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Local culture and tax avoidance: Evidence from gambling preference behavior

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  • Alharbi, Samar
  • Atawnah, Nader
  • Al Mamun, Md
  • Ali, Muhammad Jahangir

Abstract

We examine the association between local gambling preference culture and corporate tax avoidance. Using a firm's county-level Catholics-to-Protestants ratio as a proxy for local gambling preferences, we find a positive and significant association between local gambling preference and corporate tax avoidance activities. Our main result is driven by a high risk-taking channel and is most pronounced for firms experiencing financial constraints. Finally, we find that improved owners-managers alignment strengthens the link between local gambling preference and tax avoidance.

Suggested Citation

  • Alharbi, Samar & Atawnah, Nader & Al Mamun, Md & Ali, Muhammad Jahangir, 2022. "Local culture and tax avoidance: Evidence from gambling preference behavior," Global Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:glofin:v:52:y:2022:i:c:s1044028320302854
    DOI: 10.1016/j.gfj.2020.100585
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