Access To Gambling Research Articles

Probing the Role of Digital Payment Solutions in Gambling Behavior: Preliminary Results From an Exploratory Focus Group Session With Problem Gamblers.

Technology has significantly reshaped the landscape and accessibility of gambling, creating uncharted territory for researchers and policy makers involved in the responsible gambling (RG) agenda. Digital payment solutions (DPS) are the latest addition of technology-based services in gambling and are now prominently used for deposit and win withdrawal. The seamless collaboration between online gambling operators and DPS, however, has raised concerns regarding the potential role of DPS platforms in facilitating harmful behavior. Using a focus group session with problem gamblers, this study describes a preliminary investigation of the role of DPS in the online gambling context and its influence on players' gambling habits, financial behavior, choices of gambling environment, and the overall outcome of gambling subjective experiences. A total of 6 problem gamblers participated in a one-and-half-hour focus group session to discuss how DPSs are integrated into their everyday gambling habits, what motivates them to use DPS, and what shifts they observe in their gambling behavior. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the empirical evidence with a mix of inductive and deductive research approaches as a knowledge claim strategy. Our initial findings revealed that the influence of DPSs in online gambling is multifaced where, on the one hand, their ability to integrate with players' existing habits seamlessly underscores the facilitating role they play in potentially maximizing harm. On the other hand, we find preliminary evidence that DPSs can have a direct influence on gambling outcomes in both subtle and pervasive ways-nudging, institutionalizing, constraining, or triggering players' gambling activities. This study also highlights the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of online gambling, and it proposes a preliminary conceptual framework to illustrate the sociotechnical interplay between DPS and gambling habits that ultimately capture the outcome of gambling's subjective experience. Disguised as a passive payment enabler, the role of DPS has so far received scant attention; however, this exploratory qualitative study demonstrates that given the technological advantage and access to customer financial data, DPS can become a potent platform to enable and at times trigger harmful gambling. In addition, DPS's bird's-eye view of cross-operator gambling behavior can open up an opportunity for researchers and policy makers to explore harm reduction measures that can be implemented at the digital payment level for gambling customers. Finally, more interdisciplinary studies are needed to formulate the sociotechnical nature of online gambling and holistic harm minimization strategy.

Gambling helpline contacts during COVID-19-related availability restrictions: an interrupted time series analysis

ObjectivesGambling causes significant public health harms that are addressed in the help service network. Helplines are the most widely used service among those experiencing harms. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the global gambling landscape. This study assesses the effect of COVID-19-related restrictions on help-seeking for gambling via helplines. Study designWe analysed data of national helplines in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark before and during the pandemic. The countries differed in their restrictions on the availability and accessibility of gambling during the pandemic. MethodsWe performed an interrupted time series analysis of contact and web traffic data to helplines in Sweden, Finland, and Denmark before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2017–2021). We also compared forecasted time series to the actual data to assess change. ResultsThe results show diverging patterns across the three countries. In Sweden, the number of helpline contacts remained stable throughout COVID-19, but there was an increasing trend in website visits. In Finland, the number of contacts declined during the first wave but rebounded during the second wave. Website visitation increased moderately. In Denmark, the number of contacts to the helpline soared over the COVID-19 period. ConclusionsThe diverging results suggest that help-seeking behaviour is likely to be impacted by differing policy approaches to gambling availability and limit-setting, visibility of helplines, and the prevalence of different forms of gambling in the three Nordic countries before and during the pandemic. This has implications for a preventive public health approach for gambling.

The Relationship Between Gambling Accessibility and Behavior Among Korean Adults.

This is the first population-based study in South Korea to examine the comprehensive nature of gambling accessibility. While most previous studies have examined only the physical aspects of gambling accessibility, this study accepts that gambling accessibility is multi-dimensional comprising physical, social, and cognitive accessibility, and tests the predictive power of each dimension of gambling behavior. We measured gambling behaviors in three ways: problem gambling, time spent on gambling, and gambling expenditure. Using a proportional quota sampling method (based on gender, age, and region) to represent the general Korean population, we identified 8245 adults (aged 19-69years), and 2044 participated in online survey from July 1 to July 9, 2021. Study findings revealed that, among the three accessibility dimensions, social accessibility was the strongest predictor of all three gambling behavior measures. Study findings provide insights for developing culturally sensitive gambling prevention programs and highlight the importance of a comprehensive examination of the relationship between gambling accessibility and gambling behavior.

군 병사의 도박인지, 지각된 도박접근성, 도박행동이 군생활적응에 미치는 영향

This study is for how military soldiers' gambling cognition, perceived gambling accessibility,and gambling behavior influence military life adjustment. Mediating effect of perceived gamblingaccessibility and gambling behavior were verified between gambling cognition and military lifeadjustment from the data of 193 active duty soldiers. Results are as follows. First, gamblingcognition, perceived gambling accessibility, and gambling behavior showed positive correlations,gambling related variables such as gambling cognition and perceived gambling availabilityshowed negative correlations with military life adjustment. Perceived gambling accessibility wasa mediating factor between gambling cognition and military life adjustment. Mediating effect ofgambling behavior was not significant between gambling cognition and military life adjustment. This study is meaningful for investigating gambling path of soldiers and effect ofgambling-related factors on military life adjustment.

Women's perceptions of strategies to address the normalisation of gambling and gambling‐related harm

ObjectiveResearch has demonstrated that gambling is becoming increasingly normalised for women. As limited research has sought to understand women's perspectives on this issue, we sought women's opinions about the factors that may contribute to the normalisation of gambling for women, and the strategies that may counter this normalisation. MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 41 women in young and middle adulthood, aged 20‐40 years. ResultsParticipants suggested that gambling was normal for women because gambling environments had been designed to appeal to women, newer technologies had removed the stigma of attending physical venues, and the growing equality and independence of women. To de‐normalise gambling, women suggested addressing the influential role of marketing, designing new public education strategies, addressing the availability and accessibility of gambling, and restricting engagement with gambling products. ConclusionThis study highlighted women's perceptions of strategies to address the normalisation of gambling and the importance of providing risk information paired with broader policy reform and prevention initiatives to address the range of determinants that normalise gambling for women. Implications for public healthInvolving women in advocacy and understanding their perspectives is important in developing relevant public health responses to the normalisation of gambling for women.

MZ세대의 도박접근성이 도박태도를 통해 도박문제에 미치는 영향: 금전적 도박동기의 조절된 매개효과

MZ세대의 도박접근성이 도박태도를 통해 도박문제에 미치는 영향: 금전적 도박동기의 조절된 매개효과

Gambling and homelessness in older adults: a qualitative investigation.

Homelessness is one of the most significant harms associated with gambling and appears to affect older adults disproportionately, but the relationship has received little research attention. This exploratory study investigated how gambling and homelessness is linked in older adults. Using qualitative research methods, we undertook in-depth semi structured face-to-face individual and group interviews to gather data from a purposive sample (n = 48) of key informants working in service provision for older adults (aged 50+ years) experiencing gambling-related harm and/or homelessness in Victoria, Australia. Thematic analysis of data focused on evaluating mechanisms and identifying contextual conditions that activate pathways between gambling and homelessness. The relationship between gambling and homelessness in older adults is often indirect and non-linear, and can represent a reflexive cycle. Experiencing periods of homelessness into older age can contribute to gambling, often because the adverse impacts of homelessness on older adults' mental and material wellbeing increase the appeal of gambling. Additionally, comorbidities (e.g. substance use, mental illness, past trauma) and structural conditions (e.g. gambling accessibility, poverty, housing insecurity) can activate gambling. Furthermore, because gambling in the older homeless adult population is frequently hidden and regularly overlooked by service providers, it often continues unabated. Gambling in older adults can also contribute to the onset of first-time homelessness. Large and rapid losses from high-intensity gambling frequently characterize this route to homelessness. Such gambling is often triggered by major life events and changes (e.g. bereavement, job loss, relationship difficulties), and the outcomes are often worsened by the conduct of gambling operators and creditors. The link between gambling and homelessness in older adults is complex, with connecting mechanisms often contingent upon individual, interpersonal and structural conditions and contexts. There is potential for preventative and ameliorative action given many of the underlying conditions appear modifiable through policy intervention.

The effect of gambling accessibility and availability on gambling problems

The effect of gambling accessibility and availability on gambling problems

Attitudes toward gambling in young people: a cross-national study of Australia, Canada, Croatia and Israel

ABSTRACT Public attitudes toward gambling have important implications for people’s engagement in the activity and receptivity to regulatory reforms. Such views are likely, however, to be influenced by variations in market conditions, perceptions of regulations and personal exposure to gambling. This article examines whether differences in gambling attitudes are related to differences in the perceived social, cognitive, and physical accessibility of gambling in four countries (Australia, Israel, Croatia and Canada). These countries were selected because they cover a range of gambling regulations, from established liberalized markets (Australia, Canada), to a recently liberalized market (Croatia) to a relatively restricted market (Israel). University student respondents (n = 1787, aged 18–30) were surveyed in these four countries to control for educational differences. Within- gender analyses controlled for differences in gender profile across countries. More positive attitudes were associated with greater social accessibility and more stringent regulations. Australian and Canadian respondents reported more positive attitudes toward gambling and regulations. Israeli respondents reported less positive attitudes and exposure to problem gambling. Croatian respondents reported more positive attitudes, but considered gambling to be poorly regulated and overly available. Overall, attitudes were related to perceptions of regulation as well as the duration of exposure to liberalized markets.

청소년의 감각추구 성향이 비합리적 도박신념을 통해 문제도박에 미치는 영향: 도박 접근성의 조절된 매개효과

본 연구는 청소년의 감각추구 성향이 비합리적 도박신념을 통해 문제도박에 미치는 영향과 도박접근성의 조절된 매개효과를 분석하려는 목적으로 수행되었다. 이를 위해 본 연구는 한국도박문제관리센터에서 구축한 자료에서 1,500명의 청소년 표본을 활용하여 분석을 실시하였다. 본 연구는 PROCESS macro Model 4를 활용하여 매개효과를 분석하고, PROCESS macro Model 14를 활용하여 조절된 매개효과를 분석하였다. 주요 결과는 다음과 같다. 첫째, 청소년의 감각추구 성향은 문제도박에 정적으로 유의미한 영향을 미쳤다. 둘째, 청소년의 비합리적 도박신념은 감각추구 성향이 문제도박에 미치는 영향을 매개하였다. 청소년의 감각추구 성향은 비합리적 도박신념을 증가시켰고, 증가된 비합리적 도박신념은 문제도박 수준을 증가시켰다. 셋째, 청소년의 감각추구 성향이 비합리적 도박신념을 통해 문제도박에 미치는 영향은 도박 접근성에 의해 조절되었다. 청소년의 감각추구 성향이 문제도 박에 미치는 영향에 있어 비합리적 도박신념의 매개효과는 도박 접근성이 높을수록 더 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 이와 같은 연구결과를 바탕으로 청소년의 문제도박에 개입하기 위한 다차원적 방안을 논의하였다.

Problematic Online Gambling: Review of the Situation in Switzerland

Problem gambling is a DSM-5-recognized behavioural addiction of growing concern through the emergence of the Internet with better availability and accessibility of gambling and a wider range of game offers. Thus, a new target group is approached through Online Gambling, which is leading to new issues in the prevention on problem gambling. In this study we discuss the differences in characteristics between Online and Offline Gamblers, the risk factors to develop a gambling problem as well as prevention methods and therapies. This review focuses on the situation in Switzerland with regard to the actual political occurrences and the new law on Online Gambling.

Examining risk and protective factors of problem gambling among college students in South Korea

Problem gambling has been recognized as an emerging problem among adolescents, however it is less understood among “emerging adults” (e.g., college students) despite the increased availability and accessibility of gambling venues to this age group. This study examines the effects of risk and protective factors on problem gambling among college students with the following two research questions: (1) what are the associations between risk factors (depressive symptoms, alcohol use, friends' attitude toward gambling) and problem gambling? and (2) what are the moderating roles of protective factors (ego-resiliency, perceived social support) on the associations between risk factors and problem gambling? Using hierarchical multiple regression analysis with data from three universities in South Korean (n = 512) and simple slope tests, this study found that all risk factors were significantly associated with problem gambling. Both protective factors showed moderating effects between depressive symptoms, alcohol use, and problem gambling. The findings suggest that improving ego-resiliency among college students and providing social support may prevent college students from developing gambling problems. Findings suggest the need to develop strength-based program, promote collaboration between campus and local agencies, and establish professional service agencies targeting problem gambling.

The relationship between electronic gaming machine accessibility and police-recorded domestic violence: A spatio-temporal analysis of 654 postcodes in Victoria, Australia, 2005–2014

An emerging body of research has documented an association between problem gambling and domestic violence in a range of study populations and locations. Yet little research has analysed this relationship at ecological scales. This study investigates the proposition that gambling accessibility and the incidence of domestic violence might be linked.The association between police-recorded domestic violence and electronic gaming machine accessibility is described at the postcode level. Police recorded family incidents per 10,000 and domestic-violence related physical assault offenses per 10,000 were used as outcome variables. Electronic gaming machine accessibility was measured as electronic gaming machines per 10,000 and gambling venues per 100,000. Bayesian spatio-temporal mixed-effects models were used to estimate the associations between gambling accessibility and domestic violence, using annual postcode-level data in Victoria, Australia between 2005 and 2014, adjusting for a range of covariates.Significant associations of policy-relevant magnitudes were found between all domestic violence and EGM accessibility variables. Postcodes with no electronic gaming machines were associated with 20% (95% credibility interval [C.I.]: 15%, 24%) fewer family incidents per 10,000 and 30% (95% C.I.: 24%, 35%) fewer domestic-violence assaults per 10,000, when compared with postcodes with 75 electronic gaming machine per 10,000. The causal relations underlying these associations are unclear. Quasi-experimental research is required to determine if reducing gambling accessibility is likely to reduce the incidence of domestic violence.

Problem Internet Gamblers’ Perspectives on Cognitive Behavioural Group Therapy

Despite higher rates of problem gambling among Internet gamblers, little research has been conducted in the area of treating problem Internet gambling. The purpose of the present study was to qualitatively examine Internet problem gamblers’ perspectives on their problem gambling treatment experiences, especially in relation to decreasing Internet problem gambling behaviours. Following their engagement in cognitive behavioural group therapy for problem gambling, twenty-four self-identified problem Internet gamblers provided responses to open-ended questions designed to elicit narratives pertaining to their treatment experiences. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes in the data, and five themes were identified: Internet gambling accessibility as a means to problem gambling behaviour; a lack of alternative activities, stress, and the importance of behavioural activation in reducing Internet gambling behaviours; the importance of behavioural strategies in reducing Internet gambling behaviours; the importance of motivational interviewing and motivation for change early in treatment; and the importance of support from other group members. These findings shed light on some of the potential challenges faced in the treatment of problem Internet gambling, and identify some of the specific treatment components and therapeutic factors that are perceived as particularly helpful by this population.

How Availability and Accessibility of Gambling Venues Influence Problem Gambling: A Review of the Literature

How Availability and Accessibility of Gambling Venues Influence Problem Gambling: A Review of the Literature

The relationship between gambling accessibility and Hong Kong people's participation in gambling activities

Prior foreign research showed significant positive relationship between geographical accessibility, gambling advertising and gambling behaviors. This paper, using data from two studies, describes and discusses the change in prevalence of gambling in Hong Kong with the liberalization of gambling activities in Macau. Results mirror the findings of foreign studies. Analysis showed that the groups who indicated that they were mostly influenced by the increased number of Macau casinos and gambling advertising were those aged 20–39, those with tertiary or above education, and the problem and pathological gamblers. Policy makers and gaming operators' effort to implement responsible gambling policies to prevent gambling addiction are discussed.

Too close to home? The relationships between residential distance to venue and gambling outcomes

Although gambling accessibility is generally viewed as a multidimensional construct, few studies have successfully untangled the specific role of spatial accessibility in determining gambling outcomes relative to other forms (i.e. temporal, social and psychological). In this paper, we explore the association between gambling outcomes and the distance travelled from a person's home to their most-frequented gambling venue. To this end, we conducted a geocoded mail survey of 7044 households in the Northern Territory of Australia. We employed a geographic information system to calculate the network distance from each household to all visited electronic gaming machine (EGM) venues (n = 64). Multivariate regression modelling revealed that, when adjusted for individual and neighbourhood-level characteristics, frequency of venue visitation and gambling participation were inversely related to residential distance from venue. There was no additional distance effect for problem gambling. Spatial accessibility of EGMs is an important determinant of gambling risk and should be explicitly considered by regulators.

Problem Gambling Among International and Domestic University Students in Australia: Who is at Risk?

Young people are a high risk group for gambling problems and university (college) students fall into that category. Given the high accessibility of gambling in Australia and its association with entertainment, students from overseas countries, particularly those where gambling is restricted or illegal, may be particularly vulnerable. This study examines problem gambling and its correlates among international and domestic university students using a sample of 836 domestic students (286 males; 546 females); and 764 international students (369 males; 396 females) at three Australian universities. Our findings indicate that although most students gamble infrequently, around 5 % of students are problem gamblers, a proportion higher than that in the general adult population. Popular gambling choices include games known to be associated with risk (cards, horse races, sports betting, casino games, and gaming machines) as well as lotto/scratch tickets. Males are more likely to be problem gamblers than females, and almost 10 % of male international students could be classified as problem gamblers. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that male gender, international student status, financial stress, negative affect and frequency of gambling on sports, horses/dogs, table games, casino gaming machines, internet casino games and bingo all significantly predicted problem gambling. Results from this study could inform gambling-education programs in universities as they indicate which groups are more vulnerable and specify which games pose more risk of problem gambling.

Gambling Accessibility: A Scale to Measure Gambler Preferences

Geographic closeness of gambling venues is not the only aspect of accessibility likely to affect gambling frequency. Perceived accessibility of gambling venues may include other features such as convenience (e.g., opening hours) or "atmosphere". The aim of the current study was to develop a multidimensional measure of gamblers' perceptions of accessibility, and present evidence for its reliability and validity. We surveyed 303 gamblers with 43 items developed to measure different dimensions of accessibility. Factor analysis of the items produced a two factor solution. The first, Social Accessibility related to the level at which gambling venues were enjoyed because they were social places, provided varying entertainment options and had a pleasant atmosphere. The second factor, Accessible Retreat related to the degree to which venues were enjoyed because they were geographically and temporally available and provided a familiar and anonymous retreat with few interruptions or distractions. Both factors, developed as reliable subscales of the new Gambling Access Scale, demonstrated construct validity through their correlations with other gambling-related measures. Social Accessibility was moderately related to gambling frequency and amount spent, but not to problem gambling, while, as hypothesised, Accessible Retreat was associated with stronger urges to gamble and gambling problems.

The Development of a Multi-dimensional Gambling Accessibility Scale

The aim of the current study was to develop a scale of gambling accessibility that would have theoretical significance to exposure theory and also serve to highlight the accessibility risk factors for problem gambling. Scale items were generated from the Productivity Commission's (Australia's Gambling Industries: Report No. 10. AusInfo, Canberra, 1999) recommendations and tested on a group with high exposure to the gambling environment. In total, 533 gaming venue employees (aged 18-70 years; 67% women) completed a questionnaire that included six 13-item scales measuring accessibility across a range of gambling forms (gaming machines, keno, casino table games, lotteries, horse and dog racing, sports betting). Also included in the questionnaire was the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) along with measures of gambling frequency and expenditure. Principal components analysis indicated that a common three factor structure existed across all forms of gambling and these were labelled social accessibility, physical accessibility and cognitive accessibility. However, convergent validity was not demonstrated with inconsistent correlations between each subscale and measures of gambling behaviour. These results are discussed in light of exposure theory and the further development of a multi-dimensional measure of gambling accessibility.