Men with high IQs are more likely to engage in this unusual activity
The study found a strong link between intelligence and skill-based gambling.
Recent studies show that Finnish men with higher IQs are more likely to bet on horse racing.
According to a recent study by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland and University of Liverpoolmen with higher IQs are more likely to bet on horse races.
According to a study published in Journal of Behavioral Decisions.
The study involved more than 15,000 Finnish men who took an IQ test as part of their mandatory military service during their enlistment in the Finnish Defense Forces. It was cross-referenced with detailed records of men’s online gambling behavior as well as statistics from Statistics Finland on their socio-economic status, income and education level.
Women were not included in the data, as Finnish law only requires men to complete military service and pass an IQ test.
Commenting on the findings, Professor David Forrest, from Liverpool University’s School of Management, said: “Our research found a strong correlation between men with high IQs and those involved in skilled gambling such as horse racing. It is important to note that our results may not necessarily generalize to chance-based gambling such as slot machines. However, there is very little previous research on the link between intelligence and skill-based gambling, so finding such a strong link is very important.”
The study does not provide a definitive answer as to why men with higher IQs enjoy betting on horse races, but the researchers speculate that it may be because men with higher IQs enjoy the mathematical challenge associated with such skill-based betting.
Associate Professor Jani Saastamoinen from the University of Eastern Finland said: “Betting can be compared to solving crossword puzzles. Maybe bettors like to crunch the numbers and find winning horses, even if they know they’ll end up losing money.”
Reference: “Does IQ predict engagement with skill-based gambling? Large-Scale Evidence for Horse Racing Betting”, Niko Suhonen, Jani Saastamoinen, David Forrest and Tuoma Kainulainen, 4 September 2022. Journal of Behavioral Decisions.
DOI: 10.1002/bdm.2300
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