Gambling Risk Research Articles

Social influences normalize gambling-related harm among higher risk gamblers.

Background and aimsSocial influences are key drivers of gambling, and can begin in youth through parental modeling and facilitation. Over time, social influence from friends and colleagues also becomes important. Social network analysis provides a method to measure the combined nature of these social influences. This study aimed to compare social influences across gambling risk groups, by examining key characteristics of the social networks, among Australian adults.MethodsA total of 784 respondents (egos) reported their demographics, gambling behavior and gambling risk, as well as those of the 20 most influential people in their lives (alters). Egos also reported the strength of the connection between themselves and each of their alters, and between each pair of alters. Data were analyzed using egocentric social network analysis approaches.ResultsEgos in higher risk groups reported more alters who gamble, including a higher proportion experiencing gambling-related harm. Relationship strength indicated that egos in higher risk groups tended to feel closer to their alters, regardless of whether the alter gambles or not. Network density (interconnectedness between alters) was greater for egos in higher risk groups.Discussion and conclusionsThe findings indicate that both gambling behavior and gambling-related harm are normalized through social connections. Greater interconnectedness in the networks of higher risk gamblers indicates difficulties in reducing or removing these influences. The findings indicate limitations of individualised interventions, and instead highlight the important role of changing norms within society, which can be transmitted throughout these networks.

Spiritual belief and its link with potentially addictive behaviors in a youth sample in Switzerland.

Earlier studies suggested a positive impact of spirituality on addictive disorders, but this effect has rarely been studied in a large adolescent and young adult population. To examine the association between spiritual beliefs (general belief, the supporting role of spiritual belief, the critical role of spiritual belief) and potentially addictive behaviors (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and other illegal drugs, excessive Internet use and gambling). Data were collected using online self-report questionnaires among a sample of 5179 adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years in post-mandatory education in Switzerland. Statistical analysis at bivariate and multivariate level was performed. At the bivariate level, spiritual beliefs were linked to a lower risk of tobacco smoking, alcohol misuse and cannabis use as well as an increased risk of Internet overuse and gambling. However, at the multivariate level, controlling for age, gender, language and place of birth, significant associations were found only for alcohol misuse, Internet overuse and gambling. The study provides evidence that spiritual belief could protect youth from the risk of alcohol misuse but could also increase the risk of excessive Internet use and gambling. The role of spiritual beliefs in preventing or motivating these problematic behaviors is of great interest for adolescent health care providers and should be considered in the light of the separation-individuation process and transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Who Bets on Micro Events (Microbets) in Sports?

Sports betting is expanding globally through introduction into new markets and growth in existing markets. Traditionally, bets were placed on the outcome of a match before match commencement, with the outcome not determined for hours or even days. The advent of in-play betting has reduced the delay between bet and outcome. A controversial form of in-play betting is betting on micro events (micro-betting), where consumers bet on outcomes such as the next ball in cricket, or the next point in tennis, with the outcome determined almost immediately. This enables rapid, impulsive and continuous betting and may heighten the risk of problem gambling. We surveyed 1813 Australian sports bettors to determine demographic, behavioural and psychological characteristics of micro event bettors, and of those who place a higher proportion of their bets on micro events. Our two hypotheses were supported: that more highly engaged bettors, including those with gambling problems, are more likely to (1) bet on micro events, and (2) place more of their bets on micro events. Of those who bet on micro events, 78% met criteria for problem gambling, and only 5% non-problem gambling (vs 29% and 28% respectively for non micro event bettors). Placing a higher proportion of bets on micro events was also related to problem gambling. Micro event bettors were likely to: be younger, well educated and single; engaged in a wider variety of gambling activities; and to have high trait impulsivity. Micro event betting appears to appeal almost exclusively to bettors with gambling problems, so a ban would represent a highly targeted intervention to reduce gambling-related harm.

Regional impacts of casino availability on gambling problems: Evidence from the Canadian Community Health Survey

Casinos are generally recognized as significant generators of economic impact and tourism, but access is typically controlled in a perceived effort to reduce social harms, particularly those from gambling disorders. Using data from a representative sample of 50,048 Canadians across four provinces, this study empirically tests theory of the regional impacts of casino availability on participation in gambling and the development of gambling related problems. Increased exposure to casinos is found to be related to increases in both participation and problem gambling risk, despite the observation that all four provinces recently experienced casino expansion and population-wide declines in problem gambling prevalence rates. The estimates are robust to broad controls for health and demographic risk factors. The findings suggest that hospitality/tourism planners should consider wider expansion of gambling paired with increased investment in responsible and problem gambling programs, to maximize economic impacts while accelerating social adaptation to gambling related harms.

Responsible Gambling Strategies: Are They Effective Against Problem Gambling Risk in Older Ontarians?

Despite the limited amount of research on gambling in older adults (55+ years), they are often encouraged to use responsible gambling strategies to ensure that it remains a “low-risk” activity. However, the effectiveness of these strategies has not been examined in this population. The purpose of this study was threefold: to document the types of responsible gambling strategies used by older Ontario residents, to examine how these strategies relate to problem gambling risk, and to assess whether there are differences in the use of responsible gambling strategies between those who are and are not at risk of problem gambling. We examined the data of 673 older adults (M = 68.7, SD = 7.6) from three different studies that used the same measurement instruments to assess demographics, problem gambling risk, and responsible gambling strategies (Norris & Tindale, 2006; Thériault, 2015; Tindale & Norris, 2015). We failed to find any evidence that the use of responsible gambling strategies was related to the risk of problem gambling in older adults (as measured by the Problem Gambling Severity Index of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index and the Windsor Screen). The respondents who used these strategies did not have a lower problem gambling risk than did the respondents who did not use the strategies. Further, the number of strategies used did not vary between problem gambling risk categories. These results raise questions about the utility of strategies used for responsible gambling.RésuméMalgré le nombre restreint de recherches effectuées sur le jeu chez les personnes âgées de 55 ans et plus, on constate que ces personnes sont souvent invitées à recourir à des stratégies de jeu responsable pour s’assurer que cette activité demeure « à faible risque ». L’efficacité de ces stratégies n’a cependant pas été examinée dans cette population. La raison d’être de cette étude est triple : répertorier les types de stratégies de jeu responsable utilisées par les personnes âgées en Ontario, examiner comment ces stratégies sont liées au risque de jeu compulsif, et évaluer s’il existe des différences entre les personnes à risque de jouer de manière compulsive et celles qui ne le sont pas dans l’utilisation de stratégies de jeu responsable. Au total, 673 personnes âgées (moyenne = 68,7, ÉT = 7,6) ont été recrutées dans trois études différentes recourant aux mêmes instruments de mesure; les mesures évaluaient les données démographiques, le risque de jeu problématique et les stratégies de jeu responsable (Norris et Tindale, 2006; Tindale et Norris, 2015; Thériault, 2015). L’étude n’a pas permis de prouver que l’utilisation de stratégies de jeu responsable était liée au risque de jeu excessif chez les personnes âgées (tel que mesuré par l’Indice canadien du jeu problématique, l’Indice de gravité du jeu problématique et le dépistage de Windsor). Les répondants qui ont utilisé ces stratégies n’affichaient pas un risque de jeu problématique inférieur à ceux qui ne les utilisaient pas. Enfin, le nombre de stratégies utilisées n’a pas varié entre les catégories de risque de jeu problématique. Ces résultats soulèvent des questions quant à l’utilité des stratégies employées pour assurer le jeu responsable.

Gambling risk and protective factors among community and clinical samples in Singapore

Objectives: Problem Gambling (PG) has been linked to several socio-cognitive risk and protective factors; However, knowledge on their impact on problem gamblers in Asia remains limited. This study compares gambling risk and protective factors between clinical problem gamblers and community individuals in Singapore.Methods: Data on gambling risk and protective factors, and PG severity were collected from 150 clinical problem gamblers and 150 community individuals through paper surveys.Results: Clinical problem gamblers scored significantly higher in PG severity, gambling-related negative thoughts and urge and psychological distress, and scored significantly lower in gambling refusal self-efficacy, hope, resilience and life satisfaction, than community participants. There were also more significant relationships between risk and protective factors among clinical than community participants.Conclusion: Gambling-related protective factors are relevant to clinical problem gamblers in the Singapore context, which could be further leveraged upon to inform and refine existing PG rehabilitation efforts.

Traumatic brain injury as an independent risk factor for problem gambling: a matched case-control study.

To assess whether traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the risks of subsequent problem gambling. We conducted a matched case-control analysis of adults in Ontario, Canada. The study included those who self-reported their gambling activities in the Canadian Community Health Survey 2007-2008. Using Problem Gambling Severity Index, we defined cases as those who were problem gamblers and controls who were recreational gamblers. Cases were matched to controls 1:2 using propensity scores based on demographics, prior mental health, and self-reported behaviours. The main predictor was prior TBI defined as requiring emergency care and identified using ICD-10 codes from administrative health databases. We estimated the likelihood of prior TBI in problem gamblers compared to controls using conditional logistic regression. Of 30,652 survey participants, 16,002 (53%) reported gambling activity of whom 14,910 (49%) were recreational gamblers and 4% (n = 1092) were problem gamblers. A total of 1469 respondents (5%) had a prior TBI. Propensity score matching yielded 2038 matched pairs with 1019 cases matched to 2037 controls. Case-control analysis showed a significant association between prior TBI and subsequent problem gambling (odds ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval 1.07-1.51, P = 0.007). The increased risk was mostly apparent in men aged 35 to 64years who reported alcohol use or smoking. The relative risk of problem gambling in those with two or more TBIs equated to an odds ratio of 2.04 (95% confidence interval 1.05-3.99). We found that a prior TBI was associated with an increased subsequent risk of problem gambling. Our findings support more awareness, screening, and treating problem gambling risks among TBI patients.

Gambling motivation: comparisons across gender and preferred activity

ABSTRACTPeople gamble for emotional, social and monetary reasons. However, it remains unclear whether the relationships between these distinct aspects of gambling motivation and gambling behaviour hold across gender and types of gambling. Thus, the current study compared gambling motivation across different subgroups while taking into account problem gambling severity. A total of 4945 adults were recruited as part of the Northern Territory (Australia) population gambling survey. Of the full sample, 1207 participants (52% female) completed the Gambling Outcomes Expectancies Scale to assess gambling motivation. This subsample comprised those who scored one or more on the PGSI (n = 407) and a random sample of those who gambled at least once a year with a PGSI of zero (n = 800). The findings revealed excitement, escape and monetary expectancies increased in concert with gambling risk for both men and women, although only escape differentiated the low-risk and at-risk gamblers when other expectancies were controlled. In relation to differences across types of gambling, horse races/sports bettors rated excitement but not escape more favourably than lottery players. These findings suggest problem gambling severity should be considered when examining motivation difference by gender and that gambling motivation depends, in part, on preferred activity.

A generational comparison of problem gambling and gambling attitudes among older adult gambling venue patrons

ABSTRACTGambling is a popular leisure activity for older adults (55+), and existing research suggests that overall older adults are less prone to problem gambling compared to younger cohorts. People born after World War II are now beginning to reach retirement age. The purpose of this article was to explore age-related cohort differences between people born from 1943 to 1960 compared to those born from 1925 to 1942 in their attitudes and behaviours related to gambling. This study employs a large sample (2103) of older adults collected at gambling locations across Southern Ontario, Canada in 2013. Comparisons were made using Pearson’s chi-squared tests for categorical variables and independent samples t-tests for continuous variables with logarithmic transformations for highly-skewed variables. Those of the 1943 to 1960 cohort showed significantly higher problem gambling scores and per visit spending, but lower numbers of visits per year. There was no discernible pattern between cohorts in terms of attitudes toward gambling. Assumptions of lower risk of problem gambling among older adults will have to be re-evaluated as the post-war generation becomes an ever greater proportion of older adults.

Effects of bet size and multi-line play on immersion and respiratory sinus arrhythmia during electronic gaming machine use

Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) are regarded as a relatively harmful gambling product, and are associated with psychological immersion (the ‘machine zone’) and physiological arousal. Specifically, immersion is a phenomenon of attention manifesting as an intense focus on the game at the expense of peripheral stimuli and goals. Past research has indicated significant levels of immersion in response to modern multi-line EGMs when the overall bet is increased, which further scales with risk for problem gambling (Dixon et al., 2014). The present study sought to separate the effects of multi-line play and bet size, on measures of immersion and cardiac activity. Seventy-six male undergraduate students played an authentic EGM on each of 4 pre-defined play strategies while providing electrocardiogram data. The strategies varied the number of paylines and the bet multiplier. From the physiological data, we extracted Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA), a marker of task attention derived from heart rate variability. We found that immersion ratings were significantly greater when both paylines and bet-size were high. Importantly, selectively increasing the paylines, but not bet multiplier, produced significant increases in immersion. RSA change indicated parasympathetic withdrawal, consistent with increases in attention during EGM use, but did not differentiate game settings. These results suggest that multi-line EGMs capture attention across a range of play-styles, and that immersion may be effectively amplified by multi-line play.

An exploratory study of alcohol dependence and problem gambling co-development trajectories in young adults

ABSTRACTThis study examines whether there are multiple trajectories of alcohol dependence and problem gambling symptom co-occurrence in a sample (n = 679) of emerging adults. Six joint trajectory classes were identified and several baseline risk factors were associated with increased probability of being in more problematic joint trajectory classes relative to the low-risk normative class. There was no joint trajectory class characterized by both higher problem gambling risk and persistent high alcohol dependence, suggesting that alcohol dependence and problem gambling are not directly related but perhaps share common underlying causes. Contrary to this, though, none of the examined risk factors were common to both more problematic gambling and drinking trajectories. Overall, the findings (which should be considered exploratory due to small class sizes) suggest the co-development of alcohol and gambling is not uniform across all young adults, and that the reciprocal nature of this relationship in adulthood may not solidify until later in young adulthood. Future research should re-examine these findings with a larger sample, spanning further into adulthood, with additional risk factors.

Marital Status and Problem Gambling among Older Adults: An Examination of Social Context and Social Motivations.

ABSTRACTOlder adults represent the highest proportion of gamblers (Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation [OLG], 2012). Unpartnered older adults may be more socially isolated and lonely (Dykstra & de Jong Gierveld, 2004), thus more likely to be at risk for problem gambling (McQuade & Gill, 2012). We examined whether gambling to socialize or from loneliness and going to the casino with friends/family mediate the relation between marital status and problem gambling. Data from a random sample of older adults at gambling venues across Southwestern Ontario indicated that gambling with family/friends and gambling due to loneliness mediated the relationship between marital status and problem gambling. Relative to those married, unpartnered older adults were less likely to gamble with family/friends, more likely to gamble due to loneliness, and had higher problem gambling. Prevention and treatment initiatives should examine ways to decrease loneliness and social isolation among older adults and offer alternative social activities.

Prevalence, risk factors, and psychosocial adjustment of problematic gambling in adolescents: Results from two representative German samples.

Background and aimsGambling disorder is a significant public health concern. Especially, male minors have been shown to gamble in a problematic way, despite legal prohibitions.MethodsWe examined representative samples of students aged from 12 to 18 years (N = 9,309) in two German federal states to provide prevalence data and clinical description of risk factors for problematic gambling.ResultsWe found that about 40% of the adolescents reported engaging in gambling activities within the past 12 months and found prevalence rates of 1.7% and 2.2% for problematic gambling. Especially, use of online gambling and slot machines was found to be related to problematic gambling. Male adolescents with a migration background were of higher risk for problematic gambling and psychopathological symptoms were significantly elevated among that group.DiscussionThe results indicate that participation in gambling activities is common among underaged adolescents and that prevalence of problematic gambling exceeds rates of adults. Similarly, problematic gambling is associated with increased psychopathological strain.ConclusionGiven that a high proportion of adult gamblers report having started gambling in adolescents, our data emphasize the need for prevention and early intervention strategies for problematic gambling.

The Stimulating Nature of Gambling Behaviors: Relationships Between Stimulant Use and Gambling Among Adolescents.

Adolescence represents a significant developmental period during which experimentation with high-risk behaviors including substance use and gambling often occurs. These high-risk behaviors have been associated with multiple negative measures of social, academic and psychological functioning. Although associations have been established between alcohol use, marijuana use, mental health problems, and problem gambling in youth, research investigating possible associations between stimulant drug use and gambling is scarce. Questionnaire responses were collected from 6542 high-school students aged 12-19years. Relationships between types and patterns of gambling with stimulant drugs [including cocaine, methamphetamine, non-medical use of stimulants, and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)] were examined. Chi square analyses with odds ratio calculations revealed the use of any stimulant was associated with an increased odds of gambling frequency and problem gambling among both males and females. Self-reported use of crack cocaine was associated with a higher risk of frequent gambling and use of methamphetamines was associated with a higher risk of at-risk/problem gambling. Individuals using stimulants six or more times in the past year had high likelihoods of frequent and at-risk/problem gambling behaviors. The results contribute to our understanding of stimulant drug use and its associations with gambling behaviors among high-school youth.

Identifying at-risk profiles and protective factors for problem gambling: A longitudinal study across adolescence and early adulthood.

Past studies have identified various risk and protective factors for problem gambling (PG). However, no study has examined the interplay between these factors using a combination of person-centered and variable-centered approaches embedded within a longitudinal design. The present study aimed to (a) identify distinct profiles in early adolescence based on a set of risk factors commonly associated with PG (impulsivity, depression, anxiety, drug-alcohol use, aggressiveness, and antisociality), (b) explore the difference in reported gambling problems between these profiles during midadolescence and early adulthood, and (c) identify family- and peer-related variables that could operate as protective or compensatory factors in this context. Two samples were used: (a) a population sample (N = 1,033) living in low socioeconomic-status neighborhoods and (b) a population sample (N = 3,017) representative of students attending Quebec schools. Latent profile analyses were conducted to identify at-risk profiles based on individual risk factors measured at age 12 years. Negative binomial regression models were estimated to compare profiles in terms of their reported gambling problems at ages 16 and 23. Finally, family- and peer-related variables measured at age 14 were included to test their protective or compensatory role with respect to the link between at-risk profiles and gambling problems. Four profiles were identified: well-adjusted, internalizing, externalizing, and comorbid. Compared to the well-adjusted profile, the externalizing and comorbid profiles reported more gambling problems at ages 16 and 23, but the internalizing profile did not differ significantly. Various protective and compensatory factors emerged for each profile at both time points. (PsycINFO Database Record

Women\u2019s gambling behaviour, product preferences, and perceptions of product harm: differences by age and gambling risk status

BackgroundWomen’s participation in, and harm from gambling, is steadily increasing. There has been very limited research to investigate how gambling behaviour, product preferences, and perceptions of gambling harm may vary across subgroups of women.MethodsThis study surveyed a convenience sample of 509 women from Victoria and New South Wales, Australia. Women were asked a range of questions about their socio-demographic characteristics and gambling behaviour. Focusing on four gambling products in Australia—casino gambling, electronic gambling machines (EGMs), horse betting, and sports betting—women were asked about their frequency of participation, their product preferences, and perceptions of product harms. The sample was segmented a priori according to age and gambling risk status, and differences between groups were identified using Chi-square tests and ANOVAs. Thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative data.ResultsAlmost two thirds (n = 324, 63.7%) of women had engaged with one of the four products in the previous 12 months. Compared to other age groups, younger women aged 16–34 years exhibited a higher proportion of problem gambling, gambled more frequently, and across more products. While EGMs were the product gambled on most frequently by women overall, younger women were significantly more likely to bet on sports and gamble at casinos relative to older women. Qualitative data indicated that younger women engaged with gambling products as part of a “night out”, “with friends”, due to their “ease of access” and perceived “chance of winning big”. There were significant differences in the perceptions of the harms associated with horse and sports betting according to age and gambling risk status, with younger women and gamblers perceiving these products as less harmful.ConclusionsThis study highlights that there are clear differences in the gambling behaviour, product preferences, and perceptions of product harms between subgroups of women. A gendered approach will enable public health researchers and policymakers to ensure that the unique factors associated with women’s gambling are taken into consideration in a comprehensive public health approach to reducing and preventing gambling harm.

La autorregulación de las marcas de juegos de azar online a través de su publicidad en televisión

Gambling represents 2.5% of the Spanish GDP, and the investment in television advertising of online gambling is concentrated in 18 advertisers. The objective of this research is to determine compliance with the Code of Conduct for Commercial Communication of Gambling Activities by performing a content analysis using 24 variables applied to a sampling of 60 advertisements broadcast on television, and also to consider the health risks of online gambling to vulnerable groups. Of the advertisements studied, 90% do not include the play responsibly logo, 78.33% do not show the self-exclusion logo, and 11.67% do not have the +18 logo. Even though behaviour related to irresponsible gambling is shown in the advertising, and there is an excessive use of welcome bonuses, the main noncompliance affects gender equality.

Ernesto Contreras Para mí las series han sido toda una revelación

Nos ha tocado vivir una revolución sobre cómo concebimos a la televisión. Me refiero a que se ha generado una gran cantidad de contenido en los últimos años y, sobre todo, pareciera que hemos redescubierto un formato que por mucho tiempo estuvo despreciado y que de pronto revivió y se convirtió en una posibilidad de trabajo, pero también una oportunidad expresiva. Creo que el fenómeno tiene que ver con cómo ciertos estudios comenzaron a abrirse, a arriesgarse a apostar. También porque comenzó a haber una migración de personas que estaban haciendo cine y se fueron a las series. Yo debo confesar que no era muy afecto a este formato hasta que comenzó todo este boom con Mad Men (2007-2015) y Breaking Bad (2008-2013) y Los Soprano (1999-2007) y demás. No pensaba, la verdad, que tiempo después estaría en medio de todo eso.

Betting to deal: coping motives mediate the relationship between urgency and Problem gambling severity

Background and aims: Elevated impulsivity traits, particularly negative and positive urgency, have been identified as robust predictors of problem gambling. However, the mechanisms that link urgency to problem gambling remain unknown. The present research examined whether self-reported gambling motives (social, coping, enhancement, financial) mediated the association between urgency and problem gambling severity.Methods: The sample consisted of 564 community gamblers (52.1% female; M age =36.10, SD = 11.25) including 156 (27.7%) who were classified as moderate risk gamblers and 141 (25%) as problem gamblers.Results: The mediation analyzes revealed that both negative and positive urgency were associated with problem gambling severity. Coping was the only motive that mediated these associations. The pattern of results remained the same when the analyzes were restricted to problem gamblers and when controlling for days gambled and money spent in the past 30 days.Conclusions: The desire to alleviate strong emotional states (negative or positive) maybe an important determinant of problem gambling. Furthermore, results indicate that treatment initiatives for problem gambling may benefit from including training for clients in alternative and more adaptive coping strategies for the effective management of intense affective states.

Gambling Risk Groups are Not All the Same: Risk Factors Amongst Sports Bettors.

Sports betting is increasing worldwide, with an associated increase in sports betting-related problems. Previous studies have examined risk factors for problem gambling amongst sports bettors and have identified demographic, behavioural, marketing, normative and impulsiveness factors. These studies have generally compared those in problem gambling, or a combination of moderate risk and problem gambling, groups to non-problem gamblers, often due to statistical power issues. However, recent evidence suggests that, at a population level, the bulk of gambling-related harm stems from low risk and moderate risk gamblers, rather than problem gamblers. Thus it is essential to understand the risk factors for each level of gambling-related problems (low risk, moderate risk, problem) separately. The present study used a large sample (N=1813) to compare each gambling risk group to non-problem gamblers, first using bivariate and then multivariate statistical techniques. A range of demographic, behavioural, marketing, normative and impulsiveness variables were included as possible risk factors. The results indicated that some variables, such as gambling expenditure, number of accounts with different operators, number of different types of promotions used and impulsiveness were significantly higher for all risk groups, while others such as some normative factors, age, gender and particular sports betting variables only applied to those with the highest level of gambling-related problems. The results generally supported findings from previous literature for problem gamblers, and extended these findings to low risk and moderate risk groups. In the future, where statistical power allows, risk factors should be assessed separately for all levels of gambling problems.