2. Flow in (problem) gambling

The dominant framework for gambling research focuses predominantly on how the mental mechanisms of problem gamblers differ from recreational gamblers. Moreover, it emphasizes the role of dissociative experiences, such as the loss of the sense of time and place, in problem gambling. Despite its merits in accounting for problem gambling, the framework is silent about the reasons for gambling in general.

We propose an alternative framework for conceptualizing problem gambling through flow experiences. By doing so, this approach to problem gambling is grounded on the question of what motivates one to gamble in the first place (i.e., regardless whether gambling behavior becomes a problem).

In our framework, problem gambling is understood as being in the continuum with recreational gambling, rather than the two being categorically distinct. This alternative framework is supported by research on flow experiences and agrees with existing literature on the dissociative experiences among (problem) gamblers.

By situating problem gambling to a broader context of human activities, we can address several theoretical and explanatory shortcomings of the currently dominant framework. As a result, our proposal provides a more comprehensive understanding of (problem) gambling, and raises issues that have been thus far largely neglected or which are well known but lack theoretical and ethical considerations.