Responsible Gambling Practices Research Articles

Using latent class analysis to identify Finnish gambler types and potential risk

ABSTRACT The trend of increasing liberalization in gambling markets has been matched by a need for both effective approaches to promote responsible gambling practices and for improved prevention strategies. Given that the majority of players do not experience problematic gambling, it is in the public interest that knowledge is generated which helps identify activities or clusters of activities which are associated with at-risk behaviors. This study uses a representative sample of the Finnish population aged 15–74, to identify distinct types of gamblers based on their behavioral patterns and predictors of class membership via Latent Class Analysis. Cross-sectional random sample data were collected in 2019 (n = 3148). In addition to confirming existing knowledge for gamblers characterized by high engagement and high risk, it offered insights into three further classes: the largest (ME-HR, 45%), was characterized by moderate engagement, but participated in activities associated with higher levels of risk. Additionally, low-risk classes were differentiated by both gambling preferences and demographic characteristics. Given that the largest class was associated with significant potential for the development of problematic behaviors, this work makes several recommendations for preventative actions, including targeted awareness campaigns and psychoeducation addressing erroneous beliefs about gambling.

Can Positive Play Deficits Explain the Associations Between Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, Gambling Motives, and Problem Gambling? Results of a National U.S. Sample.

Past research has demonstrated a consistent connection between symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and problematic gambling in both general and clinical United States (U.S.) populations. Little is known, however, about the mediating role that responsible gambling practices related to positive play might have in the relationships between symptoms of PTSD, problem gambling (PG) severity, and different motives for gambling. Therefore, using mediation analysis, this study investigated these associations within a census-matched national sample of U.S. adults (N = 2,806). Results indicated PTSD symptoms and PG often co-occur in this population (r = .43, p < .01), and coping motives for gambling were the key mechanism connecting PTSD symptoms to PG severity rather than deficits in positive play practices or other gambling motives. Moreover, it was found that the average gambler who had sought treatment for gambling in the past not only had more severe PTSD symptoms and PG but also had the strongest gambling motives, the largest deficits in positive play, and was more likely to be younger than 50years old. In this sample, approximately 1 in 10 people who gambled in the past year were classified as problem gamblers, 1 in 5 met criteria for a provisional PTSD diagnosis, and 1 in 33 sought out gambling treatment previously. These findings provide further evidence for the relationship between symptoms of posttraumatic stress and problematic gambling behaviors in the U.S. population and offer critical insights into the explanatory roles of coping motives and positive play practices in this connection.

The Impact of Online Gambling on Mental Health in New Zealand: A Comparative Study

Online gambling has witnessed exponential growth globally, facilitated by the proliferation of internet access and digital platforms. This phenomenon has sparked significant concerns regarding its potential impact on mental health, particularly in regions like New Zealand where gambling is popular. This paper endeavors to investigate the relationship between online gambling and mental health outcomes within the unique socio-cultural context of New Zealand, comparing these impacts with those of traditional forms of gambling. The introduction of online gambling has revolutionized the accessibility and convenience of participating in gambling activities. In New Zealand, as in many other jurisdictions, this shift has prompted regulatory responses aimed at managing potential risks while balancing consumer demand and industry growth. Despite these efforts, the pervasive nature of online gambling introduces distinct challenges that may exacerbate issues related to mental health. The study will begin by reviewing existing literature on global trends in online gambling and its documented effects on mental health. This will include an analysis of regulatory frameworks implemented in various countries to address these concerns, highlighting successes and challenges in consumer protection and harm minimization strategies. Psychological theories and models explaining addictive behaviors associated with online gambling will be explored to provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the observed impacts. A key focus of this research will be a comparative analysis between online gambling and traditional forms of gambling prevalent in New Zealand, such as land-based casinos and sports betting. By contrasting these modalities, the study aims to elucidate whether online gambling uniquely intensifies mental health risks or presents analogous challenges to traditional gambling activities. Methodologically, the study will employ a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative analysis will draw upon national gambling prevalence surveys and data from online gambling platforms to assess the prevalence of online gambling in New Zealand and profile its participants. Qualitative research will involve in-depth interviews with online gamblers and mental health professionals to capture nuanced insights into the psychological and emotional impacts experienced. Findings from the study are expected to contribute empirical evidence on the prevalence of online gambling in New Zealand, alongside comparative assessments of mental health outcomes between online and traditional gamblers. Specific risk factors associated with online gambling addiction and deterioration in mental health will be identified, shedding light on mechanisms through which these impacts manifest. The implications of these findings for policy and regulation will be discussed, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies that safeguard mental well-being without stifling technological innovation or economic contributions from the gambling sector. Recommendations will be made for enhancing existing regulatory frameworks to ensure they adequately address the unique challenges posed by online gambling while promoting responsible gambling practices. This research seeks to advance understanding of the complex interplay between online gambling and mental health in New Zealand. By elucidating comparative impacts and exploring regulatory responses, the study aims to inform evidence-based interventions that support public health objectives while fostering a sustainable gambling environment.

Nudge theory and gambling: a scoping review.

Gambling disorder (GD) is a pressing public health concern with significant societal costs. The recently developed nudge theory, which is rooted in behavioral economics, aims to influence the decision-making behaviors of individuals by implementing changes in the environment. This scoping review aims to synthesize the literature on nudge theory as it relates to gambling. This scoping review accords with the Arksey and O'Malley framework, as refined by Levac et al. It includes only articles from peer-reviewed journals that focus, as main themes, on both nudge theory and gambling. The final study selection includes six articles. The scoping review process led to studies explaining how (1) nudges aim to prod people toward healthier gambling choices, fostering the adoption of more responsible gambling practices, and (2) some gambling features, called dark nudges (or sludges), exploit and harm the decision-making processes of people who gamble. This scoping review highlights the fact that many stakeholders are involved in the field of gambling, and that better cooperation between them would promote safer and more responsible gambling practices. Future research is also needed to empirically test nudges to develop a better understanding of their impact on those who gamble.

Public Awareness Campaigns and Their Impact on Youth Gambling in Tanzania: A Case Study of Gallapo Ward in Manyara Region

Youth gambling is a growing concern in Tanzania, with significant participation rates among young people. Public awareness campaigns have been identified as a potential strategy to reduce youth gambling behaviors by educating them about the risks associated with gambling and promoting responsible behaviors. This study aimed to assess the impact of public awareness campaigns on reducing youth gambling in Gallapo Ward, Manyara Region, Tanzania.A mixed-methods approach was employed, including both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. A sample size of 75 youth who had participated in gambling activities was selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.The findings revealed that public awareness campaigns had a significant impact on increasing awareness of legal age restrictions for gambling and improving understanding of gambling risks among youth. The campaigns also helped reduce peer pressure related to gambling and influenced youth to resist negative influences. Moreover, there was a strong belief among respondents that public awareness campaigns could contribute to a decrease in youth gambling rates.Based on the study findings, it is recommended to continue investing in and expanding public awareness campaigns focused on educating youth about responsible gambling practices. Tailored educational programs and support services should be developed to address specific knowledge gaps and behavioral patterns related to gambling among youth. Collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders are crucial for the success of these interventions.Overall, the study emphasizes the importance of public awareness campaigns in promoting responsible gambling behaviors and advocating for policy measures to safeguard youth from the harms of gambling. These findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders and policymakers working towards reducing youth gambling impact in Tanzania.

INTRODUCTION OF TOOLS FOR SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PROTECTION OF OPERATORS AND CONSUMERS AS A PART OF DESTIGMATISATION OF GAMBLING

This paper delves into the critical topic of destigmatising the gambling industry by introducing social and economic protection tools for both operators and consumers. Gambling, especially in the online sphere, creates unique challenges and opportunities in the modern digital age. The purpose of this article is to highlight the principles and strategies needed to create a fair, ethical and stigma-free gambling environment. Methodology. To achieve this goal, this research takes a comprehensive approach. First, it examines the existing international consensus on recommended practices for businesses that engage in online consumer transactions, including non-monetary transactions. These practices have been condensed into six high-level principles that serve as a basis for creating policies aimed at protecting the interests of digital consumers involved in online gambling. The paper also examines these principles in the context of the gambling industry, with a particular focus on fair business practices, advertising and marketing in the sector. It also addresses issues related to online gambling, such as deceptive practices, lack of transparency and potential risks to consumer privacy and security. Results. This research provides valuable insights into the implementation of tools and measures that can effectively protect both gambling operators and consumers, as well as contribute to the destigmatisation of the industry. The six principles outlined in this paper emphasise fairness, transparency, access to information, transaction security, product safety and accessible dispute resolution mechanisms. By adhering to these principles, gambling operators can build trust among consumers and promote responsible gambling practices, which will ultimately contribute to the sustainable development of the digital gambling economy. Consumers, in turn, can confidently engage in online gambling, knowing that their rights are protected and their interests are respected. This document is therefore a valuable resource for policy makers, industry stakeholders and academics seeking to create a fair and ethical digital market in the gambling sector. By implementing the principles and tools outlined above, there is a significant step towards destigmatising gambling and ensuring a more responsible and safe environment for all stakeholders.

Expectations about how alcohol consumption influences gambling

ABSTRACT Laboratory studies reveal that participants’ expectations influence the relation between acute alcohol consumption and gambling behaviors. However, specific expectations have not been explored. To fill this gap, people who gamble frequently were asked about their expectations for how alcohol influences their gambling behaviors. Individuals who gamble frequently (n = 472) were recruited via MTurk and completed a survey that included current gambling behaviors and alcohol expectancies while gambling. As many as 55% agreed to some extent that they were more focused, had skills increase, felt calmer, and won more when gambling under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, positive alcohol expectancies significantly predicted percentage of time spent simultaneously consuming alcohol and gambling. Several specific expectations were related to percentage of time gambling while drinking. Individuals who gamble weekly hold both positive and negative expectations about how alcohol consumption impacts gambling. Responsible gambling practices might target these expectations in efforts to educate consumers. Providing resources regarding the effects of acute alcohol use on gambling might curb both alcohol and gambling-related harms.

Applying the Protective Gambling Beliefs Scale (PGBS) among Chinese gamblers and testing its association with responsible gambling

ABSTRACT Accurate and rational gambling beliefs have been found to play a protective role against gambling disorder (GD) and add unique insights into the prevention and intervention of gambling-related harms. Adopting the Protective Gambling Beliefs Scale (PGBS) as a measurement tool of these gambling beliefs, this study tested its psychometric properties and whether these gambling beliefs were associated with responsible gambling (RG) behaviors with a probability community sample of adult gamblers (N = 464) in Macao, China. Consistent with the past studies, PGBS was found unidimensional with high reliability. The construct validity of PGBS was verified by its negative associations with gambling-related interpretive biases and GD symptoms. Moreover, we found a significant and positive association between protective gambling beliefs and RG behaviors after controlling for the effects of gambling-related interpretive biases and demographic variables. Conventional approaches to gambling harm reduction focus more on maladaptive cognition. Our findings may offer empirical evidence that protective gambling beliefs also help reduce gambling-related harms and enable gamblers to keep their gambling at a relatively safe level. PGBS is not only a valid and reliable instrument to measure gamblers’ protective gambling beliefs but also a potential means to promote RG practices.

Politics of hesitance and the formation of ethical subjects through responsible gambling practices.

Instead of harm prevention and risk related to gambling products, responsible gambling discourse emphasizes the importance of voluntary measures. From the point of view of governmentality, the responsible gambling practices produce, rely on, and call forth subjectivities. The aim of the study is to find out what kind of subjects are being produced through the responsible gambling practices of four Nordic state-owned gambling companies. As the companies are state-owned and operate on different types of markets, there are reasons to suspect that the companies could endorse different versions of the figure of responsible gambler. Previous research indicates that responsible gambling practices typically presuppose or aim to produce a self-governing subject making informed choices. Less attention has been given to detailed analyses of the heterogeneous factors contributing to the ethical subject formation. Moreover, there is a growing body of literature indicating, that along with the use of detailed behavioral data (big data), new forms of governmentality, that are highly relevant from the point of view of subject formation, are emerging. The responsible gambling practices are analyzed along Michel Foucault's four aspects of ethics. First, there is ethical substance, the problematic aspect of the self that is taken as the target of the ethical work. Second, the subject needs to have a certain relation to social norms and moral codes. Third, ethical work is needed to mold the problematic aspect of the self. Fourth, the aim of the ethical work is a certain mode of being or relationship to oneself. The analyzed material consists of the annual reports of the companies between 2019 and 2021. The results show that the figure of subject making informed voluntary choices is deeply embedded in the responsible gambling practices of the companies. The companies entice the gamblers to think about themselves and to act upon themselves as subjects capable of self-control. Hesitancy to intervene characterizes the activities of the companies, even if all the companies collect and use detailed behavioral data. The inclusion of the precarious subject of gambling harm would allow the companies to do much more to prevent gambling harm.

Employee Perceptions of Responsible Gambling in Macao: Concepts, Indicators, and Intervention Barriers.

Despite the importance of venue employees in identifying problem gamblers and making interventions, little is known concerning what role venue employees play in responsible gambling practices in Macao. This study examined what venues employees' perceptions of responsible gambling are, how they detect problem gamblers, and what barriers are impeding them from taking action. Semi-structured interviews with 49 venue staff in Macao yielded a wealth of in-depth data that were then thematically analyzed. The results indicated that employees generally understand what responsible gambling entails. While they are all confident in their ability to recognize the signs of problem gambling and provide adequate assistance to problem gamblers when asked, the majority of them rarely approach problem gamblers proactively. The barriers that prevent them from intervening were probed. The findings shed light on how to encourage venue employees to intervene on their own initiative in order to improve responsible gambling practices in Macao.

Satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs and Adherence to Responsible Gambling Practices: The Mediating Role of Flourishing.

Responsible gambling (RG) is a practical approach to contain potential gambling-associated harms to an acceptable level. However, few studies have proposed a theoretical framework to account for significant individual differences in RG adherence, which hinders an effective RG promotion in public. To address this missing link, the current study aims to identify psychological need factors associated with adherence to RG practices. We applied the self-determination theory (SDT) to explore the association between the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (i.e., relatedness, competency, and autonomy) and RG adherence in a probability Chinese community adult sample (N = 1002; 55.7% women and M age = 44.28 years), acquired from a telephone survey conducted in the 2018 fall with a two-stage cluster random sampling method. We found that the three types of basic needs satisfaction were significantly and positively related to RG adherence via a full mediation of flourishing. The findings provide practical insights to understanding individual differences in RG adherence and designing corresponding SDT-based interventions for gambling communities globally.

Analyzing Consumer Protection for Gamblers Across Different Online Gambling Operators: A Replication Study

Online gambling is a growing business with many stakeholders. Due to the fact that a small proportion of gamblers develop problems, responsible gambling (RG), player protection, and harm minimization have become core areas for gambling regulators. The present study replicated a previous one carried out by Bonello and Griffiths in 2017 to determine whether there had been any significant changes by leading gambling operators due to increased regulatory pressures over the past few years. Fifty leading online gambling operators were audited in relation to their RG practices as well as engaging with their customer services by posing as a problem gambler. Results indicated that overall RG practices appeared to have improved in the past 3 years based on the information in dedicated RG webpages, the increase in RG tool availability, and the communication with customer services. Despite the fact that RG practices appear to have improved, there were still areas for improvement.

"I always walked out with an empty purse." Older adults' engagement with electronic gambling machines in Victoria, Australia.

Older adults are at an increased risk of experiencing gambling harm, which may be due to their use of high-intensity gambling products such as electronic gambling machines (EGMs). However, little research has explored the motivations behind older adults' engagement with EGMs, their understanding of the structural characteristics of EGMs, or their perceptions of risk associated with EGM gambling. This paper aims to address this gap in the literature. Focus groups were conducted in Melbourne, Australia with n=126 adults aged 55+, who had attended a club or pub in the last 12months. Topics included EGM attitudes and behaviours, structural characteristics of EGMs, and the potential risks associated with EGM gambling. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. For most participants, EGM gambling was secondary to their participation in other activities available within venues. Participants identified structural characteristics of EGMs; however, there were some misconceptions about how EGMs operated, including how or why machines paid out. Most participants perceived that they were not at risk of gambling harm because they engaged in "responsible" gambling practices such as setting limits. Older adults often engaged in EGM gambling because of its availability in community-based venues. Older adults' perception that they are implementing responsible gambling practices may be increasing their susceptibility to harm. SO WHAT?: There is a need to reduce the availability and accessibility of EGMs in community settings and develop public education programs that are tailored to the needs of older adults.

A Comparison of Two GameSense Implementation Approaches: How Program Awareness and Engagement Relate to Gambling Beliefs and Behaviors.

Despite the size and scope of responsible gambling (RG) programs in the U.S., relatively few studies have evaluated these programs. Using survey data from 4795 subscribers to a casino loyalty program, we examined respondents' awareness ofand engagement with the GameSense RG program, and gambling beliefs and behaviors. We compared how differences in the implementation structure and visibility of the GameSense program (i.e., state-regulated with a standalone, branded GameSense center vs. corporate-integrated as part of loyalty program desks) was associated with GameSense awareness and engagement, perceptions of gambling operator RG practices, three Positive Play subscales (i.e., behavior, personal responsibility, and gambling literacy), understanding of gambling concepts, and use of RG strategies. More respondents who had visited the property with a state-regulated, branded center were aware of GameSense (36.5%), compared to respondents who visited other properties (7.4%). Perceptions of the operator's RG practices were generally high for all respondents. Multivariate analyses revealed no relationship between GameSense awareness and gambling belief or behavior outcomes, yet showed that respondents who picked up a GameSense brochure used slightly more RG strategies. Our findings suggest that the visibility of an RG program might influence program awareness and engagement but not certain RG-related behavioral outcomes.

Strengthening the weak link of Macao's responsible gambling practices: a consumer education perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the current state of consumer education in the context of responsible gambling in Macao and to suggest ways in which Macao could enhance its consumer education efforts to meet its challenges with regard to responsible gambling.Design/methodology/approachExploratory and interpretative approaches have been adopted to suggest why and how Macao should strengthen responsible gambling education. The methodology involved extensive review of relevant academic research, government documents and reports related to Macao's responsible gambling initiatives.FindingsEffective long-term responsible gambling education is needed in Macao to further people's understanding of gambling and gambler's fallacy. The government should take leadership in influencing all stakeholders toward effective initiatives and behaviors related to responsible gambling education.Originality/valueAlthough research on responsible gambling education is still in its infancy, its importance in reducing common misconceptions about gambling has already been established. This study contributes to strengthen Macao's responsible gambling practices by proposing several changes needed to provide desired outcomes through consumer education.

Gambling advertising during live televised male sporting events in Ireland: A descriptive study.

There are no data relating to gambling advertisements shown during live sporting events in Ireland. The aim of the present study was to analyze gambling advertisements shown during live sporting events broadcast in Ireland and to assess these advertisements for responsible gambling (RG) practices. Sixty-five live televised sporting events comprising Association Football (soccer), Rugby Union, and Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) matches broadcast in Ireland were analyzed. Pre-match (up to 30 minutes before kick-off), half-time, and post-match (up to 30 minutes after the match has ended) advertisement breaks were analyzed for gambling advertisements, including in-game fixed (static advertising) and dynamic (electronic advertisements changing at regular intervals) pitch-side advertising. Gambling advertisements were studied for evidence of RG practices. A total of 3602 television advertisements, 618 dynamic advertisements, and 394 static advertisements were analyzed. Gambling advertisements were shown in 75.4% (n = 49) games and were the seventh most commonly televised advertisement shown overall. Gambling advertising was more common in football (fourth most common advertisement) compared to rugby (12th most common) and GAA (13th most common). Static and dynamic gambling advertising were common during football matches (second and first most common advertisements, respectively). The majority of advertisements contained RG messaging, an age limit, and an RG organization. No advertisements showing responsible gambling tools were observed. Gambling advertisements are commonly shown during live televised sporting broadcasts in Ireland, especially during live football matches and typically before the adult television watershed. Gambling legislation is required to minimize harm to vulnerable groups including children.

Gambling and Cannabis Use: Clinical and Policy Implications.

Eleven US States and the District of Columbia legally allow personal (i.e., recreational) cannabis use by adults, and an additional 22 states allow use of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Of these jurisdictions, only two do not have some form of legalized gambling available (https://www.casino.org/local/guide/). In contrast to this rapid increase in legally available marijuana is the limited knowledge about the intersection of cannabis use and gambling. This paper strives to define the current status of the relevant literatures and consider the implication for future gambling research. We describe the research literature on the prevalence of cannabis use and co-existing gambling problems and the effects of cannabis use on gambling-related cognitive functions and decision-making. We also discuss clinical considerations with treating problem gamblers with a cannabis use disorder. Finally, the potential implications for responsible gambling practices and policies and the most pressing gaps in the research literature are offered.

Application of Health Belief Model to Practice of Responsible Gambling.

Responsible gambling (RG) strategies seem to be effective only to some people and it is unclear why some gamblers are more likely to adhere to RG practices (e.g., self-exclusion and setting limits). The current study investigated whether cognitive factors, including RG awareness and Health Belief Model (HBM) factors (i.e., perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, perceived barrier, cue to action, and self-efficacy), accounted for individual differences in adherence to ten common RG practices. Eight hundred and ninety-six community-dwelling adults were recruited to participate in a telephone poll in Macao, China, in November 2016. We found that only 56.1% of the respondents had heard of RG, and there was a positive relation between RG awareness and RG practices. Moreover, HBM factors were also shown to explain one's adherence to RG practices in general but the effectiveness of HBM factors varied across RG practices. The findings provided practical implications that there is a need to target different cognitive beliefs for promoting different RG practices in designing intervention.

When should players be taught to gamble responsibly? Timing of educational information upregulates responsible gambling intentions

Educating gamblers about responsible gambling (RG) practices (e.g. setting and adhering to a pre-set money limit) plays a central role in minimizing the harms associated with electronic gaming machine (EGM) play. However, little is known about when such educational information is best presented. Herein, using the principle of active learning, we tested the idea that players’ intentions to gamble responsibly will be heightened if RG educational information is provided in advance of (as opposed to following) a RG-related decision. To this end, a community sample of EGM players who were at a gaming venue (N = 98) were recruited to play an ostensibly real virtual reality slot machine and complete a survey prior to their planned gambling session. Participants were shown a RG-oriented educational animation just prior to initiating play or in advance of making a decision about whether to continue playing after their money limit was reached. As predicted, players who viewed the educational animation in advance of a RG-related decision about continuing play were more likely to express an intention to set a money limit in their upcoming gambling session at the gaming venue. Disordered gambling symptomatology moderated this effect—players low (compared to those high) in disordered gambling symptomatology expressed greater intention to set a money limit when the educational animation was viewed directly in advance of making a RG-related decision. Results suggest that learning RG actively (i.e. pairing RG education with its associated behavior, in vivo) can increase players’ intention to gamble responsibly.

An Analysis of Consumer Protection for Gamblers Across Different Online Gambling Operators in Ireland: A Descriptive Study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the responsible gambling tools which are available to online gamblers at Irish online gambling websites. The present study used a similar methodology to a recent study carried out on the world’s most popular websites (Bonello and Griffiths Gaming Law Review and Economics, 21, 278–285, 2017), where 50 of the most advertised online gambling websites were evaluated in relation to their responsible gambling (RG) practices. The present study evaluated 39 gambling websites with either a “.ie” or “.com/ie” domain. Each website was evaluated by checking for a number of RG practices, including presence of a dedicated RG page; age verification; access to gambling account history; the availability of RG tools, such as limit setting facilities and exclusion settings; and links to limit-setting options on the deposit page. Descriptive statistics were then performed on the results from each website. Of the 39 online gambling operators identified, 22 redirected gamblers to a “.com” domain, while 17 operators remained as a “.ie” domain. Thirty-five websites (89.7%) visited had a dedicated RG page. Responsible gambling features were evaluated and demonstrated to be available in an inconsistent manner across online gambling websites. Irish websites were shown to perform poorly in comparison with non-Irish counterparts in the provision of RG tools. The researchers of the present study are not aware of any similar studies conducted to date in Ireland.