Gambling-related Problems Research Articles

Is it all about money? A qualitative analysis of problem gamblers' conceptualisations of money.

Aim:Money is an essential element in gambling but gambling disorders are more often discussed from the perspective of individual and psychological experiences than in the context of financial practices. Losing money is often among the first signs of problem gambling as well as being a motive for treatment-seeking. This article asks: what kinds of practices and meanings do problem gamblers assign to money in their everyday lives?Design:The data consist of 17 individual interviews with problem gamblers in Finland. The participants form a heterogeneous group of people with different financial backgrounds. Their discourses on money are systematically organised into a structured qualitative content analysis.Results:The results reveal four main conceptual traits of money as an everyday gambling-related problem: (1) a compelling need for money; (2) disposable money defining the tempo of gambling; (3) the balance between using money for gambling and spending it on other matters of everyday life; and (4) gradual spiral of increased money-related problems.Conclusions:Problem gambling re-organises the uses and sources of money in everyday life, and changes the meanings of money. Nevertheless, gambling spending does not seem to be utterly out of control, rather, on one hand, disposable income organises spending episodically, and on the other hand, problem gamblers exercise a certain degree of control over their household expenses. This observation could promote problem gamblers’ sense of control when recovering.this page for more information about identifying these."-->

Already at the Table: Patterns of Play and Gambling Involvement Prior to Gambling Expansion.

During 2011, the Governor of Massachusetts signed a bill to allow casino gambling in the state (Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2011). As a result, two resort casinos will begin operations during 2018 and 2019; a smaller slots parlor began operations during June 2015. Prior to this expansion, gambling was widely available in Massachusetts, through the state lottery, off-track betting, and gambling opportunities available in neighboring states. Within this context, it is important to understand the patterns of gambling involvement in the population prior to gambling expansion. The current study examined gambling involvement, patterns of play, and gambling-related problems prior to gambling expansion among a sample of 511 Massachusetts residents who were members of a statewide Internet panel. To measure patterns of play, we asked questions about past-year games played and frequency of play. To measure breadth of involvement, we assessed the number of different games played. To measure depth of involvement, we measured time spent gambling, amount wagered, and amount won or lost. Principal component analysis revealed four play pattern components accounting for more than 50% of the variance in game play frequency. Multiple regression analyses revealed that component scores composed of casino gambling and skill-based gambling (e.g., poker, sports) variables uniquely contributed to the prediction of gambling-related problems, even when depth of involvement was controlled. However, the addition of breadth of involvement to the model resulted in a model where no set of variables contributed significantly, suggesting a complex relationship among play patterns, depth, and breadth of involvement. The study established discrete and distinguishable gambling play patterns associated with gambling-related problems and identified groups of individuals potentially vulnerable to the effects of gambling expansion.

Online and Mobile Interventions for Problem Gambling, Alcohol, and Drugs: A Systematic Review.

Online interventions for gambling, alcohol, and illegal drug related problems have been developing at a fast pace over the past decade. Yet, little is known about the content and efficacy of interventions provided entirely online for reducing drug/alcohol use and gambling, or about the characteristics of those who use these interventions. This systematic review aims to describe the characteristics of online interventions, their efficacy, and the profile of their clientele. Documentation was mainly obtained through four scientific databases in psychology, technology, and medical research (PsychINFO, MedLine, Francis, and INSPEC) using three keywords (substances or gambling, intervention, Internet). Of the 4,708 documents initially identified, 18 studies meeting admissibility criteria were retained and analyzed after exclusion of duplicates and non-relevant documents. No study in the review related to problem gambling. The majority of interventions were based upon motivational or cognitive-behavioral theoretical approaches and called upon well-established therapeutic components in the field of addictions. The participants in these studies were generally adults between 30 and 46 years old with a high school education and presenting a high risk or problematic use. More than three quarters of the studies showed a short-term decrease in use that was maintained 6 months later, but only two studies included a 12 months follow-up. Online interventions seem promising and appear to meet the needs of participants who are in the workforce and seeking help for the first time. Long-term efficacy studies should nonetheless be conducted.

Estimate of the prevalence of subjects with gambling-related problems requiring treatment: a study in Northern Italy.

This study analyzes the data related to subjects who for the first time turned to a hospital or to a Public Treatment Service Dedicated to Drug Addicts or to a Community Mental Health Center for problems related to pathological gambling in the metropolitan area of Bologna (Northern Italy) in the period 2000/2015. The aims were to describe characteristics and problems of pathological gamblers (PGs), and to estimate the prevalence of PGs using the capture-recapture method. Four hundred and ninety-five residents were identified, with an estimate of 1570 PGs and a prevalence of 1.78 per 1000. We highlight a high number of new cases in the period after 2010. Most patients are males, aged from 40 to 50 years, 12% were born abroad, one in three suffers from other mental disorders, 9% has alcohol dependence, 8% drug dependence. We should point out the low level of education and the high number of unemployed subjects.

Youth Gambling in Croatia - Frequency of Gambling and the Occurrence of Problem Gambling

The main aim of this study was to explore the frequency of gambling and gambling-related problems among Croatian high school students. The specific objectives have been to explore gender differences, and differences in the frequency and severity of gambling problems regarding grade/age and type of school program. The study included n=2.702 high school students from all for grades and all three types of high school programs (3- and 4-year vocational/professional schools, and grammar schools) from 7 cities (Zagreb, Osijek, Rijeka, Split, Vinkovci, Slavonski Brod and Koprivnica) with equal representation of boys (n=1.330, 49.2%) and girls (n=1.372, 50.8%). The respondents’ mean age was Mage = 16.51 (SDage=1.17). The following instruments were used: Questionnaire on general socio-demographic data, Gambling activities questionnaire (Ricijaš, Dodig, Huić, & Kranželić, 2011) and the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Inventory - CAGI (Tremblay, Stinchfield, Wiebe, & Wynne, 2010). Results show that the lifetime prevalence of gambling among Croatian high-school students is 72.9%. The most prevalent games of chance are sports betting and lottery games, with sports betting being the most frequent of these activities. As much as 12.9% adolescents have already developed serious adverse gambling related consequences. Boys have significantly higher problem gambling rates than girls, while the effects of differences regarding the type of school and grade/age are relatively low. The results provide important baseline data for future research, interventions design, and for the improvement of social policy and legislation.

Change Strategies and Associated Implementation Challenges: An Analysis of Online Counselling Sessions.

Self-change is the most frequent way people limit or reduce gambling involvement and often the first choice of people experiencing gambling-related problems. Less well known is the range of change strategies gamblers use and how these are selected, initiated or maintained. This study examined change strategies discussed in counselling transcripts from 149 clients who accessed a national online gambling help service in Australia. Using thematic analysis, we identified the presence of six change strategies; cash control and financial management, social support, avoiding or limiting gambling, alternative activities, changing thoughts and beliefs, and self-assessment and monitoring. Four implementation issues were also identified; a mismatch between need and strategy selection or maintenance; importance and readiness versus the cost of implementation; poor or unplanned transitions between strategies; and failure to review the helpfulness of strategies resulting in premature abandonment or unhelpful prolonged application. This study is the first to identify change strategies discussed in online counselling sessions. This study suggests change strategies are frequently discussed in online counselling sessions and we identified multiple new actions associated with change strategies that had not previously been identified. However, multiple implementation issues were identified and further work is required to determine the helpfulness of change strategies in terms of their selection, initiation and maintenance.

Gambling Behavior Severity and Psychological, Family, and Contextual Variables: A Comparative Analysis

This study compares 3 groups consisting of individuals with no gambling problem, those with some problem, and pathological gamblers, according to the following 4 levels of analysis: social context (i.e., accessibility and social acceptance), family context (i.e., family of origin issues, family functioning, and family quality of life), marital issues (i.e., marital satisfaction and adjustment), and individual issues (i.e., congruence, differentiation of self, and psychopathological symptoms). The study protocol of 8 standardized scales, a sociodemographic questionnaire, and 6 independent questions was administered to 331 adults. The main results indicate that although the 2 groups of nonpathological gamblers exhibited differing levels of gambling severity, they did not differ statistically, suggesting that gambling-related problems were only evident when a pathological level was attained. The pathological gamblers exhibited a greater number of family, marital, and individual difficulties compared to the other 2 groups.

Gambling regulatory regimes and the framing of “responsible gambling” by transnational casino corporations: Asia-Pacific regimes in comparative perspective

This article addresses land-based casino gambling, with consideration of how Asia-Pacific gambling might be distinguished from other globally-oriented regional gambling regimes. Gambling is an area of public policy that is licensed and regulated by national/sub-national governments which use a range of policy instruments in seeking to curb gambling-related problems in an industry dominated by transnational casino corporations (TNCCs) with multiple sites and global supply chains. While the sheer scale of gambling in Macau tends to define Asian gambling, other jurisdictions seeking to capitalise on the burgeoning Asian market for gambling adopt similar liberal gambling regulatory models, with the partial exception of Singapore. Here, the role of TNCCs is explored, including how they frame and practice responsibility for predictable harms – operationalised as “responsible gambling” – by casinos with operations in Macau, Melbourne and Las Vegas. Industry self-regulation and individuals bearing risk and consequences of gambling-related harm are central axioms. Government and industry are co-producers of the costs and benefits of gambling in liberal regimes, and TNCCs operating across jurisdictions tend to operate to the least restrictive regulations rather than proactively embracing global best practice.

Gambling Behavior in People at Different Levels of Risk of Pathological Gambling

Objective. To study gambling behavior in betting office clients. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in Pavlovar. The cohort consisted of 216 subjects who were evaluated using a questionnaire method. The risk of being involved in pathological gambling was assessed using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. This formed groups with different levels of risk. Results and conclusions. The study cohort was dominated by individuals with intermediate and high risks of being involved in play addiction. Significant differences in the characteristics of gambling behavior were found between the groups being compared. Qualitative and quantitative measures of play activity were determined, and these provided evidence supporting the formation of an addictive dominant in the high-risk group (changes in motivations, financial losses, attraction to other types of gambling, regular gambling, and a low level of reflection on gambling-related problems).

Subtyping Gambling Acitivities: Case of Korca City, Albania

Gambling research has grown dramatically over the past 2-3 decades, however a lack of consensus regarding the risk factors and gambling etiology related to youth problem gambling still remain. So a better understanding of the nature of youth problem gambling could help us to clarify the etiology of gambling problems. Understanding gambling subtypes is necessary to improve our understanding of the etiology of problem gambling. The prediction of problem gambling is related with the participation in gambling activities. It is necessary to obtain a structure of gambling activities, in order to better understand gambling related problems and to treat problems in a more specified manner. The aim of the study was to determine the appropriate structure of gambling activities using factor analysis in a confirmatory framework. Students are a particularly interesting population in which to study gambling. The research utilized a cross-sectional design and self-report questionnaires. The study concludes that the two-factor solution better represents the chance-and skill-based gambling activities. The first factor is most strongly associated with chance-based activities (lottery, bingo, scratch cards). The second factor is most strongly associated with activities that require some degree of skill (poker, roulette, sport bet, racing, etc. ).

Problem gambling, anxiety and poverty: an examination of the relationship between poor mental health and gambling problems across socio-economic status

Socio-economic status has been shown to be significantly related to both problem gambling and mental health problems. Additionally, forms of psychopathology such as mood and anxiety disorders have been shown to correlate with problem gambling across a variety of settings. However, relatively little research has been conducted examining whether the connection between mood and anxiety disorders and problem gambling is consistent across different levels of socio-economic status. This study examines gambling-related problems among a representative sample of Canadian adults using the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey (N = 28,271). Generalized linear modelling is used to analyze the data. A moderation effect is found that shows the relationship between anxiety disorders and problem gambling severity varies significantly across socio-economic status. This study shows that social setting has an important influence on the assumed relationship between psychopathology and gambling problems that is downplayed in current problem gambling research. A discussion of the need for greater inclusion of socio-economic context when making assumptions about the connections between problem gambling and psychiatric disorders is made in light of the responsibilities of gambling providers and regulators.

Follow the money: using payment behaviour as predictor for future self-exclusion

Behavioural tracking is an increasingly discussed method of early detection of potential gambling-related problems. Recent research has focused predominantly on information derived from gambling transactions and communication logs. Even though payment behaviour establishes a direct link to the financial consequences of gambling, it had thus far not become subject to this field of research. This article uses transactional data generated by 2696 customers from the online gambling label bwin.com to investigate how far specific payment behaviours and specific payment methods enable a prospective differentiation between self-excluders and controls. The number and amount of deposits, the variance of withdrawals, the amount of funds subject to reversed withdrawals and the usage of mobile phone billing were found to be positively associated with self-exclusion; the number of active gambling months and the usage of electronic wallets and prepaid cards negatively. Customer age displayed a U-shaped relation, with customers of below and above average being stronger associated with self-exclusion. However, it must be noted that the validity of the resulting predictive model derived from payment data is lower than comparable models derived from gambling data. The results are discussed in the light of implementing early-detection and intervention algorithms based on customer behaviour.

Gambling among Croatian young people: an exploratory study of the relationship between psychopathic traits, risk-taking tendencies and gambling-related problems

The present study investigated the relationship between psychopathic traits, risk-taking tendencies and gambling problem severity and if these associations varied by gender in a community sample of Croatian adolescents (N = 282; 148 males). Results of the regression analyses showed that the Impulsive-Irresponsible behavioural style (YPI-II) and the Grandiose-Manipulative interpersonal style (YPI-GM) were the strongest postdictors of gambling-related problems. Surprisingly, independently of the YPI-II dimension, the Callous-Unemotional traits were negatively associated to gambling-related problems. By, contrast, independently of the psychopathic traits, risk-tendencies were not significant postdictors of gambling problem severity. With respect to gender differences, higher levels of the YPI-II and YPI-GM dimensions were related to more severe gambling-related problems only in males, not in females. Furthermore, while the CU traits exhibited protective features against gambling-related problems in both genders, the effect was stronger for males than for females.

Gambling behaviors and psychopathology related to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in problem and non-problem adult gamblers

Previous studies showed that Pathological Gambling and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often co-occur. The aim of this study was to examine whether ADHD is associated with specific severity patterns in terms of gambling behavior, psychopathology and personality traits. 599 problem and non-problem-gamblers were recruited in addiction clinics and gambling places in France. Subjects were assessed with the Wender-Utah Rating Scale-Child, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, the Temperament and Character Inventory, the South Oaks Gambling Screen and questionnaires assessing gambling related cognitive distortions and gambling habits. 20.7% (n=124) of gamblers were screened positive for lifetime or current ADHD. Results from the multivariate analysis showed that ADHD was associated with a higher severity of gambling-related problems and with more psychiatric comorbidity. Among problem gamblers, subjects with history of ADHD were also at higher risk for unemployment, psychiatric comorbidity and specific dysfunctional personality traits. This study supports the link between gambling related problems and ADHD in a large sample of problem and non-problem gamblers, including problem-gamblers not seeking treatment. This points out the necessity to consider this disorder in the prevention and in the treatment of pathological gambling.

Significant life events and social connectedness in Australian women's gambling experiences

Aim The aim is to examine significant life events and social connections that encourage some women to gamble. Specifically, how do these events and connections described as important for women who develop gambling-related problems differ for women who remain recreational gamblers? Design 20 women who were electronic gaming machine (EGMs, poker machines, slots) players were interviewed using a brief interview guide. They also completed the nine question Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) from the Canadian Problem Gambling Index CPGI). 11 women self-identified as recreational gamblers (RG) while 9 had sought and received help for their gambling problems (PG). Using a feminist, qualitative design and an adaptive grounded theory method to analyze their histories, a number of themes emerged indicating a progression to problem gambling for some and the ability to recognise when control over gambling was needed by others. Results Although both groups (RG and PG) reported common gambling motivations differences appeared in the strength of their social support networks and ways of coping with stress, especially stress associated with a significant life event. Conclusions The human need for social connectedness and personal bonds with others emphasised the usefulness of using social capital theories in gambling research with women.

An exploration of gender differences in the relationship between work family conflict and gambling problems

The current study is an examination of gender differences in the experience of problems as a result of gambling. Using the framework of work–family conflict, this study compares men and women in terms of how their participation in work and family life relates to gambling problems as measured by the Problem Gambling Severity Index. Data from the 2008 Canadian Community Health Survey, a large representative sample of 28,687 participants in three Canadian provinces, is analysed with generalized linear modeling. The findings of this study show that simultaneously occupying the roles of married spouse and working spouse is associated with more gambling-related problems for women, but fewer for men. The study concludes with a discussion of how the intersection of problem gambling and important aspects of social life presents different problems for men and women due to gendered expectations surrounding work and family life. Implications for the findings in relation to trends of increased use of electronic gaming machines by gambling providers are also discussed.

Extending the RENO model: Clinical and ethical applications.

The RENO Model, first published during 2004, described a science-based framework of responsible gambling principles for a range of industry operators, health service providers, community and consumer groups, and governments. These strategic principles serve as a guide for the adoption and implementation of responsible gambling and harm-minimization initiatives. This article extends the RENO Model core principles by describing how to apply these strategies to clinical practice. This discussion examines the central tenets of the model and includes a review of (a) the ethical principles that should guide the development, implementation, and practice of RENO Model responsible gambling activities; (b) a brief consideration of the various perspectives that influence the treatment of gambling-related problems; and (c) a discussion of key applied elements of responsible gambling programs. This article advances the argument that, to maximize positive outcomes and to avoid unintended harms, clinicians should apply science-based principles to rigorously evaluate the efficacy and impact of their clinical practice activities. (PsycINFO Database Record

Gambling-related problems across life domains: an exploratory study of non-treatment-seeking weekly gamblers

ABSTRACTThis study uses content analysis to provide a qualitative exploration of how life roles are affected by frequent (i.e. at least weekly) gambling, based on in-depth interviews with a community sample of 161 non-treatment-seeking frequent gamblers. Over half (51.6%) of the participants indicated problems associated with gambling and 131 examples were identified. The majority of problems were relational (50.4%), followed by financial (19.8%), work (13.7%), and school related (8.4%). Slightly less than half of participants (41.7%) reported losses due to gambling and 92 examples were provided. The most frequently reported loss was identity related (54.3%), which included self-esteem/shame (38.0%), estrangement from family (34.0%), estrangement from friends (16.0%), and estrangement from work colleagues (6.0%). Additional losses included health (29.3%) and financial (8.7%). Almost two-thirds of participants (64.6%) reported difficulty concentrating in family (18.4%), work (16.8%), and school (9.6%) activities, whereas general concentration problems comprised an additional 48.8% of the examples provided. Half of participants (49.1%) discussed behavioral withdrawal due to gambling, which included withdrawal from work (44.3%), relationships (24.5%), school (15.1%), and personal (6.6%) activities. These findings paint a complex picture of how gambling interferes with different life roles for some frequent gamblers, identifying important areas for future research and practice.

Fantasy Sports: A Growing Concern Among College Student-Athletes

Participation in fantasy sports has become increasingly popular. Typical gambling activities such as poker, sports wagering and, sports lotteries, share many similar characteristics with fantasy sports playing. Research has shown that not only are college students more likely to partake in risky behaviors (gambling, alcohol and drug use), but those who partake in fantasy sports are also more likely to experience gambling-related problems. However, no published studies have examined the relationship between student-athletes and fantasy sports participation. Using data from the 2004, 2008 and 2012 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) studies assessing gambling behaviors and problems among U.S college student-athletes, this study aims to explore the prevalence and growth in fantasy sports among student-athletes. Further, it examines whether, in the 2012 study, student-athletes qualifying as at-risk or having gambling problems participate more often in fantasy sports. Overall a steady increase in fantasy sports participation (for money or fun) in college was found looking at these three cross-sectional studies. Additionally, approximately half of college student-athletes who qualified as at risk or having gambling problems were found to have participated in fantasy sports wagering.

Motivational pathways from reward sensitivity and punishment sensitivity to gambling frequency and gambling-related problems.

Motives for gambling have been shown to have an important role in gambling behavior, consistent with the literature on motives for substance use. While studies have demonstrated that traits related to sensitivity to reward (SR) and sensitivity to punishment (SP) are predictive of substance use motives, little research has examined the role of these traits in gambling motives. This study investigated motivational pathways from SR and SP to gambling frequency and gambling problems via specific gambling motives, while also taking into account history of substance use disorder (SUD). A community sample of gamblers (N = 248) completed self-report questionnaires assessing SR, SP, gambling frequency, gambling-related problems, and motives for gambling (social, negative affect, and enhancement/winning motives). Lifetime SUD was also assessed with a structured clinical interview. The results of a path analysis showed that SR was uniquely associated with all 3 types of gambling motives, whereas SP and SUD were associated with negative affect and enhancement/winning motives but not social motives. Also, both negative affect and enhancement/winning motives were associated with gambling problems, but only enhancement/winning motives were significantly related to gambling frequency. Analyses of indirect associations revealed significant indirect associations from SR, SP, and SUD to gambling frequency mediated through enhancement/winning motives and to gambling problems mediated through both negative affect and enhancement/winning motives. The findings highlight the importance of SR and SP as independent predictors of gambling motives and suggest that specific motivational pathways underlie their associations with gambling outcomes.