hope to win. Because if I

losses. won’t try, I won’t win,

 36

right?)

Determination The goal is to win. “Gusto ko kaya talaga

manggana.”

(I really want to win.)

Charitable Causes Lottery playing helps in “Ang magayon na ano

charitable and nalilibang ako tapos

humanitarian causes. nakakatabang sa charity, ta

ang PCSO baga saro sa

nagtatabang sa

komunidad.”

(The beauty is I get to help

through charity. Since, we

know that PCSO is one of

the organizations that helps

the community.)

Table 2. shows the reasons on why Dennis engaged in lottery gambling. The themes that

surfaced are Entertainment and Recreational purposes, Hope to Win, Determination and

Charitable Causes.

Table 3. The impacts of the gambling behaviors that Dennis upholds.

Theme Code Sample Statement

 37

Acceptance Lottery playing is “Dae pa man, mayo pa,

somehow accepted by the suportado man ako kang

family members of the pamilya ko sa pagtataya

lottery gambler. kang lotto.”

(I did not had any problem

with my family, they are

supportive with my lottery

playing habits.)

Extensive Need of Money Lottery gambling involves “Hehe, uh, nauubos ang

for Bets squandering an amount of kwarta ko miski minsan

money for an uncertain nangagana minsan

victory. nadadaog haha.”

(Hehe, uh, I lose my

money, even though

sometimes I win,

sometimes I lose haha.)

Frequent Losses Placing lottery bets does “Ang masakit ta nadadaog

not always ensure wins. pero iyo nayan kayan ta

dae man talaga dyan

pirming gana.”

(The hard part is when you

lose, but that’s the game,

 38

you can’t always win.)

Table 3. shows the impacts of the behavioral patterns and lottery gambling itself, toward

Dennis. The themes that surfaced are Acceptance, Extensive Need of Money for Bets and

Frequent Losses.

Narration

Dennis is a 35 year old lottery player, residing in Naga City. He started playing

the lotto when he was 25 years old. In a week, he at least place in lottery tickets for four

days. Dennis is a habitual lottery gambler, he plays lotto as a habit for every week. His

behavioral patterns shows habitual playing. Whilst for the reasons toward his behavioral

patterns includes Entertainment and Recreational Purposes, Hope to Win, Determination

and for Charitable Causes.

Behavioral Patterns

Habitual Playing

One of the themes that arose during the interview with Dennis, regarding his

behavioral pattern toward lottery gambling is Habitual Playing. “Hmm…dae man

araaldaw, mga apat na beses sa sarong semana.” (Hmm. I don’t play every day. But I at

least play four times a week.) He declared that he plays the lotto at least four times a
 39

week. Even though he does not play the lotto every day, he still does it a habit for the

week.

Reasons

Entertainment and Recreational Purposes

Entertainment and Recreational purposes is one of the reasons on why Dennis

plays the lotto. He believes that playing the lotto helps him to be entertained and to relax.

“Mayo man, pero nalilibang kaya ako lalo na pag mayong magibo.” (Nothing, but I am

entertained most especially when I have nothing to do.) Lottery playing serves as his

pastime and form of leisure.

Hope to Win

Hope to Win is one of the themes that appeared during the interview with Dennis

in line with his reasons toward his gambling behaviors. “I hope to win. Ta kung dae ako

mataya dae man ako mangagana diba?” (I hope to win. Because if I won’t try, I won’t

win, right?). Despite of the slim chances of winning, he still plays his luck in for his

desire and aspiration to win.

Determination

Another reason why Dennis plays the lotto is his Determination. His firm

determination to win and to succeed. “Gusto ko kaya talaga manggana.” (I really want to

win.) His drive to win and prosper served as one of his bases for his gambling behavior.

Charitable Causes
 40

Charitable Causes is one of the reasons Dennis plays the lotto. “Ang magayon na

ano nalilibang ako tapos nakakatabang sa charity, ta ang PCSO baga saro sa

nagtatabang sa komunidad.” (The beauty is I get to help through charity. Since, we know

that PCSO is one of the organizations that helps the community.) He professed that in

playing the lotto, he is able to help the community as well.

Impacts

Acceptance

Acceptance can be considered one of the positive effect Lottery Gambling that

impacted on Dennis. “Dae pa man, mayo pa, suportado man ako kang pamilya ko sa

pagtataya kang lotto.” (I did not had any problem with my family, they are supportive

with my lottery playing habits.) No matter what the reasons and behavioral patterns

Dennis upholds toward his engagement in Lottery Gambling, his family still supports

him. Thus, he does not have any misunderstandings with his family members, therefore

they support his gambling activities.

Extensive Need of Money for Bets

One of the themes that surfaced under the impacts of Lottery Gambling toward

Dennis is Extensive Need of Money for Bets. It means that the demand for the need of

money to place bets on lottery tickets. “Hehe, uh, nauubos ang kwarta ko miski minsan
 41

nangagana minsan nadadaog haha.” (Hehe, uh, I lose my money, even though

sometimes I win, sometimes I lose haha.). And Dennis confessed, how his money is

consumed for an unassertive victory.

Frequent Losses

Another impact of lottery gambling that surface during the interview with Dennis

is his Frequent Losses. “Ang masakit ta nadadaog pero iyo nayan kayan ta dae man

talaga dyan pirming gana.”(The hard part is when you lose, but that’s the game, you

can’t always win.) Dennis professed that in the venture of Lottery Gambling, the player

cannot always win, and hence, losses is inevitable.

 42

CHAPTER IV

DISCUSSION

Presented in this chapter are the analysis and interpretations of the results. Further

discussion of the findings from the data gathering up to the data analysis can also be

found in this chapter. The comprehensive discussion is presented per viable – the

behavioral patterns of lottery gamblers, the reasons toward this gambling behavior and

the impacts of the gambling behavior toward the lottery gamblers themselves.

Behavioral Patterns

Habitual Playing

Lottery playing is done as a habit by most players. Although it is not done

as an everyday basis, most lottery gamblers developed a habit of placing bets in the
 43

lottery for a week. One participant, particularly Dennis, when asked how many times a

week he place bets in the lottery, he responded by saying that he place bets for about four

times a week, “Hmm…dae man araaldaw, mga apat na beses sa sarong semana.”

(Hmm. I don’t play every day. But I at least play four times a week.). This is a form of

manifestation on his habit of placing lottery bets. The context of the statement given by

Dennis can also be compared to the statements of the other 2 participants who are Dikdik

and Winston since all of their statements convey their habit in placing lottery bets.

Frederick, also known as Dikdik, when asked the same question, stated that he place

lottery bets twice or thrice a week, “Ahh minsan thrice, minsan twice sa sarong semana.”

(Ahh, sometimes I’d place bets thrice or twice in one week). Winston also said that he

plays lotto whenever he has money to place bets which is shown in his statement

“Minsan ‘pag may pera, araw-araw ganon, pero daan-daan lang, mga dala-dalawa, 20

pesos ganon, pero ngayon tumaas na, 24 pesos na.” (Sometimes if I have money, every

day, if I just pass by, just two, for example a bet for 20 pesos, but today each bet is

amounting for 24 pesos.). Based on the statements of the three respondents, it is evident

that they have developed a habit of playing in terms of lottery.

The result gathered is also similar to the study conducted by Hays (2013) which

described gambling as a “habitual and pervasive social activity” among Pinoys. “From

the humblest barrios to the most affluent villages, Filipinos are into gambling,” they

observed, citing the abundance of casinos, lotto and bingo outlets, municipal cockpit

arenas, card games and “cara y cruz” on city streets, and bookies that go house to house

for the illegal numbers game called jueteng.  The habitual playing of lottery gamblers

also connects to the study of Canare (2011) which states that as the stakes of the lottery
 44

prize increase as time passes by, a lot of people engage in buying and placing a bet for

lottery tickets, anticipating to win the prize. The anticipation of being the lottery winner

makes the gamblers place more bet profusely until it becomes a serious habit.

Fallacy of Gamblers

Commonly known as gambler’s fallacy or Monte Carlo’s fallacy, according to

Kenton (2018), it is when an individual erroneously believes that a certain random event

is more likely or less likely, given a previous event or a series of event. Based from the

result we have gathered, the gambler’s fallacy that the two participants believes in,

resulted them into developing a habit of continuously placing bets in the lottery. One

participant, namely Winston, believes that there would always be a loss when playing a

lotto, but if you win, in exchange, you will gain a lot of money. “Mas madami ang

pagkatalo kasi araw-araw, pero kapag nanalo ka, malaking pera.” (I experience more

loses because I play every day, but if you win, more cashback.). Another participant,

Dikdik, also believes that behind all those losses he encountered, he still believes that

there’s still a chance that he will win in the future if he would just keep on placing bets.

This was reflected in his statement “Pero okay lang, makikipagsapalaran lang.” (But it’s

okay, I will gamble.) just after saying that lottery doesn’t do anything good to him

“Magandang naidulot? Uh, wala pa.” (Good effect? Still nothing) and that placing bets

in the lottery is costly “Ano pa yan? Masama eh magastos hehe”.(What else? Bad effect

eh it’s costly hehe). Knowing that lottery playing is a pursuit for risk, both Winston and

Dikdik still engage with it for the belief that they will win after the losses.
 45

The result also relates to the study of Dr. Kevin Bennet. According to Dr. Kevin

Bennet (2016), brains of the players evolved under conditions where they never had to

make any probability calculations like those involved with things like Powerball tickets,

and so the odds in these games fall outside the range of everyday life experiences. Also,

availability bias shapes the player’s perception of how likely it is they would win.

Gamblers would also have a mistaken belief and fallacy of gamblers. Wherein, the mind

of the player is making a misapprehension of the losses and misses. The player would

think that a series of missed or losses is a sign that the next bet that the gambler would

place is a win; a psychological experience of a “near miss”.

Reasons toward the Gambling Behaviors

Entertainment and Recreational Purposes

One of the reasons why lottery gamblers resort to their gambling behavior is that

placing bets in lottery brings them entertainment in which all 3 of the participants stated.

Dikdik mentioned that his reason for playing lotto is that it brings him joy which was

supported in his statements, “Nag-eenjoy lang ako.” (I just enjoy playing lotto) and

“Parang ano lang yan, yang lotto, libangan.” (That’s just like, lotto, an entertainment).

This relates to the study by Meir (2002) which declares that for some people, gambling is

a form of entertainment. Just like some people play cards for fun and introduce stakes just

to make things interesting, so some people enjoy testing their luck and look at the jackpot

as a way of adding excitement.

 46

Besides the fact that lotto playing serves as an entertainment for players, placing

lottery bets also serves as a pastime or leisure for players whenever they don’t have any

work to do. “Pag tumataya ng lotto, medyo nalilibang, para makalipas yung oras,

ganon.” (When placing lottery bets, it somewhat entertains me which serves as a pastime,

like that), one of the respondents namely Winston, narrated. This response is also similar

to the response given by another participant, Dennis. Dennis professed that lotto

entertains him especially if he has no work to do, “Mayo man, pero nalilibang kaya ako

lalo na pag mayong magibo.” (Nothing, but I am entertained most especially when I have

nothing to do.). This relates to the study of Hays (2013) which states that many would

however justify gambling as just a form of recreation, a “harmless” pastime, as if the

amounts they’ve already lost to wagering haven’t already cost them a fortune. But, such

hard-earned money, Castell and Tanchuco said, should have gone to more productive

pursuits like savings.

Hope to Win

Another reason as to why lottery gamblers continuously engage in lottery playing

is their hope to win. Despite the slim chances of winning, they are still willing to take risk

by constantly placing bets in order for them to win. When a participant was asked what is

the reason why he place lottery bets, the respondent named Dikdik explained by saying,

“Malay mo, malay ko, malay natin, manalo diba?” (Who knows, maybe I’ll win right?).

The same participant also said “Nagbabakasakali na uh, manggana.” (I’m hoping to, uh,

win) which truly manifests the respondent’s hope to win. Dennis, after asking the same
 47

question, also stated “I hope to win. Ta kung dae ako mataya dae man ako mangagana

diba?” (I hope to win. Because if I won’t try, I won’t win, right?). Both Dennis’ and

Dikdik’s reason why they kept on placing lottery bets is also similar to Winston’s

reasons. Winston conveyed his hope to win in his statement, “Tumataya pa rin ako kasi

tsamba-tsamba lang, baka manalo ulit, ganyan.” (I still play, even though it’s just a

fluke, I might win again, just like that.). These statements shows the undeniable fact that

lottery players fantasize about winning to a greater extent. This particular data about the

reason toward the gambling behaviour of lottery players is similar to the study of Burns,

Gillet, Rubenstein and Gentry in 1990 which states that lottery players apparently view

their playing as socially acceptable risk-taking which provides them with a means of

fantasizing sudden wealth and escape from their current status. Further, compulsive

consumers share psychological characteristics with addicts including abnormal thrill,

variety, or sensation-seeking, impulsivity, and a need to relieve the stress of low esteem

via escape or fantasy. According to Canare (2011), bettors may find some comfort in the

mere possibility of becoming an instant millionaire--and with it, the attendant perks;

sometimes, such psychological benefits are so high that they effectively negate any

expected costs or losses.

Help Society / Charitable Causes

Based on the data gathered, lottery gamblers apparently view their gambling

behaviour as a mean to help the society. Besides the fact that placing lottery bets serves

as an entertainment and that it could possibly bring them wealth, another reason why they
 48

associated with their gambling behaviour is for them to help the society knowing that

lottery playing helps in charitable and humanitarian causes. “Ang magayon na ano

nalilibang ako tapos nakakatabang sa charity, ta ang PCSO baga saro sa nagtatabang

sa komunidad.” (The beauty is I get to help through charity. Since, we know that PCSO is

one of the organizations that helps the community.), Dennis stated after asking the reason

why he consistently place lottery bets. Similar question was also asked to another

participant and Dikdik’s response to it was, “Pero sagayon man, sagayon man,

nakakatabang man kaya saka ta nakakatabang man.” (But the beauty of it is that it is

also helpful.). The answer of the participant Dikdik, is almost as similar from the

response given by Dennis since both of their reason for continuously placing lottery bets

is for Lotto’s charitable causes that they manifest to the community. From the utterances

stated, it is evident that a lot of lottery players take part in lottery playing not just for the

benefit of winning for themselves but also for the betterment of the community.

Similar idea was also shown in the study conducted by Anon (2018) which states

that lotteries indeed provide state governments with a relatively easy way to enhance

their revenues without imposing more taxes. According to Hanss et al. (2014), gambling

results to positive outcomes for the community such as provide a source of revenue for

humanitarian causes and be a source of entertainment for individuals. Another study that

can be compared to the data gathered was the study by Meir (2002) which states that

some people even have a charitable intention when playing lottery. They know that

income from state lotteries goes to worthy causes, and the possibility of winning is only a

little incentive which was both shown by participants Dikdik and Dennis.
 49

Impact of these Gambling Behaviors

Extensive Need of Money for Bets

One of the impacts of the gambling behavior of lottery players includes the

extensive need of money in order to place bets. This is supported with the statement

given by Winston saying “Minsan ‘pag may pera, araw-araw ganon, pero daan-daan

lang, mga dala-dalawa, 20 pesos ganon, pero ngayon tumaas na, 24 pesos na.”

(Sometimes if I have money, I will play every day, but only if I pass by, sometimes two

for 20 pesos, but the rate got higher, it’s already 24 pesos.). Another utterance that shared

the same sense with Winston’s statement was expressed by Dennis in which he stated,

“Hehe, uh, nauubos ang kwarta ko miski minsan nangagana minsan nadadaog haha.”

(Hehe, uh, I lose my money, even though sometimes I win, sometimes I lose haha.).

These statements proves the point that lottery playing involves squandering an amount of

money for an uncertain victory. These statements given by the participants also relate to

the study by Evans (2018) which includes that the consequences of problem gambling

can result to financial difficulties. He also stated that considering the fact that a lot of

people wants to win a great amount of prize just by placing a bet in lottery tickets.

Lottery gamblers do not foresee the effects of it and the value of the amount spent just by

playing the lotto. This study is also similar to the statement given by Clark. According to

Clark (2015), gamblers also have an excessive engagement in a behavior in which money

is wagered on the uncertain prospect of a larger monetary prize. Even the role of money

is unclear in this equation. While money is self-evidently a potent incentive, at a

psychological level, it is a complex, learned reinforcer  (as distinct from a natural reward,

such as food or sex)

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Frequent Losses

Placing lottery bets does not always ensure wins. Losing happens frequently when

playing lotto which is an inevitable impact for lottery players. According to a long-time

lottery player, Dikdik, he said that he loses all the time, “Walang madalas puro talo

kapag nagtataya.” (Not often, I lose all the time). The statement shows just how much he

experience losing ever since he started placing lottery bets. “Ang masakit ta nadadaog

pero iyo nayan kayan ta dae man talaga dyan pirming gana.” (The hard part is when you

lose, but that’s the game, you can’t always win.), Dennis narrated which also shows the

number of losses he encountered when playing lotto. The number of losses encountered

by the two participants can also be compared to the losses encountered by Winston.

Winston said “Madalas din ang talo pero kuwan lang, halimbawa may pera na 90 pesos

hanggang dun lang hindi na lalagpas (ang itatayang pera)” (I often lose but, for example

you have 90 pesos, I stop there, I do not spend more than that amount.). This just proves

that there is only a slim chance of winning in the lottery which is also included in the

study of Smartluck (2019) which states that the odds of winning the first prize jackpot in

Philippines Lotto are one in 5,245,786. The datagathered also related to the study of Dr.

Bennet (2016) in which he stated that some people have been playing lotto games for

decades. The investment in lottery tickets over the years has piled up – and this helps to

justify continued investment to recoup losses, this is called Social Traps by Dr. Bennet.

Acceptance
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Many lottery players’ family accepts their habitual playing. Based on the

interview we held with the 3 respondents, Winston, Dikdik and Dennis, there’s not a

single one of them who have had any misunderstandings with their family members when

it comes to their habit of placing lottery bets. When asked if the participant have had any

misunderstandings with his family members, Winston answered our question by stating,

“Wala naman, uhm pagkakaintindihan sa pamilya, okay lang naman sakanila” (There’s

no, uhm, misunderstandings with my family, it’s okay for them). Dikdik’s family

members also accepts his gambling behaviour which is apparent in his statement, “Wala

pa naman di, uh, pagkakaintindihan sa pamilya.” (There still no, uh, misunderstandings

with my faimly). Dennis’ response was also similar to the responses given by the

previous two participants. After asking the same question, Dennis stated, “Dae pa man

man mayo pa, suportado man ako kang pamilya ko sa pagtataya kang lotto.” (No, not

yet, I’m supported by my faimly). Looking at the responses given by the 3 participants, it

is evident that their habit of consistently placing lottery bets is supported and accepted by

their family members.

The data gathered relates to the study conducted by Hanss et.al. in the data

reported by Hanss et, al. (2014), the principal conclusion of the study, Attitudes Toward

Gambling Scale (ATGS) by Orford et al. (2009), is that, gambling attitudes showed a

strong positive association with approval of gambling by family members and peers.

Family and peer approval of gambling may have commonalities with gambling-related

knowledge that could explain why knowledge turned to out to be non-significant in the

regression analysis. According to Hanss et. Al. (2014), he perceived analysis of potential

or current gamblers is affected by the opinions and attitude of other people toward
 52

gambling. This also connects with the study of Moore, Susan & Ohtsuka, Keis. (1999),

which states that intentions to gamble was significantly predicted by attitudes and

subjective norms. The more positive the attitudes toward gambling, and the more

positively the norms of significant others to gambling were perceived, the greater the

intention to gamble. Wherein, male with strong intentions to gamble and positive

subjective norms were more likely to take engage in this activity.

Limitations of the Study

This part showcases the problems encountered during the research study. The first

limitation is in concern with the participants of the study. One of the participants was shy

and a little bit nervous regarding the interview, so he did not allow us to record his voice,

because of that the data that we gathered from him is useless because it will be difficult

for us to do code his statements. The second limitation is time and cooperation with the

participants. We, as a student researchers encountered problems about finishing our

research study and other requirements for other subjects. Thus, required the researchers to

manage the time efficiently. Lastly, is the availability of equipment needed for the study,

in our situation, a laptop. In our group the lack of equipment is also our problem since we

find it difficult to edit our research study in time. Nonetheless, despite of these problems

and circumstances that were encountered during the process, the researchers are pleased

to overcome these situation and consummate the research study completely.

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Recommendations

This part of the research study presents the recommendation of the researchers to

the male Filipino adults in Naga City who are engaged in Lottery Gambling, to the family

members of the lottery gamblers, to the society and to the future researchers who wish to

further investigate and will be the future beneficiaries of this research study.

To the lottery gamblers who are engaged in lottery gambling. The players can be

more aware of the impacts of lottery gambling, through reading texts and articles about

this issue. Seminars and group discussions about handling the gambling behaviors they

uphold should also be considered. May this be a source of awareness to the lottery

gamblers on what could be the possible behavioral patterns and impacts they may

encounter toward their involvement in lottery gambling.

To the family members of the lottery gamblers, who are in some way accept the

behaviors of their family member who are engage in lottery gambling. It will be deeply

appreciated if they continue to guide and comprehend the perception of your male family

members toward lottery gambling and understand their reasons toward their gambling

behaviors.

To the society, may you be aware of the things about the contemporary behaviors

of male Filipino adults engaged in Lottery Gambling. And be aware of the possible

reasons and impacts on why people engage in Lottery Gambling.

To the future researchers, who may be undertaking the same topic with this

present study, this may lead them toward garnering more information and behavioral

patterns that can be observed toward male Filipino adults engaged in Lottery Gambling.
 54

May this research study be a reliable source toward their wish to further investigate on

this issue. And may the unforeseen lapses in the study may motivate them to refine and

investigate more, for the sake of the overall research.

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

This study aimed to examine the Contemporary behaviors of the male Filipino

adults who engaged in Lottery Gambling using the qualitative case study. It also sought

to determine the effects of these behaviors towards them and the people that surrounds

them.

Three male Filipino adults residing in Naga City ranging from 25-54 years old

were randomly chosen to be the respondents of this study using purposive sampling.

They were given a letter and an ethical consideration through the other researchers and

the respective interviewer for the scheduled interview. The data were gathered through a

researcher-made questionnaires, through audio recording of the interview and through

 55

note taking. The three chosen respondents has 2-20 years of experience in playing the

lotto.

Themes that emerged from the conducted thematic analysis raised from the

transcribed focus group discussion of the three respondents showed significant effects

that affects their lives towards lottery playing. Results showed that the common

behavioral patterns observed among the three respondents is habitual playing. The

reasons towards this gambling behaviors are for entertainment and recreational purposes,

hope to win, and to help the society or for charitable causes. The impact of the gambling

behavior are the extensive need of money for bets, and frequent losses.

Therefore, the researchers concluded that based from the gathered and analyzed

data, the present study shows that playing the lottery among male Filipino adults affects

their behavior and gives advantages and disadvantages to the lives of the player. Mostly

male Filipino adults residing in Naga City are supported by their family regarding their

habitual lottery playing despite the slim chances of winning. The researchers also

concluded that playing the lotto does not give much impact to the life of the players.

Once they won they satisfy themselves by providing their needs and wants and after a

couple of days they are back at playing hoping that they could win again. In their

personal aspect, it is okay for them to allot their time in playing the lotto because it is

possible for them to obtain money very easily at once knowing the chance of winning is

one in a million. However, it is also found out that not all male Filipino adults who are

playing the lotto aims for the money and the pleasure just for themselves but also, for the

benefit of their family and for the community.

56
 57

APPENDICES
 58

APPENDIX A
ATENEO DE NAGA UNIVERSITY
Lungsod ng Naga, Camarines Sur

Ika-8 ng Pebrero, 2019

Mahal na Ginoo_________________________
Pagbati!
Kamipo ay mag-aaral sa ika-11na baiting ng paaralang Ateneo de Naga
University. Sa kasalukuyan po ay nagsasagawa kami ng riserts na may pamagat na “The
Contemporary Behaviors of male Filipino adults engaged in Lottery Gambling in Naga
City.” Layunin po ng aming riserts na masagutan ang mga sumusunod na tanong:
1 Why do a lot of people engage in lottery gambling despite the slim chances of
winning?
2. What are the primary effects of gambling toward male Filipino adults?
3. What are the behavioral patterns that can be observed towards male Filipino
adults that are engaged in lottery gambling?
Bilang isang residente ng lungsod ng Naga na kasangkot sa kinaugaliang
pagtataya sa lotto, lubos po naming ikagagalak kayo bilang aming katugon. Nais po
naming hingin ang iyong pahintulot ukol sa mga magkapanabay na pag-uugali ng mga
Filipinong nasa sapat na gulang na kasangkot sa pagsusugal/panghuhuwego sa lotto.
Kasama sa pagsusuri na ito ay ang pakikipanayam na isasagawa sa ika-9 ng Pebrero,
2019 at ika-11 ng Pebrero, 2019 o kung kalianman kayo maaari.
Nais po naming ipaabot ang aming taus-pusong pasasalamat sainyo sa pagbibigay
ng inyong oras at pakikipagdamayan.
Sumasainyo,

Julianne Caceres
Pinuno ng grupo (ABM–AC12)
NotedBy:

Ms.KryziahL.Tiueco
TagapayosaRiserts
 59

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ReturnSlip
Nota: Mangyaring lagyan ng tsek ang kahon ng inyong napili at para sa inyong
kumpirmasyon
Oo, nais kong makilahok sa inyong pagsusuri. Pwede ako sa ika-9 o ika-11 ng
Pebrero (kung ibang petsa, mangyaring tukuyin ________) para sa
pakikipanayam.
Hindi,hindi ako pwede at tinatanggihan kong maging katugon para sa inyong
pagsusuri.
_________________________________
Lagda
 60

APPENDIX B

SERTIPIKASYON NG PAGKAKOMPEDISIYAL

Examining the Contemporary Behavior of Male Filipino Adults Engaged in Lottery Gambling in
Naga City

Ako si, _____________________________sumali sa pananaliksik na ito ng pag-aaral at

sumasang-ayon sa mga sumusunod na pahayag,

_____Panatilihin ang lahat ng natipon na impormasyong ibinahagi sa akin nang kompidensyal sa

pamamagitan ng hindi pagdedeklara o pagbabahagi ng natipon na impormasyon na nakuha ko sa
anumang anyo tulad ng mga papel, transcript, at iba pang dokumento ng mga ibinahagi ko
maliban sa mga tagapagpananaliksik

_____Ibalik ang lahat ng nalikom na impormasyon sa tagapagpananaliksik sa kahit na anong

anyo tulad ng disk, at transcript sa mga mananaliksik kapag natapos na ang pagsasaliksik.

____Pagkatapos konsultahin ang mga tagapagpananaliksik, burahin ang lahat ng nalikom na

impormasyon na hindi na kailangan pang ibalik sa mga tagapagsaliksik.

____ Huwag alisin ang kahit ano mang kompidensyal na material sa pangangalaga ng mga
tagapagpananaliksik, maliban kung may pahintulot ng mga tagapagpananaliksik.

____ May kamalayan na ang pagsuway sa pagkakakompedinsyal ay maaaring magresulta sa

paglabag, na maaaring makaapekto sa akin o sa ibang tao.

Iba pa, _____________________________________________

___________________________________
Lagda ng Katugon
 61

APPENDIX C

ATENEO DE NAGA UNIVERSITY

Lungsod ng Naga, Camarines Sur

Magandang Araw!

Kami, ang mga estudyante sa ika labing-isang hakbang ng Senior High School, na

nagmula sa Ateneo de Naga University ay nagsasagawa ng pananaliksik patungkol sa mga

kaugalian ng mga Pilipinong nakatira sa Naga City na tumataya sa lotto, “Examining the

Contemporary Behaviors of Male Filipino Adults Engaged in Lottery Gambling in Naga City.”

Nais naming hingin ang iyong suhestiyon at mga tugon ukol sa isyung ito. Ang pag-aaral

at pananaliksik na ito ay pawang pang-edukasiyonal lamang. At ang lahat ng inyong magiging

sagot ay gagamitin lamang para sa kapakanan ng pag-aaral na ito. Nais naming iabot ang aming

malugod na pasasalamat sa pagbibigay konsiderasiyon sa aming kahilingan.

Maraming Salamat!

Lubos na Gumagalang,

Julianne Caceres
 62

Pangalan: ______________________________________________ Edad:___________

Address: ________________________________________________________________

Contact Number: ________________________________________________________

1. Ilang taon ka na?

_________________

2. Ilang taon ka nang naglalaro ng lotto?

_______________________________

3. Ilang taon ka nang magsimula kang maglaro ng lotto?

________________________________________

4. Ilan beses kang naglalaro ng lotto sa isang lingo?

________________________________________

5. Ano ang nararamdaman mo pag naglalaro ka ng lotto?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

6. Ano ang iyong dahilan kung bakit ka naglalaro ng lotto?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

7. Nagkaroon ka na ba ng hindi pagkakaintindihan sa pamilya mo or sa kakilala dahil sa paglalaro ng lotto?

______________________________________________________________________________________

8. Ano ang nagbago sa iyo mula ng maglaro ka ng lotto kumpara noong hindi ka pa naeenganyo rito?

______________________________________________________________________________________

9. Ano ang naidulot na maganda at masama ng pagtataya ng lotto sa iyo?

______________________________________________________________________________________

10. Madalas ka bang nananalo sa lotto o madalas ang pagkatalo?

______________________________________________________________________________________

11. Bakit tumataya ka pa rin ng lotto kahit bibihira lang ang pagkapanalo rito?

___________________________________________________________________________________
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