Gambling Risk Research Articles

Testing the acceptability and feasibility of the lower-risk gambling guidelines in Finland.

The lower risk gambling guidelines (LRGG) represent an evidence-based collaborative effort to provide clear advice to people on the limits of safe gambling consumption. The guidelines are as follows: 1)Gamble no more than 1% of household income per month; and 2) Gamble no more than 4 days per month; and 3) Avoid regularly gambling at more than 2 types of games. In an online survey study (N = 778), we evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of the LRGG among different subpopulations in Finland. We found that the guidelines were generally evaluated positively as understandable, sensible, clear, and "just right" in terms of their content. There were some notable differences between subpopulations: Individuals who were at risk of gambling problems evaluated the LRGG more negatively than others, while professionals working in thefield of gambling prevention were the most optimistic about the guidelines. Thus, increased level ofpotentially harmful gambling engagement was linked with a somewhat more pessimistic attitude towards the guidelines. On the other hand, those who had not gambled in the past year viewed the guidelines as too permissive compared with those who had gambled, or those working in gambling prevention. Overall, our results show clear differences of opinion between the various subpopulations, which appear to be associated with the individuals' level and nature of gambling experience. Weconclude that the LRGG can likely be adopted into wider use in Finland.

Risk Factors of At-Risk/Problem Gambling Among Young Adult Spanish Students.

The gambling industry in Spain has experienced sustained growth in recent years. This has raised concerns about its potential impact, particularly during emerging adulthood, which is a high-risk period for the development of problematic gambling behaviors. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of problem gambling in young Spanish adults and to examine individual factors associated with at-risk or problem gambling. The participants were 2762 young adults studying at university and vocational schools (64.16% women, Mage = 19.47; SD = 1.64) recruited in three Spanish autonomous communities. Individuals completed an e-assessment including sociodemographic variables, gambling-related characteristics, and the Problematic Gambling Severity Index. A total of 3.51%, 2.14%, and 0.51% were low risk, moderate risk, and problem gamblers, respectively. Predictors of at-risk/problem gambling were early gambling onset (OR 0.790; 95% CI 0.672, .929), mixed versus offline modality gambling access (OR 2.216; 95% CI 1.396, 3.516), and having gambled in the previous year in a casino (OR 1.910; 95% CI 1.194, 3.056), sports betting (OR 1.597; 95% CI 1.003, 2.542), or electronic gaming machines (OR 2.111; 95% CI 1.064, 4.189). Gambling is ubiquitous in the general population and a high proportion of young adults present low and moderate risk of problem gambling. Addressing gambling is a public health challenge and policies to regulate it should be targeted at delaying the age of onset and restricting access to online gambling.

Promoting safer gambling through social norms and goal setting: A qualitative process analysis of participants' experiences in the EROGamb 2.0 feasibility trial

Gambling, though a popular social activity, can lead to addiction and cause significant harm. This study aimed to explore the experiences of 36 low-to-moderate risk gamblers (PGSI score 0–7; 31 male, 5 female; 10 per each intervention arm, 6 per control group) in the ‘EROGamb 2.0’ feasibility trial (n = 168). The trial used social norm messages and goal setting feedback to promote safer gambling behaviour. Participants took part in semi-structured interviews via telephone or audio calls using Zoom or Wire, a secure messaging app. The interviews were analysed using Framework Analysis. Most participants found the interventions interesting and useful, though some reported no change in their gambling behaviour. Motivations for joining the trial included interest in the topic, altruism, and financial incentives. Participants appreciated the study's clear information, efficient processes, and helpful notifications, despite some technical issues. Reactions to social norm messages were mixed, with some expressing scepticism about the statistics. However, the goal setting intervention was well-received, with participants valuing the clarity and usefulness of the information. External factors, such as promotional offers from gambling companies, influenced gambling behaviour. The findings support the feasibility and acceptability of social norm and goal setting interventions to reduce gambling behaviour, highlighting the need for personalised approaches in future research.

Assessing the Risk of Online Gambling Products: A Replication and Validation of Behavioural Markers of Harm Using the Problem Gambling Severity Index.

In this paper, we investigate the validity of objective operator data as proxy indicators for riskier gambling as based upon an independent self-report measure. Such work is important to strengthen the validity of gambling research involving objective behavioral indicators of harm used to detect higher risk gambling or product choices. To address these aims, a total of 21,464 individual customers from a single international operator completed the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). These data were then mapped to measures of player gambling activity and a range of objective behavioural markers of harm. The results confirmed that people scoring 8 + on the PGSI were found to have higher levels of gambling involvement (participation, days active and expenditure) on a range of gambling products, with differences generally larger for casino than wagering activities. Importantly, this group was also more likely to have a higher incidence of behavioural markers of harm (e.g., declined deposits). The data allowed for the replication of a previous study using such markers to detect differences in product risk, but further validated their use in a variety of analytical contexts by showing a concordance between self-reported and objective risk measures.

Players’ perceptions of, and engagement with, the GameSense responsible gambling program in Massachusetts casinos

ABSTRACT Given the risk and prevalence of excessive gambling, stakeholders have developed educational resources and tools to promote responsible gambling (RG) and minimize gambling-related harms. However, the effectiveness of such programs relies on players’ awareness of, and their engagement with, such programming. This research investigated factors that influence player engagement with the GameSense RG program. We surveyed 1109 regular players across three casinos in Massachusetts where GameSense is used. We found that most players (73.1%) were aware of GameSense and that 17.6% had engaged with the program. In terms of reasons for visiting a Center, Latent Class Analysis revealed two distinct classes: ’Information Seekers’ and ”Curiosity and Swag Inspired’. As for those who had yet to visit a Center, three classes emerged: ‘Invitation Responsive’, ‘Self-Assured Non-Believers’, and ‘Self-Assured’. Although GameSense is for the broad spectrum of gamblers, we found that players who engaged in more RG behaviors were less likely to engage with the program. The results suggest encouraging all players to engage with GameSense may be a challenge. Efforts are needed to increase awareness and engagement of the program across the broad spectrum of gamblers.

The cards they're dealt: types of gambling activity, online gambling, and risk of problem gambling in European adolescents

ObjectiveThis study aims to identify risk factors associated with gambling engagement and the likelihood of problem behavior, distinguishing by type of gambling activity and examining the impact of online gambling. MethodsData about 85,420 students aged 16 from 33 countries participating in the 2019 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) were analyzed through a three-stage sequential probit model, specifically focusing on four types of activity: lotteries, slot machines, cards, and betting. Furthermore, predicted probabilities were calculated for subsamples of students engaging in different types of gambling activities to explore their influence on the likelihood of problem gambling behavior, conditioned on online gambling involvement. ResultsCertain groups, such as males and those with a history of school difficulties, exhibit a higher likelihood of problematic gambling behavior. Online gaming significantly influences adolescent gambling behavior, with slot machines demonstrating the highest predicted probabilities of risky behavior when combined with online gaming. Policy implicationsThe findings highlight that gambling is quite common among adolescents, and that gamblers and problem gamblers display different profiles, suggesting the importance of targeted interventions and support for vulnerable individuals. Public policies should prioritize the regulation of high-risk gambling activities, particularly slot machines, by enhancing the enforcement of age restrictions and the education on the real odds of winning and potential harms of gambling, particularly among adolescents. It is crucial to foster policies and interventions that address the risks associated with online gambling for this age group.

Perkembangan Judi Online dan Dampaknya Terhadap Masyarakat Beserta Dalil dalam Al-Qur’an dan Hadits Tentang Perjudian

The main issue of this journal discusses the impact of online gambling practices on society. The focus is to understand the negative consequences arising from online gambling and its implications for individuals and communities. The purpose of this study aims to analyze the impact of online gambling in the social context of society. The author wants to explain how online gambling practices affect individual well-being, social relationships, and family economic stability. Qualitative Method: The research approach used is a qualitative method. The author conducts analysis through content generated by the community related to online gambling, such as online forum discussions or relevant social media posts. The conclusion of the findings of this study reveals the significant negative impact of online gambling on society. Online gambling practices can cause destructive addiction, disrupt the financial stability of individuals and families, and damage social relationships. These negative influences require effective preventive measures,including education about the risks of gambling, strict regulations, and better supervision of online gambling platforms. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of public awareness and responsive policies in addressing the negative impacts of online gambling on individuals and society as a whole.

From power to financial risk: The mediating role of cognitive flexibility and risk perception

Risky decisions made by powerful individuals have significant financial implications for businesses and society. Understanding the factors influencing these decisions is crucial. Research indicates that people with a high sense of power are more prone to take investment and gambling risks, yet the role of individual differences remains underexplored. This study (N = 245) investigates cognitive flexibility as a potential mediator between power and financial risk-taking. Results reveal that a sense of power enhances cognitive flexibility and reduces risk perception in both investment and gambling contexts. Consequently, powerful individuals exhibit an increased propensity for risky financial behaviors. Furthermore, a serial mediation effect was identified, showing that cognitive flexibility and risk perception together mediate the relationship between power and risky financial choices. These findings offer novel insights into how cognitive flexibility can explain the link between power and financial risk-taking, highlighting its role in shaping risk perception and decision-making processes.

The lived experience of gambling-related harm in natural language.

Gambling-related harms can have a significant negative impact on disordered gamblers, lower risk gamblers, and affected others. Yet, most disordered and lower risk gamblers will never seek formal treatment, often due to the stigma and shame surrounding gambling. Online self-help forums are a popular alternative way for gamblers to anonymously seek help from others. Analysis of these interactions can provide a deeper understanding of gambling than more commonly used research methodologies. In the present study, we leverage recent developments in natural language processing to analyze posts on a U.K.-based online self-help gambling forum. Using correlated topic modeling, we canvass the various types of discussions among forum members. We also combine this approach with semantic similarity analysis based on sentence embeddings, to map first the posts, and then the 10 topics, onto six previously established gambling-related harm domains. The topic modeling revealed a cluster of discussions of many negative emotions, a topic regarding the positive emotions underlying the potential for change, a distinct topic regarding gambling's relationship harms, and numerous environmental factors that contributed to harm. Emotional/psychological and health harms were most strongly associated with users' posts, illustrating the multidimensionality of severe gambling-related harm. Our results reveal the co-occurrence of different harms, such as the frequent mentions of financial harms and concomitant emotional/psychological harms. The analysis of the lived experiences of gambling-related harm in natural language represents a useful tool for gambling research and can provide a different perspective to inform policy. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Negative impact of online gambling problematic in disabled and non-disabled university students: exploring the risk profile.

The rise of online gambling has brought about significant concerns, particularly regarding its impact on university students. This issue becomes even more complex when considering students with disabilities. This research examines the gambling profile and beliefs of university students based on whether they have a disability. In turn, it seeks to identify if there is a typology of at-risk gamblers according to the disability variable. Finally, it aims to find out the prevalence of gambling among students depending on whether they have a disability and the typology of at-risk gambler. A total of 704 university students (135 with disabilities and 569 without disabilities) completed the NODS Belief Questionnaire to assess problems associated with gambling and to generate a typological grouping of risk gamblers, as well as a questionnaire designed specifically for the gambler profile. It was found that a small percentage of participants engage in gambling on a daily basis, with a higher frequency among students with disabilities. In addition, it was observed that the behavior and concern about financial expenditure on gambling interferes with their daily activities and is a cause for concern, with higher risk being observed to a greater extent in students with disabilities. These data suggest the importance for universities and relevant authorities to address these problems comprehensively, providing adequate resources for students with disabilities and promoting a culture of wellbeing that discourages problematic gambling activities and encourages healthy alternatives for entertainment and stress management.

Increasing Students' Awareness Of The Dangers Of Online Loans And Online Gambling Through Education And Socialization

The development of digital technology has brought various benefits, but it also poses significant risks to the well-being of individuals, especially the younger generation. The phenomenon of online loans and online gambling poses a serious threat among students, who often lack financial literacy and awareness of digital risks. This research aims to raise students' awareness of the dangers of online lending and online gambling through an education and socialization program at SMAN 1 Sigli, Aceh. The program was implemented using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) method, which includes four phases: identification, needs determination, intervention, and evaluation. The results showed that after participating in the program, there was a significant increase in students' understanding of the risks of online loans and online gambling, as well as a change in attitudes towards both issues. In addition, teachers involved in the program reported increased confidence in delivering related materials to students. These findings suggest that an interactive and comprehensive educational approach can be effective in protecting students from the risks of online lending and online gambling. Recommendations for further development include implementing similar programs in other schools, developing more comprehensive educational materials, and increasing parental and community involvement in prevention efforts. This research contributes to the development of Islamic financial literacy, digital risk awareness, and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Peningkatan Kapasitas Masyarakat dalam Pencegahan Judi Online di Desa Kalibaru, Kecamatan Cilincing, Jakarta Utara Tahun 2024

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of online gambling prevention socialization activities and their impact as well as the establishment of a village corner library in Kalibaru Village, Cilincing District, North Jakarta. Through a participatory method, this research involves the public directly in socialization that discusses the dangers and negative impacts of online gambling, including legal, mental health, and social aspects. In addition, the village corner library was established as a learning center that provides access to related literature to increase public awareness. The results of the study show that socialization and the establishment of libraries significantly increase public knowledge and awareness about the risks of online gambling. The active participation of the community in the socialization and utilization of libraries indicates the success of this intervention. The conclusion of this study is that a community-based approach, through education and literacy improvement, is an effective strategy in preventing online gambling and strengthening people's capacity to face social challenges.

MODERASI MONEY ATTITUDE DAN MEDIA EXPOSURE DALAM MODEL GAMBLING BEHAVIOR PADA MAHASISWA AKUNTANSI

This study examines the effect of gambling motives on gambling behaviour with money attitude and media exposure as moderating variables in accounting students. The sample of this study amounted to 101 accounting students who were randomly selected. The analysis technique used is SEM PLS with the help of the SmartPLS3.0 application. The results of this study indicate that gambling motives have a significant influence on gambling behaviour, but money attitude and media exposure do not moderate this influence. This study contributes to the literature on gambling behaviour and can be a consideration for the world of education to educate students regarding the risks of gambling. The current study targeted interventions and educational programs are required for gambling behavior among university students, in particular, those studying finance-related subjects. Therefore, these findings can be useful in the design of curriculum elements which have the aim of raising the awareness of students about the risks of gambling and financially responsible behaviors.

Cryptocurrency Trading, Day Trading, and Gambling Behavior: Examining the Moderating Effects of Financially Focused Self-Concept and Gambling Motives.

Cryptocurrency and day trading have grown in popularity over the past decade following the creation of the first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, in 2009. These activities share important features with gambling, including risking money on an uncertain outcome, a chance of monetary rewards, and the potential to experience harm (e.g., financial or relationship problems). However, little is known about cryptocurrency and day trading engagement in the adult population, including associations with gambling behavior, harm, and psychological factors that might moderate these relationships. We analyzed cross-sectional data for n = 822 adults from an online panel in the U.S. to examine: (1) the extent to which cryptocurrency trading, day trading, and gambling are associated, (2) relationships between cryptocurrency trading, day trading, and higher risk gambling behavior, and (3) whether financially focused self-concept and four types of gambling motives moderate these relationships. We found moderate to strong positive intercorrelations between cryptocurrency and day trading, and gambling behavior, including engagement and risk. We identified significant moderating effects of financially focused self-concept, and coping motives for gambling, on the relationship between cryptocurrency trading and gambling frequency, and between day trading and gambling frequency. For the models predicting higher risk gambling status, the only significant moderators were financially focused self-concept for the day trading model, and the enhancement motive for the cryptocurrency and day trading models. Our results have important implications for understanding interrelationships between gambling-adjacent activities and more traditional gambling forms, as well as the moderating roles of key psychosocial concepts in these relationships.

The prevalence of gambling and problematic gambling: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Gambling behaviours have become of increased public health interest, but data on prevalence remain scarce. In this study, we aimed to estimate for adults and adolescents the prevalence of any gambling activity, the prevalence of engaging in specific gambling activities, the prevalence of any risk gambling and problematic gambling, and the prevalence of any risk and problematic gambling by gambling activity. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We systematically searched for peer-reviewed literature (on MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycInfo) and grey literature to identify papers published between Jan 1, 2010, and March 4, 2024. We searched for any gambling, including engagement with individual gambling activities, and problematic gambling data among adults and adolescents. We included papers that reported the prevalence or proportion of a gambling outcome of interest. We excluded papers of non-original data or based on a biased sample. Data were extracted into a bespoke Microsoft Access database, with the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool used to identify the risk of bias for each sample. Representative population survey estimates were firstly meta-analysed into country-level prevalence estimates, using metaprop, of any gambling, any risk gambling, problematic gambling, and by gambling activity. Secondly, population-weighted regional-level and global estimates were generated for any gambling, any risk gambling, problematic gambling, and specific gambling activity. This review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021251835). We screened 3692 reports, with 380 representative unique samples, in 68 countries and territories. Overall, the included samples consisted of slightly more men or male individuals, with a mean age of 29·72 years, and most samples identified were from high-income countries. Of these samples, 366 were included in the meta-analysis. Globally, 46·2% (95% CI 41·7-50·8) of adults and 17·9% (14·8-21·2) of adolescents had gambled in the past 12 months. Rates of gambling were higher among men (49·1%; 45·5-52·6) than women (37·4%; 32·0-42·5). Among adults, 8·7% (6·6-11·3) were classified as engaging in any risk gambling, and 1·41% (1·06-1·84) were engaging in problematic gambling. Among adults, rates of problematic gambling were greatest among online casino or slots gambling (15·8%; 10·7-21·6). There were few data reported on any risk and problematic gambling among adolescent samples. Existing evidence suggests that gambling is prevalent globally, that a substantial proportion of the population engage in problematic gambling, and that rates of problematic gambling are greatest among those gambling on online formats. Given the growth of the online gambling industry and the association between gambling and a range of public health harms, governments need to give greater attention to the strict regulation and monitoring of gambling globally. Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

Demographic characteristics, gambling engagement, mental health, and associations with harmful gambling risk among UK Armed Forces serving personnel

IntroductionHarmful gambling negatively impacts individuals, families and communities. Growing international evidence indicates that the Armed Forces (AF) community may be at a comparatively higher risk of experiencing harm from gambling...

Cashless gambling: Qualitative analysis of consumer perspectives regarding the harm minimization potential of digital payment systems for electronic gaming machines.

Land-based gambling venues remain predominantly cash-based despite broader consumer trends toward digital payments. Little prior literature directly investigates the role of payment methods in gambling; however, digital payment systems offer a key intervention point for gambling harm minimization. This study explores the perspectives of electronic gaming machine (EGM) gamblers regarding the concept of cashless gambling-the ability to gamble without using physical currency. Twenty-six Australian EGM gamblers (10 females, 16 males; aged 24-76 years) participated in four online focus group discussions. Using content analysis and a pragmatic approach, data were organized thematically in relation to consumer perceptions about the benefits and risks of cashless gambling, factors potentially influencing uptake of cashless gambling, and recommendations about harm reduction features that could be incorporated into the system. Cashless gambling was perceived to present important opportunities for more useful and meaningful harm reduction measures based on the ability to track a user's complete gambling activity. However, participants reported reluctance toward adoption of cashless gambling, tending to perceive such systems as being overly restrictive and invasive, and potentially facilitating (over)spending, depending on design and implementation. Participants commonly perceived systems as offering little value to individuals who gamble without experiencing significant harms. Perceived irrelevance and privacy concerns appear to be major barriers to adoption of a cashless gambling system with strong harm reduction features. Our findings provide insights for policy makers considering the optimal design, implementation, and marketing of cashless gambling from a harm reduction perspective. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Fenomena Judi Online di Kalangan Generasi Muda

Online gambling games are popular among teenagers nowadays. This is caused by very sophisticated technological advances, socio-economic pressures, and the role of social media as an advertising platform. This research aims to understand the reasons why the younger generation plays online gambling and solve the problems of this case. In collecting data, researchers obtained data through observation and interviews. The results of this research explain the factors of playing online gambling such as environmental, cognitive and perception factors. This case has an impact on finances (material values), vital values, spiritual values ​​(mental health and social relationships). Playing online gambling games is caused by technological accessibility, socio-economic pressures, lack of public awareness about the laws and risks of online gambling.

Too Young to Gamble: Long-term Risks from Underage Gambling

The increasing availability of gambling opportunities worldwide has the potential to impact youth gambling behavior and the prevalence of gambling-related harm. This paper studies whether starting gambling at an early age (i.e., below the minimum legal gambling age) increases an individual’s likelihood of suffering some kind of gambling-related harm in the future. Data taken from the Study on the Prevalence, Behavior and Characteristics of Gamblers in Spain provide information on respondents’ gambling starting age and assess gambling risk based on criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Estimates from an ordered probit model suggest that starting to gamble while under the minimum legal age is associated with a higher likelihood of problem gambling.

Colliding harms of gambling and gaming: A four-wave longitudinal population study of at-risk gambling and gaming in Finland.

Aims: Both gambling and digital gaming are growing in popularity and there is ongoing discussion about their convergence. This population-based longitudinal survey study investigated how gambling and digital gaming types contribute to at-risk gambling and gaming. Methods: The study was based on a representative sample of 18-75-year-olds from mainland Finland. Survey data were collected at 6-month intervals in 2021-2022, starting in April 2021. Of original T1 respondents, 58.95% took part in all four time points. In total, 3,608 observations from 902 individuals were analysed. Outcome measures were at-risk gambling and gaming based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index and the Internet Gaming Disorder Test. Various types of gambling and gaming were investigated. Results: Population-averaged models showed that different forms of gambling were associated with a higher risk of at-risk gaming. Online casino games were associated with the highest likelihood of at-risk gambling and gaming. Prevalence of digital gaming problems was low. Hybrid models were used to investigate the longitudinal within-person and between-person effects of gambling and gaming activities. Online casino games and offline slot machines increased at-risk gambling. Microtransactions within digital games increased at-risk gambling and gaming over time, but the amount of money spent on digital gaming was small compared to gambling. Conclusions: Our results underline the risks of EGMs and online gambling for the participants. Although gambling and gaming are converging, harm is mostly based on gambling.