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FINAL THESIS submitted 8.4.15.pdf (1.82 MB)

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The effects of environmental factors on gamblers' behaviors in Ohio casinos

Urso, Amy E
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2809-1103
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1437137654

Abstract Details

2015, MS, Kent State University, College of Education, Health and Human Services / School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration.
Casinos have long been trying to design the perfect conditions that will maximize their profits by satisfying patrons and influencing the gambling behaviors of patrons. The purpose of this study was to examine how casino environmental variables (ambient conditions, design elements, social factors) influence gambler’s satisfaction and excitement levels, and further to explore how satisfaction and excitement predict approach behaviors (desire to stay, repeat patronage, and positive word of mouth). This study also aimed to identify differences in casino perceptions between genders and age groups. A framework was proposed based on Bitner’s 1992 framework for understanding environment-user relationships in service organizations. An online Qualtrics questionnaire was developed to evaluate Ohio gamblers’ perceptions of the casino environment, how the environment affected their satisfaction and excitement, and the potential resulting behaviors. Open-ended questions regarding confidence from the casino environment were also included for means of exploration. Multiple linear regressions and independent sample t-tests were used to test the five hypotheses and the results revealed several interesting findings. Ambient conditions, design elements, and social factors were all found to be significant predictors of gamblers’ excitement, however excitement did not predict casino approach behaviors. Ambient conditions and design elements were found to be predictive of satisfaction, which ultimately predicted casino approach behaviors. No significant differences in the way genders or age groups perceive the casino environment were found. Results and discussion give implications to casino operators suggesting which casino environmental factors can ultimately increase casino related approach behaviors.
Barbara Scheule, PhD (Advisor)
Seon Jeong Lee, PhD (Committee Member)
Mary Parr, PhD (Committee Member)
100 p.
Behavioral Sciences; Social Research
casino; casino environment; casino ambiance; casino design; servicescape; excitement; satisfaction; approach behaviors; Ohio casino

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Urso, A. E. (2015). The effects of environmental factors on gamblers' behaviors in Ohio casinos [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1437137654

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Urso, Amy. The effects of environmental factors on gamblers' behaviors in Ohio casinos . 2015. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1437137654.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Urso, Amy. "The effects of environmental factors on gamblers' behaviors in Ohio casinos ." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1437137654

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1437137654
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© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.