Gambling Frequency Research Articles

Development of Gambling Behaviour and Its Relationship with Perceived Social Support: A Longitudinal Study of Young Adult Male Gamblers

Young adult men who gamble frequently face an elevated risk of developing gambling-related problems. So far, little is known about how changing levels of perceived social support interact with the course of gambling behaviour and gambling-related problems in this population. Using data from a prospective single-arm cohort study (Munich Leisure Time Study), we applied hierarchical linear models to investigate the longitudinal association of changes in perceived emotional and social support (hereafter PESS; operationalized as ENRICHD Social Support Instrument score) with gambling intensity, gambling frequency, and fulfilled criteria for gambling disorder. Pooling data from three time points (baseline, 12-month and 24-month follow-ups) to assess two 1-year intervals, these models disentangle the associations of (a) “level of PESS” (cross-sectional, between participants) and (b) “changes in individual PESS” (longitudinally, within-participants). Among the 169 study participants, higher levels of PESS were associated with fewer gambling-related problems (− 0.12 criteria met; p = 0.014). Furthermore, increasing individual PESS was associated with lower gambling frequency (− 0.25 gambling days; p = 0.060) and intensity (− 0.11 gambling hours; p = 0.006), and fewer gambling-related problems (− 0.19 problems; p < 0.001). The results suggest a mitigating influence of PESS on gambling behaviour and gambling-related problems. Increasing individual PESS appears more decisive for this pathway than high initial levels of PESS. Treatment and prevention strategies that activate and reinforce beneficial social resources in people with gambling-related problems are recommended and promising.

Preventive Gambling Programs for Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

Gambling disorder in youth is an emerging public health problem, with adolescents and young adults constituting a vulnerable age group for the development of gambling-related problems. Although research has been conducted on the risk factors for gambling disorder, very few rigorous studies can be found on the efficacy of preventive interventions in young people. The aim of this study was to provide best practice recommendations for the prevention of disordered gambling in adolescents and young adults. We reviewed and synthesized the results of existing RCTs and quasi-experimental studies covering nonpharmacological prevention programs for gambling disorder in young adults and adolescents. We applied the PRISMA 2020 statement and guidelines to identify 1483 studies, of which 32 were included in the systematic review. All studies targeted the educational setting, i.e., high school and university students. Most studies followed a universal prevention strategy, that particularly targeted adolescents, and an indicated prevention strategy for university students. The reviewed gambling prevention programs generally showed good results in terms of reducing the frequency and severity of gambling, and also regarding cognitive variables, such as misconceptions, fallacies, knowledge, and attitudes towards gambling. Finally, we highlight the need to develop more comprehensive prevention programs that incorporate rigorous methodological and assessment procedures before they are widely implemented and disseminated.

Parental gambling frequency and adolescent gambling: A cross-sectional path model involving adolescents and parents.

Nowadays, most of the research studies in the field of adolescent gambling are focused on individual factors related to problem gambling. The aim of this study was to test an integrated model to explain adolescent problem gambling involving both individual (i.e., correct gambling knowledge, superstitious thinking, and gambling-related cognitive distortions) and environmental factors (i.e., parental gambling frequency). In detail, the aim was to better understand the role of parental gambling behavior on adolescents' gambling frequency and problem gambling severity, to draw indications for prevention. Participants were 680 parents (36% men; Mage = 48.32, SD = 6.14 years) of 680 high school students (51% boys; Mage = 15.51, SD = .55 years) attending the second year of different high schools in Tuscany (Italy). Data collection occurred within the school prevention program PRIZE (Prevention of gambling risk among adolescents). A path model showed was conducted to detect direct and indirect effects from individual and environmental factors to gambling problem severity. Analyses showed that correct gambling knowledge and superstitious thinking were directly related-respectively in a negative and a positive direction-both to gambling-related cognitive distortions and adolescents' gambling frequency. Parental gambling frequency was directly associated with adolescents' gambling frequency. Correct gambling knowledge and superstitious thinking were indirectly related to adolescents' gambling problem severity through the mediational role of gambling-related cognitive distortions and gambling frequency. Parental gambling frequency was indirectly linked to gambling problem severity by passing through adolescents' gambling frequency. The current cross-sectional results confirm that parental gambling behavior has an important role for adolescents' gambling behavior and severity. Thus, results highlight the need for innovative prevention programs which involve adolescents' adult reference figures and integrate the individual risk and protective factors with the environmental ones.

The Mediating Roles of Self-compassion and Emotion Regulation in the Relationship among Alexithymia, Gambling Frequency, Risky Decision-Making, and Gambling Severity in Online Gamblers.

The research literature about the relationship between alexithymia, risky decision-making, and gambling severity has been contradictory and limited. Besides, there is no study on the mediating roles of self-compassion and emotion regulation in online gambling. Moreover, the role of these mediators in gambling frequency has not been studied. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between alexithymia, risky decision-making, and gambling frequency by considering the mediating role of self-compassion and emotion regulation in online gamblers. A total of 319 Iranians who gambled online at least once a week in the past three months were investigated using an online survey including Farsi Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (FTAS-20), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Gambling Disorder Screening Questionnaire-Persian (GDSQ-P). Statistical analyses were conducted by SPSS 26.0 for Windows. The relationships between the variables were analyzed using correlation analysis. In cases where significant relationships were observed, the hypotheses of the regression model were tested. The mean age of the participants was 24.6±6.06 and 253 participants (73.9%) were male. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed between men and women in terms of risky decision-making (P=0.051), gambling severity (P=0.59), and age (P=0.293). Alexithymia had both a direct and indirect relationship with gambling severity through the mediating roles of emotion regulation and self-compassion. Moreover, alexithymia was significantly associated with risky decision-making and gambling frequency, through the mediating role of difficulties in emotion regulation, both directly and indirectly.

Gambling Among Underage Alcohol Users Between 2008 and 2019: A National Cross-Sectional Study Among Finnish Adolescents

PurposeThe aim of this study is to examine trends in the relationship between gambling, alcohol use, and drunkenness between genders in Finland from 2008 through 2019. MethodsData were based on six waves (2008–2009, 2010–2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019) of a national cross-sectional School Health Promotion Study. The survey was conducted during a school day among eighth graders (14–15 years old) and ninth graders (15–16 years old) in Finland. The changes in gambling frequency among boys and girls were studied (regular gambling: at least once a week; occasional gambling: 2–3 times a month to less than once a month; no gambling during the previous year), alcohol use (at least once a month), and drunkenness (at least once a month). ResultsThe prevalence of adolescent gambling was more than halved between 2008 and 2019. However, the difference between the adolescents with the most favorable outcome (those who were not gambling and used alcohol or were getting drunk less often than once a month) and the adolescents with the least favorable outcome (boys who gambled, used alcohol, or were getting drunk; girls who were gambling regularly and getting drunk or gambling occasionally, using alcohol, and getting drunk) was larger in 2019 than in 2008. DiscussionThese larger differences between adolescents indicate that there has been a polarization of problems between adolescents, and for some individuals, problems are clustering. There is a strong case to be made for protecting adolescents from these risk behaviors and their adverse consequences on multiple levels.

Applying the Canadian Low-Risk Gambling Guidelines to Gambling Harm Reduction in England

There is a need for evidence-based guidelines for gamblers who wish to reduce their risk of harm by setting self-directed limits on their gambling. Recognizing this, the Canadian Low-Risk Gambling Guidelines were developed using data from 8 countries to establish the relationship between gambling behaviour and harm. The guidelines include recommended limits on gambling spending as a percentage of income, gambling frequency, and number of types of games played. However, the developers of the LRGG’s did not include UK data in their analysis. This study analyzes data from Health Survey England to assess the applicability of the Canadian Low-Risk Gambling Guidelines to gamblers in England. Using HSE data from 2016 to 2018, we generated risk curves for the relationship between 2 dimensions of gambling behaviour—frequency of gambling sessions and number of types of games played—and gambling harm. We defined harm as a score of 1 or above on the Problem Gambling Severity Index. HSE does not include questions on gambling spending, therefore this was not assessed. The relationship observed between frequency and types of gambling and harm among HSE respondents was similar to the risk curves generated for the development of the Canadian LRGG’s. Gamblers in England who gambled twice weekly or more, or who played 3 or more types of games, were significantly more likely to experience harm from gambling than those who gambled below these limits. The Canadian LRGG’s may potentially be applied to gambling harm reduction efforts in England. More research is needed to determine the acceptability of these guidelines to people who gamble in England.

The Mediating Effect of Danger Invulnerability in the Relationship Between Sensation Seeking and Gambling Among University Students.

The association between sensation-seeking and gambling is well established, yet the research on mediators of this relationship is limited. The proposed model of the present study includes sensation seeking as an antecedent variable, danger invulnerability as a mediator, and gambling frequency as an outcome variable.Self-report data obtained from a convenient sample of 641 university students aged 18-40years (Mage = 21.25; F = 52.7%, M = 47.3%) were analysed. This study supported proposed hypothesis that both sensation seeking and danger invulnerability are in significant positive relation with the frequency of gambling. Moreover, the results show that tested mediation model fit the data well, and that danger invulnerability completely mediates the relationship between sensation seeking and gambling frequency, such that higher sensation seeking is related to higher danger invulnerability and higher danger invulnerability is related to higher gambling frequency. The model explained 42.4% of the variance in danger invulnerability and 32.7% of the variance in gambling frequency. This study underscores the importance of examining both the direct and indirect effects of different variables on gambling behaviour.

Behavioral (non-chemical) addictions and COVID-19

The review examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence, manifestation, as well as the possibility of preventing and treating behavioral (non-chemical) addictions. Particular attention is paid to various manifestations of Internet addiction (IA): gaming, gambling, cybersexual and food addiction (FA). During the pandemic, Internet use increased significantly, leading to an increase in IA, mainly due to gaming, which correlated with the level of psychosocial problems. The increase in gambling occurred mainly in individuals with addiction or risk groups, while in the population the frequency of gambling decreased or did not change. Immediately after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of requests to porn sites increased dramatically, suggesting an increase in cybersex addiction. However, longitudinal studies in adolescents show a slight decrease in the interest in pornography in boys, and an increase from an initially low level in girls. The proportion of eating disorders and FA significantly increased. An increase in FA was associated with depression, anxiety, and also in obese individuals. In the era of COVID-19 prevention practices and general remedial activity should take into account the needs of the general population, emphasizing the importance of self-regulating and balanced lifestyles with moderate and sensible Internet use during the pandemic.

Understanding adolescent esports bettors: Are they a homogeneous group?

With the rapid rise of competitive video gaming (esports), increased attention has been placed on understanding the profiles of youth who wager on esports. With adolescents being at increased risk of gambling problems and endorsing high rates of past year engagement in video games, there is a need for research investigating psychological and social correlates of adolescent esports bettors and to identify whether youth who engage in esports betting are a homogenous group. Survey responses were collected from 5,997 high-school students (48.4 % male, Mage = 14.7 years [SD = 1.6], age range 12–17) from Wood County, Ohio, United States. A latent class analysis was conducted to identify subgroups of esports bettors based on self-reported measures of gambling frequency, risk for problem gambling, gaming frequency, disordered gaming, preference for virtual life and risky loot box use. Results indicated that 5.5 % of the sample reported esports betting over the past year. Four classes of esports bettors were identified which were indicative of a group of low-risk esports bettors, a group of esports bettors at risk of gaming problems, a group of esports bettors at risk of gambling problems, and a group of esports bettors at high risk of both gambling and gaming problems. Although no significant differences based on sex and age were noted between the classes, differences were noted in experienced childhood adversity, mental health symptoms and problem behavior severity. Results are discussed in line with previous findings relevant to adolescent and adult esports betting.

Age of gambling onset and resultant gambling behavior during young adulthood in the United States.

Previous research has examined how the age at which an individual first gambles (age of gambling onset) correlates with problematic behavior later in life, such as problematic alcohol or substance use; however, much less is known about how age of gambling onset, particularly as a child or as a young adult, might influence future gambling. We assessed how self-reported age of gambling onset may have shaped more recent gambling and propensity to take risks. We analyzed questionnaire data and neurocognitive assessment data collected from young adults in the United States (n = 579) and conducted ordinal logistic regression to model our study variables. Upon examining three distinct age categories (under 18, 18-20, 21, and over), we found that earlier age of gambling onset was significantly associated with betting a higher overall proportion during a neurocognitive task. CONCLUSIONSAND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Gambling more points on a laboratory-based task was correlated to earlier age of gambling onset. There were no statistically significant associations between age of gambling onset and severity of recent pathological gambling, nor gambling expenditure in the past year, nor gambling frequency in the past week.Future longitudinal study should discern the causality of these findings in both directions and ascertain whether these findings can be extended to older and clinical populations. Future work should explore other variables, such as ethnicity and socioeconomic background, that may be relevant to understanding variations in age of gambling onset and its repercussions.

Gambling and crime: An exploration of gambling availability and culture in an English prison.

There is evidence that prisoners have the highest rate of problem gambling in any population, but little is known about the nature of in-prison gambling, the motives for it or how it relates to prior gambling behaviour. To investigate the prevalence and type of gambling prior to prison and the prevalence, type, and reasons for gambling in prison. Two hundred and eighty-two male volunteers in a Category B male prison in England completed a questionnaire which included the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). One hundred and twenty-six (45%) reported gambling in prison, with eighty-one (30%) of participants reporting that gambling was a normal part of prison life. Pre-prison behaviour, whether type of index offence or prior gambling, had little relationship to in-prison gambling. Frequency of gambling in prison increased with increasing PGSI risk category. The most common types of gambling in prison were card/dice games, sports and ball games, while the most common motives were entertainment, excitement or sense of challenge and to win prizes, with significant differences in motive between PGSI risk categories. Prison canteen items formed the most common currency gambled. People within the higher PGSI risk category were more likely to have borrowed items from other prisoners. Our research has added to existing literature by identifying high rates of gambling in prison and showing that prisoners' perceptions of gambling are as a normal part of prison life. Findings suggest that screening and support should be available to manage gambling in prison, including support to reduce gambling-related debt, particularly given associations between debt and violence in prison. Relief from boredom and need for excitement were among the most common reasons for gambling in prison, indicating that there is a need to provide a more appropriately stimulating prison environment.

Associations between playing free-to-play sports gambling predictor games and online sports betting frequency for men in the United Kingdom

AimThis study aimed to describe associations between playing predictor games and online sports betting behaviours, and problem gambling.MethodsAn online survey using a convenience sample was completed by males aged 18 + years, living in the United Kingdom, and having participated in any gambling activity in the past year (n = 384). The survey asked questions about sociodemographics, gambling behaviours and predictor game playing behaviours. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) tool was used to determine existence of at-risk and problem gambling. Bivariate analyses using X2, and multivariate analyses using binary logistic regressions were carried out.ResultsPredictor games were played by 45.8% of all participants. In bivariate analyses, there was an association between predictor game playing and age (p = 0.019), with predictor game playing most prevalent in the age group 18–24 years 51.8%. In bivariate analysis, there was a significant graded relationship between playing predictor games and PGSI group (p < 0.001), with predictor game playing most prevalent among those with problem gambling 76.9%. In multivariate analysis, after controlling for sociodemographics and PGSI group, those who played predictor games were 2.80 (1.65–4.74 p < 0.001) times more likely to engage in high frequency online sports gambling than those who did not play predictor games.ConclusionsThis study suggests there may be links between playing predictor games and gambling harms through increased frequency of online sports gambling, particularly amongst already vulnerable groups. Policy options placing restrictions on the most harmful inducements – one of which being predictor games – must be considered to protect against gambling harms.

Loot boxes use, video gaming, and gambling in adolescents: Results from a path analysis before and during COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown in Italy.

Loot Boxes (LBs), i.e., virtual items embedded within video games with numerous features reminiscent of gambling, are increasingly widespread among adolescents. LB use is associated with problem gambling in youth, but few studies have been conducted on the association between LB use and gambling behavior considering adolescents. Thus, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are not clear. As LB use is a significant and positive risk factor for video gaming severity, and video gaming is associated with problem gambling, we hypothesized that LB use would be related to gambling frequency and problem gambling through the intermediary role of video gaming frequency and problem video gaming. We tested our hypothesis before COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown and during COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown, in Italy. Study 1 was conducted with 1,078 high school students (39% boys, mean age = 16.46, SD = 1.28) before COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown, and Study 2 was conducted with 1,204 high school students (57% boys, mean age = 15.62, SD = 0.64) during COVID-19-pandemic-related lockdown. A path analysis was carried out to analyze the significance of indirect effects from LB use to gambling behavior and problem gambling through video gaming and problem video gaming. In both the studies, results showed that LB use exerted significant and positive direct effects on video gaming frequency, problem video gaming, and gambling frequency. Moreover, LB use had indirect significant and positive effects on problem gambling through video gaming frequency, problem video gaming, and gambling frequency. Findings attest that LB use can be related to problem gambling through a greater involvement in videogames. Thus, a specific subtype of young gamblers can develop Gambling Disorder symptoms from the use of LBs and through an intense use of video games. Practical implications for prevention and treatment are discussed.

Development and validation of a prediction model for online gambling problems based on players' account data.

Gambling disorder is characterized by problematic gambling behavior that causes significant problems and distress. This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for screening online problem gamblers based on players' account data. Two random samples of French online gamblers in skill-based (poker, horse race betting and sports betting, n = 8,172) and pure chance games (scratch games and lotteries, n = 5,404) answered an online survey and gambling tracking data were retrospectively collected for the participants. The survey included age and gender, gambling habits, and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). We used machine learning algorithms to predict the PGSI categories with gambling tracking data. We internally validated the prediction models in a leave-out sample. When predicting gambling problems binary based on each PGSI threshold (1for low-risk gambling, 5 for moderate-risk gambling and 8 for problem gambling), the predictive performances were good for the model for skill-based games (AUROCs from 0.72 to 0.82), but moderate for the model for pure chance games (AUROCs from 0.63 to 0.76, with wide confidence intervals) due to the lower frequency of problem gambling in this sample. When predicting the four PGSI categories altogether, performances were good for identifying extreme categories (non-problem and problem gamblers) but poorer for intermediate categories (low-risk and moderate-risk gamblers), whatever the type of game. We developed an algorithm for screening online problem gamblers, excluding online casino gamblers, that could enable the setting of prevention measures for the most vulnerable gamblers.

Pharmacological interventions for the treatment of disordered and problem gambling.

Pharmacological interventions for the treatment of disordered and problem gambling.

Not Too Much, Not Too Often, and Not Too Many: the Results of the First Large-Scale, International Project to Develop Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines

AbstractUntil now, there has been no evidence-based, specific advice for people who gamble who want to reduce their risk of experiencing gambling harms. This paper presents the results from the first large-scale, comprehensive, international project to develop lower-risk gambling guidelines. Specifically, we calculated relative risk estimates to determine risk of harm across the range of possible limits for gambling frequency, expenditure, and number of types of gambling engaged in; conducted an online survey (n = 4583) of people who gamble to assess whether they understood and found credible the proposed quantitative limits; conducted a series of interviews and focus groups with people who gamble to assess self-control strategies and reactions to proposed quantitative limits; conducted a meta-analysis of problem gambling risk factors in the general population; and consulted with a pan-Canadian, multi-sectoral committee of stakeholders. Project outcomes were examined and deliberated by a working group of scientists who decided upon a set of recommendations for lower-risk gambling. This paper presents these recommendations.

The intergenerational transmission of gambling and other addictive behaviors: Implications of the mediating effects of cross-addiction frequency and problems

IntroductionThis study examined the degree to which perceptions of familial and household participation in gambling and other addictive behaviors in youth was associated with frequency and problem severity of gambling, alcohol and/or drug use in participants as adults. MethodThe study measured perceived frequency of gambling, alcohol use, drug use and other potentially addictive behaviors in family/household members and the frequency and problem severity of gambling, alcohol, and drugs in an epidemiological sample of adults 18 and older (N = 3,499; m = 48.26 %, f = 51.74 %). ResultsAbout 23.45 % of participants reported their father gambled when they were a child or adolescent, followed by mother (13.56 %), grandfather (9.73 %), or grandmother (7.83 %). A pathway model demonstrated cross-addiction inter- and intra-generational influences. Gambling by a father, mother or brother; substance use by a sister; and/or engagement in other behaviors by a brother, sister, grandmother or other household member was related to higher frequency of participant gambling (ps < 0.05), and, in turn, to higher levels of gambling, alcohol, and drug use problem severity (ps < 0.05). DiscussionFindings demonstrate the complex contributions of specific family and household members in the transmission of addictive behaviors. Frequency of gambling, alcohol use, and drug use mediated the relationship of perceived family behavior with and across addictions. In addition, perceptions regarding use of alcohol and/or other drugs, or engagement in other behaviors by family or household members was related not only to participants' alcohol and drug use but also to problem gambling frequency and severity.

Using artificial intelligence algorithms to predict self-reported problem gambling with account-based player data in an online casino setting

In recent years researchers have emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms as a tool to detect problem gambling online. AI algorithms require a training dataset to learn the patterns of a prespecified group. Problem gambling screens are one method for the collection of the necessary input data to train AI algorithms. The present study’s main aim was to identify the most significant behavioral patterns which predict self-reported problem gambling. In order to fulfil the aim, the study analyzed data from a sample of real-world online casino players and matched their self-report (subjective) responses concerning problem gambling with the participants’ actual (objective) gambling behavior. More specifically, the authors were given access to the raw data of 1,287 players from a European online gambling casino who answered questions on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) between September 2021 and February 2022. Random forest and gradient boost machine algorithms were trained to predict self-reported problem gambling based on the independent variables (e.g., wagering, depositing, gambling frequency). The random forest model predicted self-reported problem gambling better than gradient boost. Moreover, problem gamblers showed a distinct pattern with respect to their gambling based on the player tracking data. More specifically, problem gamblers lost more money per gambling day, lost more money per gambling session, and deposited money more frequently per gambling session. Problem gamblers also tended to deplete their gambling accounts more frequently compared to non-problem gamblers. A subgroup of problem gamblers identified as being at greater harm (based on their response to PGSI items) showed even higher values with respect to the aforementioned gambling behaviors. The study showed that self-reported problem gambling can be predicted by AI algorithms with high accuracy based on player tracking data.

Motivations for Esports Betting and Skin Gambling and Their Association with Gambling Frequency, Problems, and Harm

This study aimed to examine gambling motivations for esports betting and skin gambling and their association with gambling frequency, problems, and harm. Data were collected via a cross-sectional online survey with 736 participants aged 18 + who engaged in esports cash betting (n = 567), esports skin betting (n = 180), or skin gambling on games of chance (n = 325). Respondents were asked to rate their motivations for the three activities across seven domains: social, financial, positive feelings or enhancement, internal regulation, skill building, competition/challenge, and skin acquisition. The results highlight both similarities and differences in gambling motivations across products. Financial gain and enhancement (i.e., excitement) were the main motivations endorsed for all activities, whereas skin acquisition was an additional motivation for esports skin betting and skin gambling. Across all three products, gambling to escape or improve mood was associated with higher levels of problem gambling and harm. Financial gain motivation was associated with problem gambling only for esports skin betting and skin gambling on games of chance. These findings underscore the importance of considering motivational influences on engagement with emerging gambling activities, especially since some motivations may be a contributing factor in harmful gambling outcomes.

Parameters for Change in Offline Gambling Behavior After the First COVID-19 Lockdown in Germany.

IntroductionIn spring 2020, the first nationwide lockdown in response to the spreading COVID-19 pandemic came into effect in Germany. From March to May, gambling venues, casinos, and betting offices were forced to close. This study explores how land-based gamblers respond to short-term closures of higher-risk forms of gambling. Which gamblers are particularly susceptible to switching to online gambling? Which are more likely to use the lockdown as an opportunity to quit or pause gambling? Potential parameters for these switching or cessation processes are identified using multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis.MethodsThe research questions are analyzed on the basis of quantitative data. For this purpose, a survey was conducted among members of a comparatively large German online access panel (“PAYBACK panel”). The sample of analysis consisted of 612 gamblers who had participated in at least one higher-risk form of gambling and had done so exclusively offline before the first lockdown (January and February 2020).ResultsA total of 37.1% of sports bettors ceased participation in higher-risk forms of gambling, compared to 64.1% of casino gamblers. Switching to online gambling, on the other hand, was a rather rare event, regardless of the form of gambling: the proportions differ between 7.7% (slot machines) and 10.9% (sports betting). In the multivariate model female gender, younger age, and a lower frequency of gambling before the first lockdown were found to be significant factors for quitting (instead of continuing) higher-risk offline gambling forms. Secondly, the analysis revealed that individuals with more pronounced cognitive distortions had an increased risk of switching to online gambling rather than staying offline.DiscussionA key finding of this study is that the temporary closure of offline venues does not result in a significant shift towards the online market. Instead, the results of this study show that these short, temporary closures of gambling venues were an appropriate opportunity to give individual groups of gamblers the opportunity to reflect, reduce or quit gambling. It is worth considering implementing such temporary closures as a preventive measure in the future – this should be investigated in advance in further evaluation studies.