Problem Gambling Research Articles

Applying General Strain Theory to the Relationship Between Strain from Another Person's Gambling Behavior and Gambling Disorder.

Prior research has identified a host of factors that increase the likelihood that an individual will develop problem gambling, clinically diagnosed as Gambling Disorder (GD), most of which would be identified by criminologists as "strains" under the framework of General Strain Theory (GST). This study utilizes propositions from GST to determine whether strain from another person's gambling may be related to why people develop GD and whether gender is a moderating factor in this relationship. Secondary data is analyzed to assess levels of strain individuals experience from another person's gambling behavior, its relationship to the individual's risk of Gambling Disorder, and the role gender plays in this relationship. Findings demonstrate a relationship between the strain from the perceived problem gambling of someone with a close relationship and having a gambling disorder. Experiencing strain from a spouse/partner who is perceived as a problem gambler has the strongest correlation with an individual also having Gambling Disorder. Considering gender as a moderating factor, this effect was stronger on men than women, calling into question the strong belief that it is primarily women who gamble to escape problems.

Pramipexole Hyperactivates the External Globus Pallidus and Impairs Decision-Making in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease.

In patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), dopamine replacement therapy with dopamine D2/D3 receptor agonists induces impairments in decision-making, including pathological gambling. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying these adverse effects remain elusive. Here, in a mouse model of PD, we investigated the effects of the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R)-preferring agonist pramipexole (PPX) on decision-making. PD model mice were generated using a bilateral injection of the toxin 6-hydroxydopamine into the dorsolateral striatum. Subsequent treatment with PPX increased disadvantageous choices characterized by a high-risk/high-reward in the touchscreen-based Iowa Gambling Task. This effect was blocked by treatment with the selective D3R antagonist PG-01037. In model mice treated with PPX, the number of c-Fos-positive cells was increased in the external globus pallidus (GPe), indicating dysregulation of the indirect pathway in the corticothalamic-basal ganglia circuitry. In accordance, chemogenetic inhibition of the GPe restored normal c-Fos activation and rescued PPX-induced disadvantageous choices. These findings demonstrate that the hyperactivation of GPe neurons in the indirect pathway impairs decision-making in PD model mice. The results provide a candidate mechanism and therapeutic target for pathological gambling observed during D2/D3 receptor pharmacotherapy in PD patients.

Internet and Gambling: Insights from Australia's NBN Rollout.

Gambling is a well-known leisure activity that leads to significant consequences when consumed excessively. We provide an analysis of the impact of access to faster and more reliable internet connection on gambling. We rely on variations in the rollout of Australia's largest infrastructure project, National Broadband Network (NBN) installation, to measure internet speed at the postcode level. Using gambling data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, we find that access to high-speed internet is associated with a decline in gambling proxied by the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). However, a closer look at the various forms of gambling show that internet speed is associated with an increase in online-based gambling activities, which constitute a relatively small proportion of gambling activities that Australians participate in. In contrast, internet speed is associated with a decline in venue-based gambling activities, which constitute a large proportion of gambling activities that occur in Australia, and therefore explains the overall negative effect on gambling. We find that social capital and cognitive functioning are channels through which internet speed influences gambling.

Sex Differences in Mental Health Symptoms in Elite Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Mental health is a growing area of concern for elite athletes. To determine the sex differences in mental health symptoms in elite athletes. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were used. Included studies included comparisons of mental health symptoms of athletes by sex. Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Level 2a. The rate ratio (RR) was calculated as the rates in female and male athletes. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Of 1945 articles identified, 60 articles were included. Male athletes reported higher alcohol misuse (RR, 0.74; CI, 0.68-0.80), illicit drug abuse (RR, 0.82; CI, 0.75-0.89), and gambling problems (RR, 0.14; CI, 0.08-0.25). Female athletes reported higher overall anxiety (RR, 1.17; CI, 1.08-1.27), depression (RR, 1.42; CI, 1.31-1.54), distress (RR, 1.98; CI, 1.40-2.81), and disordered eating (RR, 2.19; CI, 1.58-3.02). Sleep disturbances were reported at similar rates in male and female athletes (RR, 1.13; CI, 0.98-1.30). Female and male athletes have significant differences in reported mental health symptoms. Female athletes are more likely to report anxiety, depression, distress, and disordered eating, while male athletes report more alcohol misuse, illicit drug abuse, and gambling. Monitoring and evaluation of mental health is a necessary part of any sport, including access to resources. Longitudinal studies following athletes over time to determine the development and causation for mental health symptoms should be included in future research directions.

Effectiveness of a Systems-Wide Initiative to Address Motivation and Expectations for Treatment on Initial Session Attendance to Outpatient Gambling Treatment.

This brief report expands the results of a prior efficacy study that examined the effect of a letter addressing prospective clients' motivation and expectations for outpatient gambling disorder treatment on initial session attendance. The results of that efficacy study indicated more clients attended the initial session when receiving the letter (77%) compared to receiving a reminder telephone call (51%). The present study examines the effectiveness of messages addressing prospective clients' motivation and expectations for outpatient gambling treatment across an entire treatment system. Messages were sent via letters, telephone, and in-person communication with all clinic staff. Participants were 54 clients with gambling disorder who were seeking outpatient psychological treatment. Results indicated that the percentage of clients attending the initial session was 85%, and no differences in attendance were found between in-person and telehealth sessions. These findings suggest that messages that address motivation and expectations persist under real-world conditions, and treatment systems can make meaningful changes that increase attendance to initial treatment sessions.

Neurophysiological Correlates of Near-Wins in Gambling: A Systematic Literature Review.

Identification of specific patterns of brain activity related to problem gambling may provide a deeper understanding of its underlying mechanisms, highlighting the importance of neurophysiological studies to better understand development and persistence of gambling behavior. The patterns of cognitive functioning have been investigated through electroencephalography (EEG) studies based on the near-win/near-miss (NW) effect. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the neurophysiological basis of NWs and their modulation by gambling problems through a systematic review of event-related potentials (ERP) studies elicited by feedback events. The review followed the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA). A total of 15 studies were included, 12 comprising non-problem gamblers (NPGs) and three comparing problem gamblers (PGs) with matched controls. For the P300 component, the win outcome elicited a larger amplitude than the other outcomes (NW and loss), followed by the NW outcome, which elicited a larger amplitude than loss in some studies. For feedback-related negativity (FRN), the loss outcome evoked a more negative amplitude in several studies, despite eliciting a similar amplitude to NW outcomes in others. For PGs, the NW outcome evoked a higher amplitude of P300 than loss, while NPGs showed a similar amplitude to both outcomes. The present review gathered information from different sources and provides a consistent view of the different studies. However, studies lack systematic and robust methodologies, leading to inconsistent results and making it difficult to reach any definitive conclusions.

The impact of microtransactions on the gamification of digital games

This article explores the impact of microtransactions as a form of monetization of game content and further gamification of digital games and video games. The relationship between gambling and monetized video games is considered, as well as the essence of gamblification of video games as a form of media convergence and the practice of spreading gambling in society. The main subject of the study is the question of whether the use of monetized game content leads to gambling addiction, since, unlike gambling, which under the laws of most countries is allowed to be accessed upon reaching the age of majority, monetized game content does not have age restrictions, and thus can affect not yet formed child (adolescent) psyche. Despite the fact that microtransactions in the gaming industry can provide additional streams to support video game development, research also shows the presence of so-called «predatory» monetization schemes. The article presents experimental studies of simulated gambling (such as social casino games, loot box purchases, etc.) by adolescents and their transition to gambling after reaching adulthood. Emphasis is placed on various approaches to gamification of digital and video games. From the position that microtransactions in video games do not affect later cognitive behavior and do not lead to gambling tendencies, to the fact that microtransactions have a negative effect on video game culture because they not only lead to addiction, but also create an imbalance in the gaming community. The latter is explained by the fact that it often takes several tens of hours to achieve something in a digital game, microtransactions allow you to reduce this time to a minimum for a certain amount of money. In any case, this issue is difficult not only from a social and psychological point of view, but also from a legal and economic point of view, and therefore requires additional research.

Systematic Assessment of Gambling Type Involvement: Reliability and Validity of the Gambling Disorder Identification Test (GDIT).

Gambling type involvement, both in terms of participation (engagement in specific gambling types) and diversity (how many gambling types an individual engages in), is a key feature to address in gambling self-report measures, but such systematic measurement procedures are scarce. The aim of this study was to test the psychometric performance of the gambling type assessment in the recently developed Gambling Disorder Identification Test (GDIT), in terms of test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and patterns of gambling diversity, among help-seeking and general population gambling samples (total n = 603). Overall, online gambling was more commonly reported as problematic than land-based gambling. Retest reliability varied for specific gambling types (ICC range 0.32-0.64, rtet range 0.66-0.85). In terms of gambling participation, online gambling showed stronger correlations with GDIT total score (i.e., symptom severity) than land-based gambling, where Slots showed the strongest correlation (r = 0.52), followed by Casino table games (r = 0.25), Sports and Horse betting (r = 0.16 and r = 0.14, respectively), and Poker (r = 0.14). Lotteries showed no correlation with GDIT total score (r=-0,01). For Slots gambling, all gambling diversity levels (including Slots as a single gambling type) were on average associated with the highest diagnostic severity level (GDIT total score > 30; severe gambling disorder). Finally, explorative configural frequency analysis identified typical and antitypical gambling diversity patterns. The result from the current study corroborates findings that engagement in specific gambling types matter, and that such features should be included in gambling measurement. We conclude that the GDIT is a reliable and valid measure for systematic assessment of gambling type involvement. The GDIT can be used to assess gambling participation and diversity, as part of a broad measurement setup for problem gambling and gambling disorder.

Gender Differences in Gambling Disorder: Results from an Italian Multicentric Study.

Although gender-specific evidence on Gambling Disorder (GD) is still limited, some studies reported specific differences, mainly in psychopathological profiles, gambling behavior patterns, and pathogenesis. In order to further examine the role of gender in GD, we conducted a multicenter investigation in a sample of Italian outpatients. One hundred-four outpatients with a diagnosis of GD based on DSM-5 criteria were consecutively recruited at two clinics based in Milan. Socio-demographic and clinical variables were collected for the whole sample and analyzed for the effect of gender. The severity of illness was assessed using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index and the Gambling Attitudes and Beliefs (GABS). Among females, a significantly higher mean age (52.23 ± 10.95 vs. 40.96 ± 15.76; p=0.005) and older age at illness onset emerged (43.5 ± 11.92 vs. 29.22 ± 14.26; p<0.001). Females showed a significantly higher rate of psychiatric comorbidities, lifetime suicide ideation, stressful events at GD onset, and positive family history for GD compared to males. A predictive effect of male gender was found for the GABS questionnaires by performing a linear regression model, with males showing a higher risk to reach higher scores compared to females (B= 11.833; t=2.177; p=0.034). Our study seems to confirm the hypotheses that gender in GD may influence psychopathological profiles, course, and comorbidity. GD in female gender is frequently a comorbid condition with other specific clinical characteristics compared to males. Identifying specific clinical factors by gender may prompt more focus on the public health of women in relation to gambling, while still recognizing that males are at-risk of earlier gambling problems. These findings should be considered in therapeutic perspectives.

Can Positive Play Deficits Explain the Associations Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Gambling Motives, and Problem Gambling? Results of a National U.S. Sample.

Past research has demonstrated a consistent connection between symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and problematic gambling in both general and clinical United States (U.S.) populations. Little is known, however, about the mediating role that responsible gambling practices related to positive play might have in the relationships between symptoms of PTSD, problem gambling (PG) severity, and different motives for gambling. Therefore, using mediation analysis, this study investigated these associations within a census-matched national sample of U.S. adults (N = 2,806). Results indicated PTSD symptoms and PG often co-occur in this population (r = .43, p < .01), and coping motives for gambling were the key mechanism connecting PTSD symptoms to PG severity rather than deficits in positive play practices or other gambling motives. Moreover, it was found that the average gambler who had sought treatment for gambling in the past not only had more severe PTSD symptoms and PG but also had the strongest gambling motives, the largest deficits in positive play, and was more likely to be younger than 50years old. In this sample, approximately 1 in 10 people who gambled in the past year were classified as problem gamblers, 1 in 5 met criteria for a provisional PTSD diagnosis, and 1 in 33 sought out gambling treatment previously. These findings provide further evidence for the relationship between symptoms of posttraumatic stress and problematic gambling behaviors in the U.S. population and offer critical insights into the explanatory roles of coping motives and positive play practices in this connection.

Perceived Impact of Gambling Advertising can Predict Gambling Severity among Patients with Gambling Disorder.

There is growing evidence that gambling advertising disproportionately affects those experiencing more severe gambling harm. Such association has been studied by recruiting gamblers using online panels, by analysing registered users' data from gambling websites, and through surveys and focus group interviews. However, it is thought that these methods tend to overestimate gambling severity. The present study employed a sample of gamblers with a verified gambling disorder diagnosis (N = 210, 7.1% females, Mage = 39.4 years) recruited for a period of under two years at a large public hospital. It examined the relationship between self-reported impact of gambling advertising, gambling preference (strategic versus non-strategic) and gambling modality (online versus in-person). The results indicated that higher perceived impact of gambling advertising predicted higher gambling severity, which supports previous findings obtained from non-clinical settings. However, contrary to what was expected, strategic gambling and online gambling were not associated with higher perceived impact of gambling advertising, even though these groups are believed to be exposed to more gambling marketing and advertising from gambling operators. The study aligns well with available scientific evidence proposing further restrictions on gambling advertising regulation due to their disproportionate impact on those already experiencing gambling harm.

Harmonisasi Hukum dan Penegakan Hukum yang Berkeadilan dalam Tindak Pidana Judi Togel dan Online

Gambling and online gambling have become a disturbing phenomenon in society. This gambling not only has a negative impact on individuals, but also on society as a whole. The purpose of this article is so that people who are still actively gambling can stop and law enforcers can further improve prevention and restore disturbances. The method used is juridical-sociological which not only focuses on written law but considers social aspects. Crime prevention efforts are actually a continuous and continuous effort. There is no, and there will never be a final effort. However, efforts must still be made to further ensure the protection and welfare of society. However, efforts must still be made to further ensure the protection and welfare of society. Suggestions for law enforcers are to carry out strict supervision, take firm action and provide rehabilitation for gambling addicts.

Gambling Harm-Minimisation Tools and Their Impact on Gambling Behaviour: A Review of the Empirical Evidence.

The harms accompanying disordered gambling are well documented. Additionally, there is growing attention to the harms that arise from people who gamble heavily but do not meet the criteria for a gambling disorder. Accordingly, there has been an increasing interest in the effectiveness of consumer protection tools for consumers of gambling products. Subsequently, there is a need to properly evaluate the evidence for their effectiveness. This review aimed to conduct a narrative synthesis of empirical studies to identify gaps, weaknesses, and strengths in the existing evidence for the effectiveness of harm minimisation tools available to people who gamble. This review includes studies published between January 2015 to July 2022 and comprises 55 peer-reviewed studies for final synthesis. Findings reveal that while more research is needed to examine the effectiveness of active and passive consumer protection tools, uptake of tools is low in part because users view them as tools for individuals already experiencing gambling harm as opposed to protective tools for all users. Research is needed to determine effective ways of communicating the value of consumer protection tools for gambling.

Impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease: a national Swedish registry study on high-risk treatments and vulnerable patient groups

BackgroundImpulse control disorders (ICDs) are known psychiatric conditions in Parkinson’s disease (PD), especially as a side effect of antiparkinsonian therapy. Screening for vulnerable patients and avoiding high-risk treatments can be...

Betting high, feeling low: a cross-sectional examination of gambling severity and psychological distress among Ghanaian youth

BackgroundLittle is known about the nexus between online gambling and psychological distress among youth, especially in Ghana. This study aimed to investigate the effects of online sports betting on psychological distress, focusing on depression, anxiety, and stress among young individuals in the Volta region of Ghana.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out at various betting centers in the Volta region of Ghana. Four hundred and three (403) participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. The study used a standardized questionnaire to assess psychological distress with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 21) and problematic gambling with the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). The analysis included both descriptive and inferential methods. These include the implementation of the bootstrap technique within multiple regression models using the current versions of Jeffreys’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP) [0.18.2], Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) [29.0.2], and Microsoft Excel (2019).ResultsThe study found a prevalence of 40% for problematic gambling and 44% for moderate gambling problems among participants, resulting in an overall gambling prevalence of 84%. Regarding psychological distress, the estimated prevalence of depression among participants was 43.6%, with stress reported at 31.1% and anxiety at 68.8%. The overall prevalence of psychological distress was 48%. When analyzing the link between gambling and psychological distress, the study noted that males were more prone to gambling-related psychological distress than females (β = 2.036, p = 0.025). Furthermore, individuals with problem gambling showed the highest probability of experiencing more significant psychological distress compared to other groups (β = 9.228, p = 0.002), followed by those with moderate gambling levels (β = 3.283, p = 0.002).ConclusionWe recommend that the mental health unit of the Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with the Gaming Commission of Ghana, should develop youth-friendly interventions to address the prevalence and onset of problematic gambling among the youth, especially males. This could, in turn, reduce the prevalence of psychological distress among youth engaged in online gambling in Ghana.

Excite, or Take Flight? Exploring the Relationship between Difficulties with Emotion Regulation, Outcome Expectancies, and Problem Gambling.

Emotional dysregulation is a transdiagnostic process associated with a range of addictive behaviours including problem gambling, with emerging research indicating that emotionally oriented reasons for gambling (i.e., excitement, escape) are associated with problem gambling. However, the relationships between difficulties with emotion regulation, reasons for gambling, and problem gambling, are unclear. The current study tested whether the association between difficulties with emotion regulation and problem gambling could be explained by escape and excitement gambling outcome expectancies. A total of 187 regular gamblers recruited via social media (50.3% male, 48.7% female) completed measures of difficulties with emotion regulation, gambling outcome expectancies, and problem gambling severity (Mage = 41.07, SD = 15.8). Analyses revealed that escape outcome expectancies partially mediated the relationship between difficulties with emotion regulation and problem gambling severity. However, the mediating effect of excitement on this relationship was not significant. The findings suggest that individuals with greater emotional regulation difficulties may engage in problem gambling to help manage aversive emotional states. The study's findings illustrate the importance of considering emotional dysregulation and outcome expectancies in problem gambling treatment planning and public health strategies.

Statistical predictors of the co-occurrence between gambling disorder and problematic pornography use

Co-occurrence between gambling disorder (GD) and other mental disorders is common, but its association with problematic pornography use (PPU) remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate relationships between sociodemographic variables, personality measures, psychopathology, emotional regulation, and impulsivity and the co-occurrence of GD and PPU using structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample consisted of 359 adults seeking treatment for GD. The short version of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS-6) identified patients with GD + PPU. Psychopathology, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and personality were also assessed. Higher impulsivity levels statistically predicted co-occurrence between GD and PPU. Impulsivity mediated the relationship between younger age, maladaptive personality features, and emotional dysregulation and co-occurrence. Psychopathological distress did not directly associate with GD + PPU co-occurrence. Impulsivity relates importantly to the co-occurrence of GD and PPU. Younger age, maladaptive personality, and emotional dysregulation contribute to increased impulsivity levels and co-occurrence. The findings highlight the importance of addressing impulsivity in understanding and treating co-occurring GD and PPU.

The impacts of stress and loneliness on gambling and gaming problems: A nationwide longitudinal study.

Problems related to gambling and digital gaming have been a topic of concern for years. Less attention has been paid to the probable psychosocial factors behind these problems. While previous studies have established links between stress, loneliness, and addiction, there is a lack of longitudinal research investigating how stress and loneliness affect addictive behaviors, including problem gambling and gaming. This study uses multilevel mixed-effects generalized linear models to analyze the between- and within-person effects of stress and loneliness on gambling and gaming problems. The interaction between stress and loneliness was also investigated. A representative sample of Finns (N = 1,530) answered a survey in 6-month intervals between spring 2021 and autumn 2023; 49.22% of the sample took part at all six time points. The Problem Gambling Severity Index and the Internet Gaming Disorder Test were used to measure gambling and gaming problems. The three-item UCLA Loneliness Scale was used to assess loneliness, and the Perceived Stress Scale was used to evaluate stress. After controlling for gender and age, loneliness was found to increase only gaming problems at both the between- and within-person levels, but not gambling. In contrast, stress enhanced both gambling and gaming problems at the between- and within-person levels. Additionally, loneliness and stress were found to have negative interaction suggesting that their combined effect was lower than their separate effects. The findings provide longitudinal insight into the psychosocial vulnerabilities behind problem gambling and gaming, which can be helpful in designing targeted interventions.

Examining the Role of Sports Betting Marketing in Youth Problem Gambling.

Sports betting is becoming increasingly common among young people in the UK and Australia. There is a need to understand how the marketing of sports betting may influence risky and pathological gambling to inform policies aimed at reducing harm. This study examines whether sports betting advertising may predict problem gambling scores among young people, while accounting for non-marketing variables. We recruited 567 participants (53.1% male) aged 18-24 years from an online research panel. Participants were eligible if they had an active betting account and regularly bet on sports. We conducted a hierarchical regression analysis to examine whether four marketing-related measures (exposure to advertising, ad-driven betting decisions, use of betting inducements, and perceived susceptibility to betting inducements) could predict PGSI scores. We controlled for several demographic, psychological, and behavioural variables, including gender, gambling participation, spend per session, participation in in-play betting, normative beliefs about sports betting, and impulsivity. The study revealed that sports betting marketing was positively associated with PGSI scores after controlling for non-marketing variables. Significant marketing predictors included ad-driven betting decisions and perceived influence from betting inducements. Other significant predictors included participation in non-sports betting gambling activities, spend per session, involvement in in-play betting, and the impulsivity trait of negative urgency. Sports betting marketing appears to be implicated in young people's gambling problems. Specifically, young people who have gambling problems may be more likely to bet in response to advertising, and betting incentives may contribute to an intensification of their gambling behaviour. This study supports the implementation of regulations and restrictions on advertising as a measure to protect young problem gamblers.

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.