Gambling Activities Research Articles

Gambling and COVID-19: Swedish national gambling data from a state-owned gambling sports and casino operator.

The lockdown of sports and gambling venues during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a fear of increased gambling on other online gambling types, with a risk for transfer to more addictive gambling than otherwise. This study aimed to estimate changes in gambling activity during COVID-19-affected periods among all gamblers at a Swedish state-owned gambling operator and to analyse observable sex differences. This study included gambling tracking data from the Swedish state-owned gambling operator Svenska Spel Sports & Casino (sports betting, online bingo, casino and poker). All individuals (n = 616,245) who gambled at least once from February 10 to July 19, 2020, were included. The study period was divided into four periods according to their expected level of COVID-19 impact on gambling opportunities: one pre-COVID period and three COVID-affected periods (sports cancellation, emerging return of sports, substantial return of sports). Sports betting experienced an apparent decrease, followed by a gradual normalization and an end level substantially below prepandemic levels. For online bingo, gambling levels increased upon sports interruption and then decreased with the return to normality in sports events but remained higher than baseline levels. We observed a similar trend for online poker during the interruption of sports, but with a lower level than baseline levels when sports events normalized. We noticed a trend favouring online casinos during the sports interruption period regarding gambling intensity but not wagering levels. Dramatic changes in the content of the gambling market may divert some gamblers to other gambling types, but maintained effects could not be demonstrated.

Pencegahan Tindak Pidana Perjudian Online

The crime of online gambling is an act that is prohibited and is a form of action that is contrary to religious, moral and positive legal norms. The problem of gambling has existed for a long time, gambling activities are considered to be something that is usually done by the community, therefore gambling is difficult to eradicate. The emergence of the internet made gambling even more varied, gamblers did not need to meet other players to play gambling. The problems are formulated as follows: (1) How the Police Prevent Online Gambling Crimes in the Legal Area of the Grobogan Police. (2) What Obstacles and Obstacles Did the Police Encounter in Eradicating Online Gambling Crimes in the Legal Area of the Grobogan Police? The research objectives to be achieved are to find out and analyze the police's methods of preventing online gambling crimes, as well as to find out the police's constraints and obstacles in handling online gambling crimes in the jurisdiction of the Grobogan District Police. in the jurisdiction of the Grobogan Police. The legal basis for online gambling is article 27 paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 45 paragraph 1 of Law No. 19 of 2016 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions

FENOMENA PERJUDIAN ONLINE DAN DAMPAKNYA TERHADAP EKONOMI KELUARGA

This research was conducted with the aim of describing the rise of online gambling through mobile media, and the lack of understanding among some people about the prohibition of online gambling having a negative impact on the family economy in Malangnengah Village, Pagedangan District, Tangerang Regency. Using a qualitative approach and the type of research is descriptive. Data collection techniques used observation, documentation, and interviews, so that all the data was analyzed qualitatively with inductive thinking methods. The results of the study show that the rise of online gambling through the media of mobile phones in Malangnengah Village started with trial and error, then became addicted and finally became a habit. Supported by associations that are indeed involved in online gambling activities make the perpetrators addicted, thus violating the ITE law article 27 paragraph 2 and not maintaining reason (muḥāfaẓah al-’Aql) in maqoshid sharia.

Celebrity Endorsement: Television Advertisements and Sports Gambling Behaviour among University Students in Kenya

Purpose: To establish the influence of Television’s celebrity endorsement advertisement technique on sports gambling behaviour among the university students in Kenya.
 Methodology: This study employed mixed method design. In this case, convergent parallel mixed methods design was employed to evaluate the effects of Television’s celebrity endorsement advertisements on sports gambling behaviour among the university students in Nairobi County, Kenya. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected at the same time after which the findings were integrated with an aim of generating overall results. Descriptive survey strategy was also used in the study. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Diagnostic test was first done to ascertain if the data used were normally distributed. As for this case, the following tests were conducted; skewness and kurtosis, histogram and normality plot curve, Kolmogorov Smirnov and Sharpiro Wilk test and Q-Q plot. Other tests included outlier test, collinearity diagnostics, correlation analysis, multicollinearity, autocorrelation, heteroscedasticity/ homoscedasticity and linearity test. The relationship between the variables was determined using a regression model.
 Findings: This study found out that there was a significant relationship between Celebrity endorsement and sports gambling behaviour among the university students in Nairobi County. In summary, technique of celebrity endorsement in television’s gambling advertisements had a positive influence in gambling activities among university students in Nairobi County.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was embedded on the theory of planned behaviour. The core assumption of the theory is that there is a connection between beliefs and behaviour. In this case, the intention for a behaviour intent is influenced by three issues namely; assessment of the behaviour, apparent social pressure to perform or ignore a behaviour and the perceived degree of personal privilege concerning the behaviour (Dawkins and Frass, 2005). On its contribution to practice, the study calls on the universities to come up with proper sensitization programs to prevent the students from addictive gambling. The study further recommends that proper policy should be put in place by advertisers to provide clear messages on the dangers associated with addictive sports gambling. The overall findings will help policy makers to formulate policies that will control betting activities in the country.

Enabling New Strategies to Prevent Problematic Online Gambling: A Machine Learning Approach for Identifying At-risk Online Gamblers in France

ABSTRACT Gambling activities are rapidly migrating online. Algorithms that effectively detect at-risk users could improve the prevention of online gambling-related harms. We sought to identify machine learning algorithms capable of detecting self-reported gambling problems using demographic and behavioral data. Online gamblers were recruited from all licensed online gambling platforms in France by the French Online Gambling Regulatory Authority (ARJEL). Participants completed the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), and these data were merged and synchronized with past-year online gambling behaviors recorded on the operators’ websites. Among all participants (N = 9,306), some users reported betting exclusively on sports (N = 1,183), horseracing (N = 1,711), or poker (N = 2,442) activities. In terms of Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (AUC), our algorithms showed excellent performance in classifying individuals at a moderate-to-high (PGSI 5+; AUC = 83.20%), or high (PGSI 8+; AUC = 87.70%) risk for experiencing gambling-related harms. Further, these models identified novel behavioral markers of harmful online gambling for future research. We conclude that machine learning can be used to detect online gamblers at-risk for experiencing gambling problems. Using algorithms like these, operators and regulators can develop targeted harm prevention and referral-to-treatment initiatives for at-risk users.

The relationship between problematic gambling severity and engagement with gambling products: Longitudinal analysis of the Emerging Adults Gambling Survey.

To measure the association between problem gambling severity and 19 different gambling activities among emerging adults (aged 16-26). An online non-probability longitudinal survey collecting data in two waves: wave 1, July/August 2019; wave 2, July/October 2020. Great Britain PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2080 young adults participating in both waves. Problem gambling scores were collected using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Binary variables recorded past year participation in 19 different gambling forms, ranging from lotteries to online casino and gambling-like practices within digital games (e.g. loot box purchase, skin betting). Controls included socio-demographic/economic characteristics, the Eysenck Impulsivity Scale and the number of gambling activities undertaken. Zero inflated negative binomial model lacked evidence of an effect between past year participation in any individual activities and subsequent PGSI scores. However, negative binomial random effects models for current gamblers (n= 497) showed that skin betting (incidence-rate ratio [IRR] = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.69-3.19), fixed odd betting terminals (IRR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.61-3.05), slot/fruit machines (IRR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.07-1.91), online betting on horse/dog races (IRR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.17-2.00) and online betting on non-sports events (IRR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.11-1.89) were associated with increased PGSI scores. Online casino gambling had a significant interaction by wave; the impact of online casino betting in wave 2 on PGSI scores increased by a factor of 1.61. Past year participation of young adults (aged 16-26) in certain forms of gambling does not appear to be associated with future Problem Gambling Severity Index scores. Among young adults who are current gamblers, past year participation in certain land-based (e.g. electronic gaming machines) and online forms (e.g. skin betting) of gambling appears to be strongly associated with elevated Problem Gambling Severity Index scores.

The effects of cognitive bias and cognitive style on trait impulsivity in moderate-risk gambling: The moderating effect of self-control.

Impulsivity has been defined as a tendency to respond with little forethought, often with disregard to the negative consequences to the impulsive individual or others. Problem gambling patients are characterized with impulse control and absent inhibition control, a tendency to react to stimuli in a rapid and unplanned fashion without complete processing of information. Based on the information processing theory and the dual-systems model of self-control, 208 moderate-risk gambling were investigated by questionnaire to explore the moderating effect of self-control in the process of cognitive bias and cognitive style affecting the gambling impulse of moderate-risk gambling. Using hierarchical regression analysis, it is found that: (a) The gambling impulse of male moderate-risk gambling was stronger than female moderate-risk gambling. (b) Self-control negatively predicted trait impulsivity, and the stronger the individual self-control, the lower the level of trait impulsivity. (c) Cognitive bias positively predicted trait impulsivity, and high cognitive bias induced high-level trait impulsivity. Self-control played a moderating role between cognitive bias and trait impulsivity. (d) Compared with field-independent gambling, field-dependent gambling were more likely to have impulsive thoughts of gambling activities. Self-control played a moderating role between cognitive style and trait impulsivity.

What is the evidence that advertising policies could have an impact on gambling-related harms? A systematic umbrella review of the literature

ObjectiveTo summarise the evidence on the impacts of gambling-related advertising that could lead to gambling-related harm, including impacts on vulnerable individuals and inequalities in the distribution of harms. Study designAn umbrella review of studies investigating the impact of gambling advertising. MethodsA review was undertaken of systematic reviews of qualitative, quantitative and mixed method studies reporting outcomes associated with gambling advertising and marketing. The search strategy included database searches (Web of Science, PsycInfo) and website searches. The quality of the included reviews was determined using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2. Results1024 papers were identified by database searches. Eight systematic reviews, including 74 unique studies, met inclusion criteria. Included studies, using quantitative and qualitative methods, consistently support the existence of a causal relationship between exposure to advertising of gambling products/brands and more positive attitudes to gambling, greater intentions to gamble and increased gambling activity at both individual and population level. There is evidence of a ‘dose–response’ effect; greater advertising exposure increases participation which leads to a greater risk of harm. There was more evidence for the impact on children and young people and for those already at risk from current gambling activity with those most vulnerable more likely to be influenced. ConclusionGambling advertising restrictions could reduce overall harm and mitigate the impact of advertising on gambling-related inequalities. Public health harm prevention strategies should include policies which limit exposure to advertising, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.

The Role of the Police in Combating the Crime of Cockfighting Gambling

Gambling practices that have various kinds and techniques are very easy to do, making this gambling very rapidly growing in countries around the world and one of them is Indonesia. Although gambling is prohibited and contrary to applicable law in Indonesia. Gambling is very detrimental to society and the nation's morals. Order, security, and peace in society are disrupted as a result of gambling. In addition, the impact of this gambling is that it can lead to crimes such as theft, molestation, murder, and even interference in a relationship in the household which results in domestic violence. The government's steps in taking action against gambling crimes are by issuing regulations such as Article 303 of the Criminal Code and in Law no. 7 of 1974 concerning the regulation of gambling. In addition to the issuance of regulations by the government, the police also take part in dealing with gambling crimes through preventive and repressive efforts. Preventive action is a way that the police do before a crime occurs. In this case, the efforts made by the police in uncovering the crime of gambling in the community include investigations, finding sources of information, spying, snooping, making arrests, and confiscating evidence and socialization. Repressive efforts are also one of the methods used by the police in dealing with cockfighting gambling during this activity. The police immediately raided the cockfighting gambling place and arrested everyone who was directly involved in the cockfighting gambling activity.

“It is always there in your face.” Australian young people discuss exposure to gambling activities and promotions.

The normalisation of gambling for young people is a growing public health challenge. Despite initiatives aimed at reducing young people's exposure to unhealthy products, there is still little understanding of how they may be exposed to gambling. Using social exposure theory, this study aimed to explore young people's observations of gambling products and promotions within their everyday environments. In-depth interviews were conducted with 54 young people (n ​= ​25 girls, n ​= ​29 boys, aged 11–17 years) in Australia. Convenience and then snowball and purposive recruitment strategies were used to ensure a range of gambling attitudes and experiences were represented. Data were interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis. Young people described seeing gambling in varied social environments such as their own homes; physical environments in their local communities – including at local shopping centres, post offices, and sporting matches; and through symbolic environments such as marketing in community settings, on traditional and social media platforms, and depictions of gambling in movies and television shows. This exposure contributed to the perception that gambling was a normal activity, often placed alongside non-gambling activities in everyday settings. Comprehensive evidence-based public health strategies are needed to protect young people from exposure to gambling activities and promotions. These should include legislation to restrict the marketing and availability of gambling products, and research-based public education designed to counter normalising messages about gambling.

The social value of gambling: surplus estimates by gambling types for France.

We estimate the social surplus of gambling in France by adding three components: consumer surplus, producer surplus and taxation revenue. To estimate consumer surplus, we use the rational benchmark approach, which attributes a loss of welfare (i.e. a negative surplus) to problem gamblers depending on their level of excess spending compared with recreational gamblers. Using data for the year 2019 and considering only legal gambling, we find that the consumer surplus is negative for the gambling activity as a whole. When we add the producer surplus and the taxation revenue to the consumer surplus, we find that the social surplus is more likely to be negative, ranging from -45 billion euros in the pessimistic scenario to + 6 billion euros in the optimistic scenario. There are, however, important differences between gambling types. The social surplus is negative in all scenarios for poker and sports betting. Conversely, it is positive in all scenarios for draw lotteries and scratch cards.

The dominance of skill in online poker

Does skill dominate luck in online poker? In many countries around the world, the legality of the online poker industry rests on courts’ evaluation of the “skill dominance” criterion. Because it is not precisely defined, however, the skill dominance criterion may be misleading when it comes to the legal qualification of online gambling activities. We argue that this concept might be better framed as “do skilled players dominate the game” than as “does skill dominate game outcomes”. We introduce a novel, comprehensive dataset on online poker play – where we follow 91,439 players over 40 consecutive months (representing over 85 million hands played) – and develop simple tests to show that (i) skill in the game drives individual results, and (ii) players improve their skills with experience and quit playing the game as a function of starting ability. A lower bound estimate suggests that it takes at least 7 months of full-time training for a novice to acquire the basic skills exhibited by the most experienced players in our data. We conclude that the scholarly debate around this industry may move beyond that of its legality to focus instead on issues of regulation. Beyond the case of online poker, the procedures and tools we develop can be readily transferred to evaluate the skill dominance criterion in other purported games of skill, such as sports betting or stock trading.

Prevalence, predictors and consequences of gambling on Children in Ghana

BackgroundGambling is illegal for children in Ghana. However, young people, including children, are increasingly engaged in gambling across the country. Gambling is harmful and poses developmental implications for the youth, including children. There are limited studies on child gambling in Ghana and other sub-Saharan African countries. This study examined the prevalence of gambling participation, predictors of gambling participation, and perceived harm of gambling on children.MethodsA cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed methodology was used to study 5024 children aged 8 to 17 in the three ecological zones of Ghana. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of gambling participation while the qualitative data was analysed thematically.ResultsOverall, 3.1% of children aged 8 to 17 had ever engaged in gambling activities. Also, being a female (AOR = 0.210, Wald test = 34.413, 95% CI: 0.125–0.354), having attained primary education (AOR = 4.089, Wald test = 18.643, 95% CI: 2.158–7.749), doing paid work (AOR = 2.536, Wald test = 10.687, 95% CI: 1.452–4.430), having a friend who gambles (AOR = 1.587, Wald test = 4.343; 95% CI: 1.028–2.451), having access to radio (AOR = 1.658, Wald test = 6.694, 95% CI: 1.130–2.431) and having access to mobile phone (AOR = 0.590, Wald test = 6.737, 95% CI: 0.396–0.879) were predictors of gambling participation. Gambling is perceived as harmful by children since it is addictive, affects learning and class attendance, and makes them steal from their families to gamble.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that socio-demographic characteristics (sex, age, educational attainment, ecological zone, persons taking care of children, living arrangement, engagement in paid work, radio access, mobile phone access) and gambling-related information (having friends who gamble) make children more susceptible to gambling. Researchers and policymakers should consider these socio-demographic characteristics and gambling-related information when designing interventions to curb gambling among children aged 8 to 17 in Ghana.

Social Connectedness and Associations with Gambling Risk in New Zealand

Multiple factors are associated with disordered gambling, with some populations having a greater risk for developing disordered gambling than others. The present study, utilising data previously collected for a New Zealand (NZ) national gambling survey, explored the associations of social connectedness and leisure activities with risky gambling behaviour and quality of life. Poorer social connectedness and leisure activities were found to be associated with increased gambling risk and poorer quality of life, respectively. Social connectedness and leisure activities strongly predicted type of gambling activities and quality of life. Furthermore, Māori (NZ's indigenous population) had lower social connectedness and fewer leisure activities, and a greater gambling risk, as well as higher psychological distress, than the NZ European/Other population. These findings indicate that the risk of progressing from recreational gambling to risky gambling is relatively higher for Māori, and that social connectedness and leisure activities could be contributing factors for this increased risk. It is, therefore, important that social connectedness and leisure activities are seriously considered in public health and treatment efforts to reduce gambling harm for vulnerable populations.

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.

The Application of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Model to Gambling Urge and Involvement.

Drawing on the intolerance of uncertainty model, this study aimed to examine whether intolerance of uncertainty and emotion regulation difficulties (in terms of impulse control difficulties and limited access to emotion regulation strategies) contributed to individual differences in gambling urge and involvement. Convenience sampling was used to recruit Chinese adult participants who had engaged in buying lottery tickets and other gambling activities in the past year. They were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire survey, and a total of 580 valid cases (Mage = 34.07, SD = 13.36; 50.4% female) were collected for data analysis. Path analysis showed that the total effect of intolerance of uncertainty on gambling urge and involvement was significant and positive. However, only impulse control difficulties and not limited access to emotion regulation strategies fully mediated the effect of intolerance of uncertainty. As the first study to apply the intolerance of uncertainty model to real-life gambling, it found that individuals' intolerance of uncertainty and impulse control difficulties contributed to more gambling urge and involvement. Improving emotion regulation skill (e.g., impulse control training) may, therefore, be considered in programs for promoting responsible gambling among Chinese gamblers.

On Social Gambling Activities in "A Dream of Red Mansions" 論《紅樓夢》中的社交博彩活動

On Social Gambling Activities in "A Dream of Red Mansions" 論《紅樓夢》中的社交博彩活動

Current loot box warnings are ineffective for informing consumers

Loot boxes - a form of in-game purchase within video games (i.e., “microtransactions”) - have received research attention due to their similarities with conventional gambling activities. A consistent positive correlation has been demonstrated between spending on loot boxes and problem gambling symptomatology. In April 2020, the video game regulatory boards across the United States (ESRB) and Europe (PEGI) announced a new warning label would be implemented for games than include loot boxes: “In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items)”. Such warnings may mitigate spending-related harms to consumers if they effectively inform consumers’ spending decisions. Here, we summarise findings from three preregistered studies showing that (1) consumers perceive that engaging with loot boxes has a potential for harm greater than non-randomised microtransactions, but lower than most gambling activities, (2) the perception of harm inferred by consumers from existing warning labels does not align closely to the potential harms perceived to be associated with loot box engagement, and, perhaps most importantly, (3) consumers do not appear to understand the ESRB/PEGI loot box warning. Thus, current warnings may fail to adequately inform consumer spending decisions.

Not all games are created equal: Adolescents who play and spend money on simulated gambling games show greater risk for gaming disorder

Research reports positive associations between gaming disorder (GD) in adolescents and loot box purchasing but has not examined this relationship for other types of simulated gambling. This study examined whether greater engagement and expenditure in three types of simulated gambling were associated with meeting the criteria for GD in adolescents. A sample of Australians aged 12–17 years (N = 826) was recruited through an online panel aggregator. It included 646 gamers (57.7% male) with 89 being classified as having past-year GD, as defined and measured by the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale. Independent variables comprised past-month engagement in three simulated gambling activities (games with ‘mini’ gambling components, social casino games, and loot boxes), loot box purchasing, other microtransactions, impulsiveness, and demographics. Logistic regressions first examined whether engagement in each of the three simulated gambling activities was individually associated with GD, then with all three in the same model, and then controlling for demographic variables and impulsivity. Logistic regressions also examined whether microtransactions and purchasing loot boxes were individually associated with GD, then with both in the same model, and then controlling for demographic variables and impulsivity. Adolescents who had engaged in each simulated gambling activity in the past month were more likely to report meeting the criteria for GD. These relationships remained significant when controlling for common demographics and impulsiveness. Past-month engagement in social casino games increased the odds of GD 2.5 times (95% CI: 1.54; 4.02), 2.4 times for games with ‘mini’ gambling components (95% CI: 1.42; 3.90) and 2.0 times for engaging in loot boxes (95% CI: 1.22; 3.21), but only social casino games remained significant when controlling for engagement in all three activities. The likelihood of meeting the criteria for GD increased 3.8 times with expenditure on microtransactions (95% CI: 2.32; 6.27) and 4.6 times for buying loot boxes, and each remained significant when both were included in the model. Compared to digital games without simulated gambling elements, simulated gambling appears to attract adolescents who report GD. Implications of the results are discussed in detail.

Problem gambling severity, gambling behavior, substance use, and mental health in gamblers who do and do not use cannabis: Evidence from a Canadian national sample

IntroductionCannabis use frequently co-occurs with gambling, and evidence indicates that both acute and chronic cannabis use may influence gambling behavior. The primary aim of the present study was to further contribute to the literature on this relationship by examining data collected from a Canadian national study of gambling. MethodsRespondents consisted of 10,054 Canadian gamblers recruited from Leger Opinion’s (LEO) online panel. In this study, gamblers who used cannabis were compared with non-users across a number of gambling as well as demographic and mental health variables. ResultsOf the total sample, 25.4 % reported past 12-month cannabis use. Among the 2,553 cannabis-users, 21.3 % reported daily use, and 69.9 % reported using once a month or more. A total of 56.2 % indicated they had used cannabis while gambling in the past 12 months. Bivariate analysis found significant differences between cannabis use and non-use on numerous demographic, mental health, and gambling-related variables. Individuals with greater problem gambling severity scores, more hours gambling, and a larger range of gambling activities were more likely to endorse using cannabis. Hierarchical logistic regression revealed that tobacco use, and having experienced significant child abuse were predictors of cannabis use. Non-use of cannabis was associated with older age, less engagement in online gambling, and being less likely to consume alcohol. ConclusionThe present findings both corroborate previous studies and expand upon the relationship between cannabis and gambling.