Problem Gambling Severity Index Research Articles

Gambling participation and risk after COVID-19: Analysis of a population representative longitudinal panel of Australians.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling participation and levels of gambling harm across populations during the pandemic is now addressed in a well-established body of empirical literature. This study aimed to measure the longer-term implications of COVID-19 on gambling participation and levels of gambling harm. Population-based cohort study using group-based trajectory modelling. Australia, using gambling participation, problem gambling risk, sociodemographic and psychosocial data from 2019 (pre COVID-19), 2020, 2021 (during COVID-19) and 2023 (post COVID-19). A population representative survey of Australian adults, including four waves collected in April 2019 (n = 2054), November 2020 (n = 3029), October 2021 (n = 3474) and January 2023 (n = 3370), with a subset (n = 3160) of the sample having longitudinal data available. Participants were asked which gambling activities they participated in over the past 12 months for money. Problem gambling risk was measured by the nine-item Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). There was an overall reduction in gambling participation during COVID-19 and return to pre-pandemic levels for most gambling activities by 2023. The longitudinal analysis yielded four trajectories of gambling participation from 2019 to 2023, including individuals who (1) never gambled (25.0% of the longitudinal sample; n= 789); (2) engaged in non-problematic gambling (59.8%; n= 1888); (3) ceased gambling during COVID-19 and started again post pandemic (10.7%; n= 337); and (4) engaged in high risk gambling (4.6%; n= 146), with particular demographic and psychosocial profiles and patterns of participation in specific gambling activities related to these trajectories. Although overall gambling participation rates decreased at the population level in Australia during COVID-19, by 2023 participation in gambling appeared to have nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels. Patterns of gambling behavior before, during and after the pandemic appear to be heterogeneous.

Cue-Reactive Phenomenology Mediates the Relationship Between Positive Schizotypy and Cue-Reactive Urge to Gamble in Poker-Machine Gamblers.

Although ubiquitous in numerous nightlife cultures, poker-machines present a high risk for problematic use and addiction. Previous research has demonstrated that gambling cues (e.g., flashing lights) can activate gambling urges in poker-machine gamblers. However, the processes that contribute to the maintenance of cue-reactive urges to gamble remain unclear. Consequently, the present study explored whether positive schizotypy predicted gambling urge, and whether cue-reactive altered state of awareness, cue-reactive altered time sense, and cue-reactive absorption mediated this relationship. Seventy adults aged between 19 and 68 (M = 48.86, SD = 12.82) participated in an online cue-reactivity experiment. Participants first completed the Problem Gambling Severity Index and the Unusual Experiences subscale of the Short Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences. Subsequently, at three time points (i.e., baseline, directly after a neutral cue, and directly after a gambling cue) participants completed the Altered State of Awareness, Altered Time Sense, and Absorption subscales of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory and a visual analogue scale measuring cue-reactive urge to gamble. It was found that positive schizotypy was significantly positively correlated with cue-reactive urge to gamble. Additionally, cue-reactive altered state of awareness, cue-reactive altered time sense, and cue-reactive absorption mediated this relationship. The theoretical, clinical and practical implications are discussed.

Using Artificial Intelligence Algorithms to Predict Self-Reported Problem Gambling Among Online Casino Gamblers from Different Countries Using Account-Based Player Data

AbstractThe prevalence of online gambling and the potential for related harm necessitate predictive models for early detection of problem gambling. The present study expands upon prior research by incorporating a cross-country approach to predict self-reported problem gambling using player-tracking data in an online casino setting. Utilizing a secondary dataset comprising 1743 British, Canadian, and Spanish online casino gamblers (39% female; mean age = 42.4 years; 27.4% scoring 8 + on the Problem Gambling Severity Index), the present study examined the association between demographic, behavioral, and monetary intensity variables with self-reported problem gambling, employing a hierarchical logistic regression model. The study also tested the efficacy of five different machine learning models to predict self-reported problem gambling among online casino gamblers from different countries. The findings indicated that behavioral variables, such as taking self-exclusions, frequent in-session monetary depositing, and account depletion, were paramount in predicting self-reported problem gambling over monetary intensity variables. The study also demonstrated that while machine learning models can effectively predict problem gambling across different countries without country-specific training data, incorporating such data improved the overall model performance. This suggests that specific behavioral patterns are universal, yet nuanced differences across countries exist that can improve prediction models.

Establishing the temporal stability of machine learning models that detect online gambling-related harms

Artificial Intelligence (AI) models can detect at-risk online gamblers by analyzing patterns in their betting behaviour, but their performance over time has not been assessed. Linking online gamblers’ self-reported gambling problems to their transactional gambling data, we investigated the temporal stability of online gambling behaviours at two timepoints (2019–2022). We then assessed the impacts of shifting gambling behaviours on the performance of two previously-validated AI harm detection models.Adult users of a Canadian online gambling website (n2019 = 9,145, n2022 = 11,258) completed the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a validated questionnaire examining past-year gambling problems. Population Stability Index assessed the temporal stability of 10 previously-validated indicators of problematic online gambling. Two AI models were then revalidated using overall and threshold-dependent performance metrics.All measured indicators of problematic online gambling behaviour shifted significantly from 2019 to 2022 (all p < 0.001). Existing AI models showed significant changes in Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve (PGSI 5+ ΔAUPRC = +2.87%; t(20401) = 2.83, p = 0.004; PGSI 8+ ΔAUPRC = +7.06%; t(20401) = 7.21, p < 0.001). Adjusting these models’ decision thresholds realigned their classification performance with originally-validated levels. These results support the use of AI for online gambling harm detection.

Severity of gambling behaviors: exploring associations with venues, legality, and substance use

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to an increase in gambling behaviors, potentially leading to Gambling Disorder (GD) and adverse health and social consequences. Problematic gambling has received little research attention over the years in Israeli society and the issue of gambling is not high on the list of priorities of Israeli policymakers. The present study examined gambling behavior in Israel on a continuum of severity and its association with venues where the gambling occurs, legality, attitude toward the legalization of casinos and poker, and substance use.MethodsThe study questionnaires were distributed to approximately 15,000 Jewish-Israeli adults via internet panel. From 3,088 Israeli adults who answered the questionnaire, 1,251 (40.5%) reported gambling in the last year and were included in the analyses.ResultsBased on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, 60% of participants were classified as non-problem gamblers, 25% as at low-risk for a gambling problem, 11% as at moderate risk, and 4% as having a gambling problem. Most online gambling was practiced by non-problem gamblers (40%) and most illegal gambling was by low-risk gamblers (34%). The more severe the gambling behavior was on the continuum, the more it was associated with illegal substance use and positive attitudes toward legalized casinos in Israel. Logistic regression showed the odds of developing moderate and problem gambling were 3.8 times higher for online gamblers (OR = 3.8; CI 2.6–5.4; p < 0.000) and 3.3 times higher for illegal gamblers (OR = 3.3; CI 2.2–4.9; p < 0.000).ConclusionThough more research attention should be paid to gambling behaviors, harm reduction gambling interventions should be made available to all categories on the continuum of severity of gambling behaviors. The present study provides evidence-based information to promote health policies that aim to prevent and reduce harm for Israeli gamblers.

Intersection of gambling with smoking and alcohol use in Great Britain: a cross-sectional survey in October 2022

ObjectivesGambling is associated with cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. We explored the intersection of gambling across all risk levels of harm with smoking and alcohol use among adults in Great...

Online communities as a risk factor for gambling and gaming problems: A five-wave longitudinal study

Online communities are becoming increasingly important in everyday life, providing opportunities for leisure habits and social organization. Some online communities are also considered risky for participants, but longitudinal studies on the potential negative consequences are needed. This social psychological study was grounded in theories of group behavior and social identification. We examined the longitudinal associations between participation in gambling and gaming online communities and excessive gambling and gaming. The role of social media identity bubbles was also considered. We used linear hybrid models and longitudinal data comprising five time points (T1–T5) to analyze within- and between-person associations. Nationally representative data were collected from Finnish respondents aged 18–75 (N = 1530) between 2021 and 2023. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) was used to measure gambling problems, and the Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT) was used to measure gaming problems. The Identity Bubble Reinforcement Scale (IBRS) measured involvement in social media identity bubbles. The results indicated that participating in online communities was associated with both gambling and gaming problems at the within- and between-person levels. Interaction analyses showed that these problems were increased among active online community users who were also involved in online identity bubbles. Online identity bubbles play a significant role in the process by which non-problematic leisure activities can become addictive behaviors.

Keeping you connected or keeping you addicted? Weekly use of social media platforms is associated with hazardous alcohol use and problem gambling among adults.

A wide variety of social media platforms exist, each offering tailored solutions to attract specific target audiences based on their social media needs and interests. This diversity may pose a risk factor for the development or perpetuation of harmful behaviors. Research has established a connection between social media use and increased health risk behaviors. This six-wave exploratory longitudinal study investigated the associations between active social media use, hazardous alcohol use, and problem gambling among adult social media users. Data were collected via surveys in 6-month intervals, starting in March-April 2021 (T1: N = 1530; Mage = 46.67; SD = 16.42; 50.33% male). Of the T1 respondents, 58.10% participated in T6 (n = 889). Measures included the frequency of use of different social media platforms, the 3-item Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Hybrid multilevel regression models were used for analyses. We found positive within-person effects of weekly Facebook use and between-person effects of weekly use of Facebook, TikTok, and gambling-related online communities on drinking. These results suggest an increase in hazardous alcohol consumption over time among the platforms' active users. Weekly Instagram use had a negative between-person effect on hazardous alcohol use. Individuals using TikTok or gambling communities weekly were more prone to problem gambling compared to non-weekly users. There are risks involved in the active use of some social media services among adult users. Prevention work, including digital health interventions, should be targeted according to the appropriate user group.

The association between health-related quality of life and problem gambling severity: a cross-sectional analysis of the Health Survey for England

BackgroundProblem gambling can lead to health-related harms, such as poor mental health and suicide. In the UK there is interest in introducing guidance around effective and cost-effective interventions to prevent harm from gambling. There are no estimates of the health state utilities associated with problem gambling severity from the general population in the UK. These are required to determine the cost-effectiveness of interventions. This study aims to use an indirect elicitation method to estimate health state utilities, using the EQ-5D, for various levels of problem gambling and gambling-related harm.MethodsWe used the Health Survey for England to estimate EQ-5D-derived health state utilities associated with the different categories of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), PGSI score and a 7-item PGSI-derived harms variable. Propensity score matching was used to create a matched dataset with respect to risk factors for problem gambling and regression models were used to estimate the EQ-5D-derived utility score and the EQ-5D domain score whilst controlling for key comorbidities. Further exploratory analysis was performed to look at the relationship between problem gambling and the individual domains of the EQ-5D.ResultsWe did not find any significant attributable decrements to health state utility for any of the PGSI variables (categories, score and 7-item PGSI derived harms variable) when key comorbidities were controlled for. However, we did find a significant association between the 7-item PGSI derived harms variable and having a higher score (worse health) in the anxiety/depression domain of the EQ-5D, when comorbidities were controlled for.ConclusionsThis study found no significant association between problem gambling severity and HRQoL measured by the EQ-5D when controlling for comorbidities. There might be several reasons for this including that this might reflect the true relationship between problem gambling and HRQoL, the sample size in this study was insufficient to detect a significant association, the PGSI is insufficient for measuring gambling harm, or the EQ-5D is not sensitive enough to detect the changes in HRQoL caused by gambling. Further research into each of these possibilities is needed to understand more about the relationship between problem gambling severity and HRQoL.

When Vegas Comes to Wall Street: Associations Between Stock Price Volatility and Trading Frequency Amongst Gamblers

AbstractBoth gambling and trading involve risk-taking in exchange for potential financial gains. In particular, speculative high-risk high-frequency trading closely resembles disordered gambling behaviour by attracting the same individuals who tend to be overconfident, sensation-seekers, and attracted to quick large potential payoffs. We build on these studies via an incentivised experiment, in which we examine how manipulated levels of market volatility affected trading frequency. Gamblers (N=604) were screened based on the existence of household investments and recruited across the four categories of the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The volatility of stocks was manipulated between-participants (high vs. low). Participants traded fictitious stocks and were provided bonuses based on the results of their trading activity (M=US$4.77, range=[0, 16.99]). Participants traded more often in the high-volatility market, and this finding remained robust after controlling for financial literacy, overconfidence, age, and gender. Many investors trade more frequently than personal finance guides advise, and these results suggest that individuals are more likely to commit this error in more volatile markets. Exploratory analyses suggest that the effect of the volatility manipulation was strongest amongst gamblers who were at low-risk of experiencing gambling harms. As they might be otherwise considered low-risk, these individuals could be overlooked by protective gambling interventions yet nonetheless suffer unmitigated financial harms due to unchecked excessive trading.

What Role Do Maladaptive Coping and Escape Expectancies Play in the Relationship Between Stress and Problem Gambling? Testing a Moderated Mediation Model

AbstractStress has long been implicated in relation to problem gambling and gambling disorder. However, less is known about the psychological processes that link stress to problem gambling through other known correlates, including outcome expectancies and maladaptive coping. The current study tests a moderated mediation model whereby the effect of stress on problem gambling was hypothesized to be mediated by escape outcome expectancies, with this mediation effect moderated by maladaptive coping. Participants (N = 240; 50.2% male, Mage = 32.76 years; SDage = 11.35 years) were recruited from an online crowdsourcing platform and provided responses on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21; Lovibond &amp; Lovibond, 1995), the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI; Ferris &amp; Wynne, 2001), escape subscale of the Gambling Outcome Expectancies Scale (GOES; Flack &amp; Morris, 2015) and the Brief COPE (Carver, 1997). The model was tested using Hayes’ (2018) PROCESS macro, revealing a significant moderated mediation effect of the stress-escape path by maladaptive coping, showing that the effect was significant when maladaptive coping was high. The findings provide support for escape outcome expectancies as being a potential mechanism through which the stress-problem gambling relationship may operate specifically, influenced by how gamblers are engaged in maladaptive coping generally. There is a need to further investigate the potential for combining gambling outcome expectancy challenges with methods to reduce maladaptive coping or develop more adaptive responses in the face of stress among problem gamblers.

Exploring Sports Betting Prevalence, Patterns, Effects, And Associated Factors Among Undergraduate Students in a Nigerian University — A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: The rise of legalized gambling, fueled by technology and social media, has transformed betting into a risky economic activity that promises income. In Nigeria, sports betting has become increasingly popular among youths, particularly university students, with easy online access contributing to its prevalence. However, inadequate awareness of its risks and impact on academics persists due to the perception that sports betting lacks overt physical manifestations. Research is needed to increase understanding of sports betting's patterns, correlates, and impact, especially among undergraduates. AIMS: This study aimed to shed light on the prevalence, patterns, and implications of sports betting among undergraduates at the University of Calabar, to foster comprehensive solutions to address its negative consequences on academic performance and overall well-being. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate students of a federal University in Nigeria. Multistage randomized sampling was utilized to recruit 406 participants for the study. Seventeen departments were selected using simple random sampling, and one class was chosen from each department through balloting, resulting in a total of 17 classes. Proportional allocation was used to determine the number of participants required from each class, and systematic sampling was employed to select the participants. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire adapted from the British Gambling Prevalence Survey, with the Problem Gambling Severity Index used to assess the prevalence of problem gambling and the effects of sports betting on bettors. Motivations for sports betting were assessed using the Reasons for Gambling Questionnaire. The impact of sports betting on academics was evaluated using a separate set of questions. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26; p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Out of 406 undergraduate respondents, 36.7% had engaged in sports betting, with 30.3% participating in the past year. Among past-year gamblers, 21.9% bet as frequently as 2-3 days a week, 18.7% bet 2-3 days a month, and 15.40% bet daily. Football was the preferred sport for 95.9% of sports bettors. Two-thirds of past-year gamblers used online platforms for betting, while 32.5% utilized land-based venues. Most sports bettors (87.8%) were motivated by monetary consideration, while 10.5% did so out of fear of missing out. Advertisements influenced 56.1% of respondents' decisions to place bets. Problem gambling prevalence was 14.3% in the study population and 47.2% among past-year gamblers. Negative academic impacts were reported by 64.2% of past-year gamblers. In bivariate analysis, a p-value &lt;0.05 was considered significant, and age, sex, and monthly income had a significant relationship with lifetime gambling prevalence. Sex and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with problem gambling. Regular gambling was significantly related to academic performance. CONCLUSION: Gambling is prevalent among undergraduates and a significant proportion develop addictive disorders like problem gambling requiring mental health rehabilitation. This study underscores the necessity of interventions, regulations, and support services to tackle the prevalence and consequences of sports betting among students. Recommendations include education campaigns, age verification, financial literacy programs, and support groups to empower students and address potential negative impacts.  

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.

Financially focused self-concept and disordered gambling are bidirectionally related over time

Objective Prior research has shown a moderately positive association between financially focused self-concept and disordered gambling. Because most prior research was cross-sectional, it is unclear whether financially focused self-concept contributes to the onset and maintenance of disordered gambling whether a financially focused self-concept is a consequence of disordered gambling, or both. Thus, we addressed this gap in knowledge by examining the temporal association between financially focused self-concept and disordered gambling symptoms. Method Two longitudinal studies were conducted, involving participants who gamble. Study 1 included 308 university students and Study 2 included 2,008 community members. They completed the Financially Focused Self-Concept Scale (FFS) and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) at two separate measurement occasions, spaced approximately 6–7 months apart. Results Preliminary analyses confirmed that the FFS and PGSI each had strict or at least partial temporal measurement invariance in both studies. As expected, in Studies 1 and 2, participants with higher (relative to lower) initial financial focus had more disordered gambling symptoms 6-7 months later. Conversely, in Studies 1 and 2, participants with more (relative to less) severe initial disordered gambling symptoms increased their financial focus 6-7 months later. The magnitude of the effects was moderate in size. Conclusions Findings suggest that the temporal relation between financially focused self-concept and disordered gambling is bidirectional. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for prevention and treatment interventions as well as for the FFS and PGSI psychometric literatures.

Guided versus unguided chatbot-delivered cognitive behavioral intervention for individuals with moderate-risk and problem gambling: A randomized controlled trial (GAMBOT2 study)

BackgroundInternet-based interventions can be a promising option for individuals with problem gambling facing barriers to seeking help. This study aimed to directly compare the effects of therapist-guided Internet interventions with unguided ones on gambling-related behavior, cognition, and stage of change including help-seeking intention. MethodsWe conducted a participant-blinded randomized controlled trial of therapist-guided versus unguided groups with a 12-week follow-up. Both groups received self-help chatbot-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, the guided group received personalized feedback messages from therapists based on their gambling diary and questionnaire responses. The unguided group received reminders of assessments from research assistants. The primary outcome was the change in scores on the Gambling Symptoms Assessment Scale (G-SAS) over 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the stage of change including help-seeking intention, money wagered, gambling frequency, and gambling-related cognitions. ResultsWe included 139 participants with a mean Problem Gambling Severity Index total score of 14.6 and a mean G-SAS total score of 27.0 who sought information about gambling problems. Both groups demonstrated substantial decreases in their G-SAS scores from baseline to week 12 (-10.2, 95% CI: −7.67 to −12.7 for the guided group, and 11.7, 95% CI: −9.05 to −14.3 for the unguided group). However, we did not find a significant between-group difference (1.49, 95% CI: −2.20 to 5.17). Regarding the stage of change including help-seeking intention, there were also no between-group differences. ConclusionsMinimum therapist support did not have an additive effect on the self-help chatbot intervention on gambling symptoms, behavior, and the stage of change including help-seeking intention.

Effectiveness of a web-based self-help tooltoreduce problem gambling: Arandomizedcontrolled trial.

Problem gambling constitutes a public health concern associated with psychopathological comorbidity, substance use, and financial difficulties. Most individuals with gambling problems avoid counseling services due to perceived stigma and their preference for self-reliance. Treatment accessibility could be improved through web-based interventions. We recruited 360 individuals with gambling problems and randomized them to a web-based intervention (n = 185) or an active control group consisting of a self-help manual for problem gambling (n = 175). The primary outcome was the number of days of gambling in the last 30 days. Secondary outcomes included money spent in the last 30 days, time gambling in the last 7 days, gambling-related problems, consumption of alcohol and cigarettes, and psychopathological comorbidity measured at posttreatment and 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome decreased significantly for both groups, with no significant difference between the groups. There were significant group × time interactions according to theGambling Symptom Assessment Scale (F = 8.83, p <0 .001), the Problem Gambling Severity Index (F = 3.54, p = 0.030), for cigarettes smoked in the last 7 days (F = 26.68, p < 0.001), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (F = 19.41, p <0 .001), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (F = 41.09, p <0 .001) favoring the intervention group. We experienced an overall high dropout rate (76%). Win Back Control seems to be an effective low-threshold treatment option for individuals with gambling problems that might otherwise be unapproachable for outpatient treatment services. Nevertheless, the high dropout rate should be considered when interpreting the study results, as they may have introduceda degree of variability.

Gambling Motives and Offshore Gambling: A Finnish Population Study.

The rise of online gambling has drawn attention towards offshore gambling. Currently there is lack of evidence on reasons and motivations to gamble on offshore gambling sites. This study investigated the general gambling motives of onshore and offshore gamblers, and the reasons to gamble on offshore gambling sites. The study used binary logistic regression model to analyze the data from Finnish Gambling 2019 population survey including adult past-year online gamblers (n = 1,422). The validated measure for problem gambling severity (PGSI, Problem Gambling Severity Index) was used. Furthermore, data-driven qualitative analysis was used to form categories for the reasons to gamble on offshore gambling sites. Offshore gambling was more common among men and younger age groups than among women or older age groups. Offshore gamblers gambled less often for money or worthy causes than onshore gamblers. Furthermore, offshore gamblers had more different types of motives to gamble, they gambled more frequently and had higher problem gambling severity scores (PGSI) than onshore gamblers. Finally, the most common reasons to gamble offshore were: (1) larger game supply and game features, (2) benefits, bonuses, and the usability of the website, and (3) inner motivation. Offshore gambling is characterized with intensity and diversity of gambling behavior and motives, and it poses a risk especially for young men.

The Dynamics of Psychological Distress in the Trajectory of At-Risk and Problem Gambling: Results from a Prospective Population-Based Longitudinal Study in Australia

AbstractThis study employed parallel growth curve modelling to examine the changes in both psychological distress and at-risk and problem gambling as a development process. We used a prospective longitudinal population-based study to provide further insights beyond treatment samples and cross-sectional studies. A secondary data analysis was conducted by extracting a sample of 3460 Victorian adults from the Victorian Gambling Study 2008–2011. Findings suggested that psychological distress was a consistent risk factor for at-risk and problem gambling, as measured by the problem gambling severity index (PGSI), after controlling for other risk factors such as sex, age, histories of at-risk and problem gambling, and the experience of trauma. A more rapid increase in psychological distress over time was related to a more rapid increase in the PGSI trajectory. It is concluded that this study supports a positive association in the development trends of problem gambling severity and psychological distress in individuals who engaged in gambling. The association persists after adjusting for histories of gambling problem risk and the experience of trauma in life. The implications of the study suggest addressing the comorbidity of problem gambling risk and psychological distress in treatment and prevention, and the development of dual-diagnosis treatment programs.

Problem gambling severity in a nationally representative sample of the Israeli population: the moderating role of ethnonational affiliation.

Gambling is a public health concern. Problem gambling is related to a range of psycho-social risk factors including ethnonational affiliation. Israel is an insightful case to probe problem gambling, given the socio-economic marginalization of Israeli Arabs, the continued exposure of Israelis to stress and the conservative Israeli gambling market. This study aimed to estimate problem gambling severity in Israeli society, characterize the sociodemographic, environmental, mental health, and gambling-related risk factors associated with problem gambling severity, and examine the role of ethnonational affiliation (Israeli Jewish/Arab) as a moderating factor in the associations between these risk factors and problem gambling severity. A cross-sectional study based on a representative sample of 3,244 Israelis was conducted in 2022, of whom 1,626 had gambled in the previous year. Measurements included Problem Gambling Severity Index, Gambling Behaviors, Perceived Neighborhood Cohesion, Stress, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, and sociodemographic variables. Low-risk, moderate-risk and problem gambling were reported by 16.7% of the total sample. The main risk factors for problem gambling were being an Israeli Arab, traditional, residing in a low socio-economic cluster, reporting anxiety symptoms, and higher gambling behaviors, specifically in legal/illegal online gambling. Ethnonational affiliation (Israeli Jewish/Arab) moderated the associations between gambling, illegal online gambling, and problem gambling severity. Higher neighborhood cohesion emerged as a risk factor for problem gambling solely for Israeli Arabs. As an excluded minority, Israeli Arabs may turn to gambling as a method to access the core republican community, thus, exposing themselves to a higher risk of developing problem gambling.

Prevalence of suspected autism spectrum disorder and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder in a Japanese clinical sample with gambling disorder: A cross‐sectional study

AbstractAimStudies show gambling disorders are associated with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The association between gambling disorders and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not been well studied, although ASD is often comorbid with ADHD and is associated with gaming disorder. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of ASD and ADHD traits comorbid with gambling disorders and to examine the relationships between these traits and gambling problems in a clinical population.MethodsThis single‐site cross‐sectional study was conducted at a Japanese addiction outpatient clinic treating gambling disorders. The Autism‐Spectrum Quotient (AQ) test and the Adult ADHD Self‐Report Scale (ASRS) were used to screen ASD and ADHD. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) was used to assess the severity of the gambling problems. We calculated the prevalence of suspected ASD and ADHD with 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on a binomial distribution and performed univariate analyses to examine the relationships between the AQ and ASRS scores and the total PGSI score.ResultsWe included 97 of 197 potential participants. After screening the participants using the AQ and ASRS, we found that the prevalence of ASD traits was 29.8% (95% CI: 21.0%–40.2%), while the prevalence of ADHD traits was 26.0% (95% CI: 17.9%–36.2%). Univariate regression analyses revealed that the total AQ score was inversely associated with the total PGSI score. However, the total ASRS score and some ASRS subscores were positively associated with the total PGSI score.ConclusionASD and ADHD may be prevalent among patients with gambling disorders in clinical settings.