Abstract
BackgroundMany jurisdictions regularly conduct surveys to estimate the prevalence of problem gambling in their adult populations. However, the comparison of such estimates is problematic due to methodological variations between studies. Total consumption theory suggests that an association between mean electronic gaming machine (EGM) and casino gambling losses and problem gambling prevalence estimates may exist. If this is the case, then changes in EGM losses may be used as a proxy indicator for changes in problem gambling prevalence. To test for this association this study examines the relationship between aggregated losses on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and problem gambling prevalence estimates for Australian states and territories between 1994 and 2016.MethodsA Bayesian meta-regression analysis of 41 cross-sectional problem gambling prevalence estimates was undertaken using EGM gambling losses, year of survey and methodological variations as predictor variables. General population studies of adults in Australian states and territory published before 1 July 2016 were considered in scope. 41 studies were identified, with a total of 267,367 participants. Problem gambling prevalence, moderate-risk problem gambling prevalence, problem gambling screen, administration mode and frequency threshold were extracted from surveys. Administrative data on EGM and casino gambling loss data were extracted from government reports and expressed as the proportion of household disposable income lost.ResultsMoney lost on EGMs is correlated with problem gambling prevalence. An increase of 1% of household disposable income lost on EGMs and in casinos was associated with problem gambling prevalence estimates that were 1.33 times higher [95% credible interval 1.04, 1.71]. There was no clear association between EGM losses and moderate-risk problem gambling prevalence estimates. Moderate-risk problem gambling prevalence estimates were not explained by the models (I2 ≥ 0.97; R2 ≤ 0.01).ConclusionsThe present study adds to the weight of evidence that EGM losses are associated with the prevalence of problem gambling. No patterns were evident among moderate-risk problem gambling prevalence estimates, suggesting that this measure is either subject to pronounced measurement error or lacks construct validity. The high degree of residual heterogeneity raises questions about the validity of comparing problem gambling prevalence estimates, even after adjusting for methodological variations between studies.
Highlights
Many jurisdictions regularly conduct surveys to estimate the prevalence of problem gambling in their adult populations
The present study adds to the weight of evidence that an increase in population losses on electronic gaming machine (EGM) is associated with an increase in the prevalence of problem gambling
The finding of an association between EGM and casino gambling losses and problem gambling prevalence is consistent with total consumption theory
Summary
Many jurisdictions regularly conduct surveys to estimate the prevalence of problem gambling in their adult populations. Total consumption theory suggests that an association between mean electronic gaming machine (EGM) and casino gambling losses and problem gambling prevalence estimates may exist. If this is the case, changes in EGM losses may be used as a proxy indicator for changes in problem gambling prevalence. Introduction and rationale Total consumption theory, or single distribution theory as it is sometimes known, predicts that the incidence of gambling-related harm is related to the amount of time and money spent on gambling within a given jurisdiction [1, 2] This prediction derives from a postulate of total consumption theory that, at the population level, a fixed proportion of total gambling activity will result in harm. Lund [2], analysing three independent Norwegian samples, found similar correlations between average gambling frequency and the proportion of the population gambling very frequently
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
