Problem Gambling Research Articles

Young people and gambling in sub-Saharan Africa: towards a critical research agenda

Recent decades have seen gambling become a highly lucrative industry across sub-Saharan Africa. Fuelled by the democratisation of access to digital finance and internet technologies, this gambling boom has been concentrated in Africa’s urban economies, where expanding youth populations are increasingly connected to global circuits of sport, popular culture and speculative forms of consumption. This has engendered growing interest in gambling as a distinct and emerging field of academic enquiry across sub-Saharan Africa. To date, psychiatric, epidemiological and behavioural sciences have provided the dominant frame for measuring the extent of ‘problem gambling’ and addiction, but there remains the need to expand and diversify the field to encompass more critical and interdisciplinary approaches that recognise gambling as a densely significant social and cultural phenomenon. This article aims to provide a point of departure for a critical research agenda on the differentiated impacts of gambling on young people and their communities across the continent.

Intimacy, relationality and interdependencies: relationships in families dealing with gambling harms during COVID-19

Gambling is an addictive behaviour that causes significant harms to individuals, families and societies. Problematic gambling can have profound impacts on family life, including financial destitution and relationship breakdown. In addictive relationships, addictive behaviour dominates over other social commitments. The COVID-19 pandemic had important implications on family life and gambling behaviours. This is likely to have affected family relationships in families experiencing gambling harms. The current study uses evidence from a qualitative survey (N=39) and interviews (N=5) collected with family members of gamblers to explore how family members of gamblers experienced addictive relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland. The results show that gambling negatively affects intimate relationships, relationality and interdependencies in families. For many, gambling-related harms were accentuated by the intensification of addictive relationships during the pandemic. For others, availability restrictions of gambling brought relief. The results also show a need for more family-oriented help services and highlight the importance of prevention.

Frequency of Impulsive-Compulsive Behavior and Associated Psychological Factors in Parkinson's Disease: Lack of Control or Too Much of It?

Background and Objectives: Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs) including pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive eating, compulsive buying, and other related behaviors are well-known distinct non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease (PD). Some large-scale studies present a prevalence of at least 10%, however, there are other reports providing much higher rates. The majority of the conducted studies investigating ICDs focus mainly on pharmacological factors, however, from a psychological perspective, there is yet enough room for investigation. In order to address the above issues, we designed a two-part study. Materials and Methods: First, we aimed to identify the incidence of ICD and related behaviors in a cohort of 892 Greek PD patients. Second, we administered a comprehensive battery of psychometric tools to assess psychological factors such as personality dimensions, quality of life, defenses, coherence, and resilience as well as to screen general cognitive capacity in PD patients with ICD manifestations. Results: With regard to the first part, we identified ICD manifestations in 12.4% of the patients. Preliminary findings from the second part indicate elevated activity, rather than impulsivity, as well as interrelations between several variables, including measures of activity, coping mechanisms, and quality of life. Conclusions: We present a working hypothesis for the contribution of high activity channeled to specific behavioral patterns through specific coping mechanisms, concerning the emergence of ICDs and related behaviors in PD, and further stress the importance of compulsivity rather than impulsivity in this process.

A meta-analytic investigation of problem gambling and self-harm: A causal inference perspective.

Problem gambling may be an underappreciated treatment target for reducing self-harm. Multivariate studies examining the relationship between problem gambling and self-harm have returned inconsistent results, perhaps due to insufficient power or differences in study quality. We conducted a series of meta-analyses examining the effect of problem gambling on self-harm outcomes of varying severity. We assessed the sensitivity of results to study characteristics, publication bias, and influential cases. To highlight threats to causal inference, we evaluated each study for residual confounding bias. In total, two types of meta-analyses were adequately powered: those assessing (a) the effect of problem gambling (binary) on suicide ideation and (b) problem gambling (binary) on suicide attempt (k = 14 unique studies between the two meta-analyses). For both meta-analyses, we found a positive, statistically significant average effect of problem gambling on the respective self-harm outcome. We did not detect any influential studies among these two meta-analyses, nor residual confounding. However, these findings are limited by the overall quality of included literature. PET-PEESE analysis detected substantial potential publication bias in the main results, with both meta-analytic effects being reduced to statistical nonsignificance. All included studies also used a cross-sectional design for their analysis of interest, thus simultaneity bias cannot be ruled out. While these findings suggest there is an appreciable relationship between problem gambling and at least two forms of self-harm (suicide ideation and attempts), well-designed longitudinal research is needed to make more firm conclusions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

El juego patológico en estudiantes de salud de una institución universitaria, Cauca, Colombia

ObjectiveTo establish the prevalence of pathological gambling in students to health sciences at the Cauca university. MethodsCross sectional descriptive research in 243 students of the health faculty, selected by two-stage proportional stratified sampling. A survey was sent through institutional emails, which consisted of sociodemographic, academic, clinical aspects and habits of cigarette and psychoactive substance consumption, in addition to the Brief Pathological Gambling Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the statistical package SPSS.25. ResultsMost of the participants were women, however the majority of those who has some relationship with the gambling were men; the prevalence was 5.8% of possible gambling addiction; 2.5% and 91.8% register some or no problems related to gambling addiction respectively. The variables cigarette consumption, psychoactive substance consumption and diagnosis of depression were statistically significant (p=0.001; p=0.01; p=0.043) in relation to possible gambling addiction. ConclusionsThe prevalence results indicate that university health students are considered a population at risk for pathological gambling.

Компьютерная игромания и кризис идентичности: социально-философский аспект

Gambling addiction as a social problem is becoming more and more relevant in conditions of almost complete transition of society to digital ways of interaction, when people spend most of their working and personal time on the Internet. The author considers computer game addiction as a factor affecting the processes of personal identification and self-identification. This is due to the fact that, immersed in a virtual gaming environment, a gamer has the opportunity to independently form his identity, using a game character and transferring its external data, attributes, character, habits and other parameters, ultimately on himself. In addition, interaction in the network community of players also does not require the demonstration of a real image, practically not limiting the player in the choice of means of personal identification. In the article, the author identified the signs of computer game addiction, including complete immersion in the game, inability to control their behavior during the game and immediately after leaving it, inability to manage time, loss of connection with reality, transformation of goals and interests, leading to an increase in aggression, implementation of antisocial behavior patterns, destruction of social ties and almost complete loss of skills of constructive interpersonal interaction. Substitution of values, loss of moral ideas and guidelines, inability to empathy, aggression, increased anxiety, isolation, decline in general intellectual level — these are not all the consequences of computer game addiction. According to the author, the prevention of cybernetic gambling addiction requires active information work with the population, as well as the development of a mechanism of legal regulation of online gambling.

Odds of gambling among adolescents: a secondary analysis of the cross-sectional European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs

BackgroundGambling among adolescents is associated with gambling disorder in adulthood. This study investigated factors associated with gambling and excessive gambling in adolescents. MethodsThis secondary analysis of the cross-sectional European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) used nationally representative data from the Irish cohort of the 2019 ESPAD wave. Data were collected between March and May 2019. We included 1949 students aged 15–16 years (946 [48·5%] male, 1003 [51·5%] female), with a response rate of 85%. We calculated past year gambling prevalence as the rate of those who had gambled for money on at least one of four games of chance (slot machines, cards or dice, the lottery, betting on sports or animals) in the past 12 months. An adapted version of the three-item Consumption Screen for Problem Gambling was used to identify excessive gambling (score ≥4). We carried out descriptive and logistic regression analyses using binary covariates with Stata v16.1. We included 19 variables in the multivariable analysis. Ethics approval was granted by Dublin Institute of Technology's Ethics Committee. Non-consent forms were issued to all parents to opt out. FindingsOverall, 447 (23%) of 1949 students gambled in the past year, of whom 45 (10%) engaged in excessive gambling. Using a mutually adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis, past year gambling was associated with alcohol use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1·6, 95% CI 1·1–2·2), experiencing serious arguments (aOR 1·4, 1·1–1·9), and trouble with the police (aOR 1·9, 1·2–2·8). Female gender was a protective factor (aOR 0·6, 0·4–0·9). In the univariable analysis, excessive gambling was associated with gaming (OR 2·3, 1·0–5·1), tobacco use (2·1, 1·1–4·2), e-cigarette use (2·1, 1·1–4·1), heavy episodic drinking (2·7, 1·4–5·1), trouble with the police (2·8, 1·5–5·4, p<0·01), and deliberately hurting themselves (2·8, 1·4–5·6). Female gender (OR 0·3, 0·1–0·6) and social media use (0·4, 0·2–0·8) were protective factors. Excessive gambling was also associated with betting on sports and animals (OR 3·6, 1·6–8·4), slot machines (2·9, 1·5–5·8), card or dice (2·4, 1·2–4·6), and online gambling (4·2, 2·0–8·0). InterpretationA large proportion of 15–16 year olds in Ireland have gambled for money in the past year, with one in ten of those having engaged in excessive gambling. This number is likely to be underestimated due to recall and social desirability bias. Reducing the availability, access, and appeal of gambling products in Ireland should be addressed through ongoing gambling reform. FundingInstitute of Public Health.

KEBIJAKAN PENEGAKAN HUKUM PIDANA DALAM MENANGGULANGI PERJUDIAN

Criminal law is often used to solve social problems, especially in crime prevention. In particular, the problem of gambling as a form of social disease, a form of social pathology. Enforcement of criminal law to tackle gambling as deviant behavior must continue to be carried out. This is very reasonable because gambling is a threat a real threat to social norms that can lead to individual tensions as well as social tensions. Gambling is a real or potential threat to the nation. Thus gambling can become an obstacle to national development with material-spiritual aspects. Because gambling educates people to make a living in an unreasonable manner and forming a "lazy" character. While development requires individuals who are active, hard working and mentally strong. It is very reasonable then gambling must immediately find ways and rational solutions for a solution. Because it is clear that gambling is a social problem that can interfere with the social functions of society. One of the rational efforts used to tackle gambling is the criminal law policy approach.The use of legal remedies, including criminal law, as an effort to overcome social problems, including in the field of law enforcement policies. Besides that, because the goal is to achieve public welfare in general, law enforcement policies are also included in the field of social policy, namely all rational efforts to achieve public welfare.

A28Developing and delivering a telephone skills simulation training for non-registered NHS mental health call-handlers

Registered healthcare professionals undertake a wide range of mental health work, sometimes with little preparation and training [1]. Increasingly non-registered staff take on mental health call-handler roles, having conversations with vulnerable individuals over the phone; these staff often lack the training to effectively communicate with callers. The aim of this initiative was to design and deliver a telephone skills training program for non-registered NHS mental health call-handlers, with the hypothesis that such training would improve their communication skills and overall job performance. Studies have shown that receiving training in having supportive mental health conversations over the phone increases staff confidence and changes their attitudes [2] and has the potential to benefit staff retention. A mixed-methods approach was used in the design, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection and based on the needs and feedback of the call-handlers themselves. Evidence shows that involving simulated patients (SPs) can be effective in telephone studies [3]; leading us to train experienced SPs in their roles as members of the community phoning the help line. All was face to face, although conducted over the phone with the SP hidden. Active participants, the SP and the observing participants all became involved in the debrief. The content covered active listening, empathy, signposting and options in handling the challenging situations. Developed over a month, the programme was delivered as part of an overall training for their roles. The evaluation of the session indicated significant self-rated confidence in having calls with members of the public. The scenarios increased in intensity, covering topics ranging from bullying, domestic violence, gambling addiction and intent to take life. Qualitative feedback from the call-handlers showed that they felt more confident and prepared in their roles, and were better equipped to handle challenging situations. The involvement of SPs was also found to be authentic and highly beneficial by the call-handlers. Participants requested frequent practice sessions, face to face or online. Investing in providing targeted training and support for non-registered NHS mental health call-handlers, can have a positive impact on their communication skills, overall job performance and likely staff retention. This can ultimately lead to improved quality of care and patient outcomes in the mental health sector. The involvement of SPs can provide a valuable learning experience, both in role and in the debrief, for call-handlers, and help to prepare them for real-life scenarios. Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.

Cluster analysis in gambling disorder based on sociodemographic, neuropsychological, and neuroendocrine features regulating energy homeostasis

BackgroundThe heterogeneity of gambling disorder (GD) has led to the identification of different subtypes, mostly including phenotypic features, with distinctive implications on the GD severity and treatment outcome. However, clustering analyses based on potential endophenotypic features, such as neuropsychological and neuroendocrine factors, are scarce so far. AimsThis study firstly aimed to identify empirical clusters in individuals with GD based on sociodemographic (i.e., age and sex), neuropsychological (i.e., cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, decision making, working memory, attention, and set-shifting), and neuroendocrine factors regulating energy homeostasis (i.e., leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, and liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2, LEAP-2). The second objective was to compare the profiles between clusters, considering the variables used for the clustering procedure and other different sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological features. Methods297 seeking-treatment adult outpatients with GD (93.6% males, mean age of 39.58 years old) were evaluated through a semi-structured clinical interview, self-reported psychometric assessments, and a protocolized neuropsychological battery. Plasma concentrations of neuroendocrine factors were assessed in peripheral blood after an overnight fast. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering was applied using sociodemographic, neuropsychological, and neuroendocrine variables as indicators for the grouping procedure. Comparisons between the empirical groups were performed using Chi-square tests (χ2) for categorical variables, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for quantitative measures. ResultsThree-mutually-exclusive groups were obtained, being neuropsychological features those with the greatest weight in differentiating groups. The largest cluster (Cluster 1, 65.3%) was composed by younger males with strategic and online gambling preferences, scoring higher on self-reported impulsivity traits, but with a lower cognitive impairment. Cluster 2 (18.2%) and 3 (16.5%) were characterized by a significantly higher proportion of females and older patients with non-strategic gambling preferences and a worse neuropsychological performance. Particularly, Cluster 3 had the poorest neuropsychological performance, especially in cognitive flexibility, while Cluster 2 reported the poorest inhibitory control. This latter cluster was also distinguished by a poorer self-reported emotion regulation, the highest prevalence of food addiction, as well as a metabolic profile characterized by the highest mean concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, and LEAP-2. ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify well-differentiated GD clusters using neuropsychological and neuroendocrine features. Our findings reinforce the heterogeneous nature of the disorder and emphasize a role of potential endophenotypic features in GD subtyping. This more comprehensive characterization of GD profiles could contribute to optimize therapeutic interventions based on a medicine of precision.

Validation of Gambling Related Cognitions Scale-Iranian Version (GRCS-IR).

The change in gambling forms, a wide variety of advertising methods, the access to gambling, as well as the increase in participation in online gambling have made it important to know and investigate gambling, particularly as pathological gambling leads to psychological and physical damage. The present study investigated the factor structure of the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS) proposed by Raylu and Oei in addiction. The study sample included 574 participants (40.2% male, 59.8% female) between 18 and 56 years of age. The instruments used in the present study included the GRCS, the South Oaks Gambling Screen Questionnaire (SOGS), the Victorian Gambling Screen (VGS), and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). A 5-factor GRCS model provided the best fit to the data, and gambling-related cognitions were a strong predictor of disordered gambling among adults. All subscales presented good internal consistency and scalability. The findings showed that the total score of the GRCS-IR was significantly different among men and women. The findings of this study confirmed that the Iranian version of the GRCS-IR is an effective multidimensional instrument that accurately measures cognitive distortions related to gambling. Consequently, it can be utilized as a valuable tool for assessing GRC (Gambling Related Cognitions) to understand the severity of pathological gambling and has the potential capacity to measure treatment outcomes.

A 5-year longitudinal examination of the co-occurring patterns of gambling and other addictive behaviors

ObjectiveWe examined the co-occurring patterns of problem gambling and substance/behavioral addiction severity over a five-year period and the predictors of the different co-occurring patterns of problem gambling and addiction severity. MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of the Quinte Longitudinal Study (QLS) data. The QLS is a 5-year prospective longitudinal study of gambling and problem gambling in the Quinte Region in Southern Ontario. The QLS consists of a total of 4,121 participants, including a sample of participants at risk of developing problem gambling. Severity of problem gambling, substance use, and behavioral addictions were used to examine their co-occurring patterns over time. Predictors of the co-occurring patterns included the presence of mental health disorders, personality, stress, happiness, lifesatisfaction, social support, family history, and demographics. ResultsSix co-occurring patterns of problem gambling and addiction severity were identified. The largest co-occurring pattern was characterized by concurrent decrease in gambling and other addictive behaviors. Several co-occurring patterns were characterized by moderate-to-severe problem gambling and other addiction severity that remained stable over time. No co-occurring pattern represented a decrease in gambling followed by increase in other addictive behaviors (e.g., addiction substitution). The presence of mental health disorders, stress, and lifesatisfaction significantly predicted the different co-occurring patterns. ConclusionsTaken together, the results suggest that in a non-clinical sample, gambling and other co-occurring addictive behaviors are likely to simultaneously decrease over time. Comorbidity of mental health disorders significantly influences co-occurring patterns of gambling and other addictive behaviors.

Do attention-deficit/hyperactivity symptoms influence treatment outcome in gambling disorder?

Background and aimsNumerous studies point to the comorbidity between gambling disorder (GD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, there is a lack of research exploring how ADHD symptoms might influence psychological treatment outcomes for GD. Therefore, we aimed to explore differences between patients with GD with and without self-reported ADHD symptoms regarding psychopathology, personality, sociodemographic and treatment outcome measures. MethodThis longitudinal study included 170 patients with GD receiving cognitive behavioral therapy. Multiple self-reported instruments were used to assess clinical variables and sociodemographic measures prior to treatment. ResultsA clinical profile characterized by greater GD severity, higher psychopathology and impulsivity, and less adaptive personality features was observed in patients with self-reported ADHD symptoms compared to those without. No significant differences in treatment response (measured by dropout and relapse rates) were observed between the two groups. However, patients with self-reported ADHD symptoms experienced more severe relapses (i.e., gambled more money) and GD patients who relapsed scored higher on measures of ADHD, particularly inattention. ConclusionIndividuals with GD and self-reported symptoms of ADHD may experience more severe relapses following treatment, suggesting a need for more vigilant follow-up and interventions for patients with this comorbidity.

Sports Gambling Intention Comparison Between Males and Females in the United States.

The focus of this research is to understand the sports gambling intentions of Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) that can potentially lead to problematic gambling behavior. Rooted in the theory of planned behavior, the study delves into the roles of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control in shaping these intentions. A cross-sectional study of 513 Gen Z's in the United States was conducted. The partial least square structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationship and compare the differences between males and females with multigroup analysis. The results indicate that attitude and perceived behavior control have a significant impact on this intention, while subjective norms do not exert substantial influence. Notably, gender differences are observed, with males showing a stronger association with perceived behavior control and females with attitude. The model effectively accounts for significant variations in sports gambling intention, highlighting a higher inclination among females as compared to males. This study provides a new perspective for analyzing disparities in sports gambling intention between genders and delves into the underlying motivations that can potentially contribute to the development of problematic gambling disorders. Given the significant societal impact and the adverse effects that gambling disorders have on those affected, it is imperative to conduct research aimed at understanding the reasons behind Gen Z's engagement in gambling. The findings can then be harnessed to inform the development of preventive programs aimed at curbing problematic gambling behaviors.

How can we measure gambling craving among adolescent gamblers? Psychometric properties of the Gambling Craving Scale

BackgroundCraving plays an important role in behavioural addictions such as Gambling Disorder (GD). However, it has only been included as a diagnostic criterion for substance addiction. Moreover, research on craving has focused mainly on adults, leaving out adolescents who can also be heavily involved in gambling behaviour. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the most widely used craving assessment scale, the Gambling Craving Scale (GACS), in adolescent gamblers. MethodFor the current study, 1246 adolescent gamblers attending secondary school were recruited to complete a self-report questionnaire online. The psychometric properties of the GACS were examined: Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted; reliability was examined using the internal consistency method; in terms of validity, the relationship between the GACS total and subscale scores with some risk factors for problem gambling, gambling frequency and gambling problem severity was analyzed. ResultsThe factor analysis supported the three-factor structure, and good internal consistency was found for the GACS total scale and its three subscales. As regards validity, the GACS subscales resulted to be significantly and positively associated with economic perception of gambling and outcome expectancy, gambling-related cognitive distortions, gambling frequency, and problem gambling. LimitationsThe findings of this study were based on self-report data and only criterion validity was analyzed. ConclusionsThe GACS is a valid and rapid self-report measure of gambling craving in adolescent gamblers. In terms of prevention, the multidimensionality of the GACS is important for interventions. Clinical samples of adolescents are needed to confirm the validity of the scale.

Latent profile analysis of gambling

Early age of gambling onset, ease of gambling with technological developments and lack of controlling online gambling games have led to unmanageable risk of gambling. Individual-centered approaches play a significant role in managing the risk that gambling poses on public health and discerning the heterogeneity of gambling addiction. Therefore, this study employed Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), one of the individual-centered approaches, to model the interactions across the psychosocial characteristics of gamblers. The study aims to reveal the latent profiles of gambling addiction. Unlike variable-centered approaches, LPA is a contemporary technique that provides objective information regarding individual psychological processes and behaviors. The profile indicators of the study involve psychosocial characteristics such as resilience, motives to gamble (excitement/fun, avoidance, making money, socializing), purposefulness, responsibility and worthiness. Data were collected from 317 volunteers (M = 68.9%; F = 31.1%; mean age = 25.16 ± 6.46) through the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Gambling Motives Scale (GMS) and Personal Virtues Scale (PVS). The emerging profiles were defined as adventurous players (14.2%), social gamblers (9.8%), professional gamblers (32.8%), problem gamblers (24.6%) and avoidant gamblers (18.6%). The individual-centered modeling is congruent with the literature on gambling and provides a complementary perspective to understand the heterogeneous structure of gambling. The results are expected to assist mental health professionals in developing educational and clinical intervention programs for gambling behavior. Finally yet importantly, it is recommended that new LPA models be offered through the use of different indicators related to gambling addiction.

Зарубежный опыт исследования предметного поля психологии гемблинг-аддикции личности современного цифрового мира

The article deals with the issues of correlation between gambling and the corresponding gambling addiction of an individual, predetermining the psycho-physiological state of his organism and placing him in the category of a problem gambler. Having identified the peculiarities of the online format of the process of gambling addiction, the author makes a typology of the modern landscape of gambling, built on digital platforms and contributing to moving the player’s consciousness into a state of euphoria from the expected winnings in a more accessible way and with the help of the virtual world. On the basis of the analysis of foreign literature on the problem of gambling addiction in the conditions of growing tendency to digitalisation of society and individual consciousness of individuals, the author focuses on some provisions of the sources introduced by him into scientific discourse, which are of interest both in theoretical terms and from the position of their practical relevance, with regard to clarification of the arsenal of psychodiagnostic tools having recommendatory value for various categories of specialists. In the author’s opinion, the psychological guidelines of authoritative representatives of foreign science reflected in the article will allow national specialists to make the necessary corrections in terms of the organisation of their activities to neutralise the negative consequences of problem gambling participation in both offline and online gambling.

Ethnicity as a risk factor for gambling disorder: a large-scale study linking data from the Norwegian patient registry with the Norwegian social insurance database

BackgroundThe study investigated ethnicity as a risk factor for gambling disorder (GD), controlling for demographics, citizenship, and years of residency in Norway.MethodsThe sample comprised 65,771 individuals from a national patient registry (n = 35,607, age range 18–88 years) and a national social insurance database in Norway (n = 30,164, age rage 18–98 years). The data covered the period from 2008 to 2018.ResultsThe results showed that when controlling for age and sex, ethnic minorities were overall less likely than those born in Norway to be diagnosed with GD (odds ratio [OR] ranging from 0.293 to 0.698). After controlling for citizenship and years of residency in Norway, the results were reversed and indicated that ethnic minorities were overall more likely to be diagnosed with GD (OR ranging from 1.179 to 3.208).ConclusionThe results suggest that citizenship and years of residency are important variables to account for when assessing the relationship between ethnicity and being diagnosed with GD. Our results may be explained by people from ethnic minority groups being more likely to experience gambling problems but less likely to seek contact with healthcare services for gambling problems.

Childhood Use of Coin Pusher and Crane Grab Machines, and Adult Gambling: Robustness to Subjective Confidence in a Young Adult USA Sample.

Gambling as a youth is a risk factor for experiencing gambling-related harm as an adult. Most youth gambling research focuses on illegal engagement with age-restricted products, but youth can also gamble legally, by for example betting with friends, or via coin pusher and crane grab machines. Research has associated recollected rates of usage of these machines as a child with adult gambling participation and problems, but only in the UK and Australia, and has not tested for robustness to subjective confidence. The present study conceptually replicated these prior studies by investigating the association between recollected childhood use of coin push and crane grab machines, and adult gambling behavior, in a young adult USA sample. Participants rated their subjective confidence to test if individual differences in recollection biases provided a better account for any observed associations. Results found high recollected engagement rates for both coin pusher (87.2%) and crane grab machines (97.0%), and 5 of the 6 tested associations between youth machine usage and adult gambling engagement and problems were significant and in the hypothesized direction. Rates of subjective confidence were on average high (83.3 and 89.2 on a 0 to 100 scale), and generally did not interact with participants' recollected rates of machine use. These findings extend prior research on potential public health concerns around children's legal engagement with coin pusher and crane grab machines to a new country, the USA.

КРИМІНОЛОГІЧНЕ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ПЕНІТЕНЦІАРНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ В УКРАЇНІ

This article deals with problems of development assistance of penitentiary system which directly correlates with necessity in establishment into national criminal and executive practice of international and European standards of administration of justice in in particular in the part of establishment of optimal balance between grave criminal offences and punishment especially if we speak about imprisonment. Authors focus attention that into today`s mechanism of security of convict rights and freedoms was successfully integrated the number of prospective European novelties, among which the public. Involvement of the public in Ukrainian criminological science was found as an actual method of carring out facultative influence on criminal activities in the state, including by popularization of the principle of zero tolerance for breaks of law in general and in criminal law. It is noted that we need to pay attention to victimological orientation in criminology and in the case of committing socially dangerous acts determined by an informal society and internal specific culture and customs of convicts. It is indicated that correlation of criminological and victimological influence on criminal society in penitentiary institution will give an opportunity to reduce amount of criminal offences and to prevent other variants of convicts` deviant behavior related to alcohol and gambling addictions, suicide etc. It is summarized that we need to reform criminal and criminal executive law and to shift to new and more progressive means and messieurs of fight with penitentiary recidivism among convicts and personal`s criminalization in penitentiary institutions. Authors proposed criminological messieurs for providing penitentiary security. Key words: penitentiary security, criminological providing, criminal offences, punishment, imprisonment, convicts, penitentiary institutions.