scholarly journals Gambling and COVID-19: Initial Findings from a UK Sample

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steve Sharman ◽  
Amanda Roberts ◽  
Henrietta Bowden-Jones ◽  
John Strang
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Behaviour Change ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Gambling Participation ◽  
Specific Questionnaire ◽  
Behavioural Patterns ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Gambling Frequency

AbstractIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK Government placed society on ‘lockdown’, altering the gambling landscape. This study sought to capture the immediate lockdown-enforced changes in gambling behaviour. UK adults (n = 1028) were recruited online. Gambling behaviour (frequency and weekly expenditure, perceived increase/decrease) was measured using a survey-specific questionnaire. Analyses compared gambling behaviour as a function of pre-lockdown gambling status, measured by the Brief Problem Gambling Scale. In the whole sample, gambling participation decreased between pre- and during-lockdown. Both gambling frequency and weekly expenditure decreased during the first month of lockdown overall, but, the most engaged gamblers did not show a change in gambling behaviour, despite the decrease in opportunity and availability. Individuals whose financial circumstances were negatively affected by lockdown were more likely to perceive an increase in gambling than those whose financial circumstances were not negatively affected. Findings reflect short-term behaviour change; it will be crucial to examine, at future release of lockdown, if behaviour returns to pre-lockdown patterns, or whether new behavioural patterns persist.

scholarly journals Gambling by Young Adults in the UK During COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Emond ◽  
Agnes Nairn ◽  
Sharon Collard ◽  
Linda Hollén
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Gambling Activities ◽  
Gambling Frequency

AbstractGambling is a common activity amongst young adults in the UK, and was a behavior of interest during the early mitigation against COVID-19 (first lockdown). The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) was used to investigate attitudes, moods and behavior during lockdown in England. ALSPAC participants were invited to complete online questionnaires in May 2020, including a set of questions about frequency of gambling and gambling activities which had been asked three years previously. Mental health and wellbeing data and alcohol use were also collected as part of lockdown questionnaires. Gambling questions were completed by 2632 young adults, 71% female, with a mean age of 27.8 years. Overall, gambling frequency reduced during lockdown for both males and females, but more males engaged in regular (weekly) gambling. Gambling activities became more restricted compared to previous reports, but online gambling (e.g. online poker, bingo, casino games) was more frequent. Previous gambling behaviour predicted gambling frequency during lockdown. No associations were apparent between gambling frequency and measures of mental health and well-being. Heavy alcohol use was strongly linked with regular gambling during lockdown. Gamblers were more than twice as likely as non-gamblers to have experienced financial difficulties pre-COVID, but gambling frequency was not related to employment status during lockdown. Online gambling increased during lockdown, whilst offline gambling activities decreased in frequency. A small minority of regular weekly gamblers, who tended to be male and heavy users of alcohol, participated in a wide range of online and offline gambling activities.

scholarly journals And That is Where the Fun Ends – General Practitioners’ Conceptualisation of the Line between Recreational and Problem Gambling

2014 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Dieter Egerer ◽  
Virve Marionneau
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Cultural Variations ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Individual

AbstractAIMS – Problem gambling is normally identified by fixed criteria of harm adapted from those of substance abuse and by focusing on the individual gambler. However, rigid definitions neglect institutional variations of gambling practices within different legislative configurations. This study proposes analysing the line between recreational and problem gambling by focusing on gambling behaviour and looking at the corruption of the defining factors of play (Caillois, 1958) in three different institutional contexts. DESIGN – A stimulated focus-group method (Reception Analytical Group Interview) was applied to seven groups of Finnish and French general practitioners each and three groups of German ones to study the variations of conceptualising the defining factors of play as introduced by Caillois. RESULTS – Corruption of play was distinguished by participants from all three countries as the dividing line between recreational and problem gambling, but cultural variations were found: the French and German GPs emphasised the loss of the exceptionality of gambling, whereas the Finnish GPs highlighted the invasion of the home by online gambling. Furthermore, the Finnish and German participants were more concerned about the use of gambling as an emotional regulator, while French GPs echoed the French medical model in discussing the adrenaline rush of problem gamblers. CONCLUSIONS – Caillois’ defining factors of play can be used to distinguish recreational from problem gambling and to offer a more encompassing definition of problem gambling. The perception of the line between recreational and problem gambling also seems to depend on the institutional and cultural context.

scholarly journals Consumer engagement with and perceptions of offshore online gambling sites

2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 2990-3010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally M Gainsbury ◽  
Alex MT Russell ◽  
Nerilee Hing ◽  
Alex Blaszczynski
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Consumer Protection ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Consumer Attitudes ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Gambling Severity ◽  
Gambling Market ◽  
Online Gamblers

Many jurisdictions have legalized and licensed online gambling sites. Nonetheless, a notable proportion of the online gambling market operates offshore. Offshore sites pose risks for consumers in terms of unsafe and disreputable practices, compete with domestically licensed sites and do not participate in the economies in which they operate. This study aimed to explore the extent to which Australian online gamblers use offshore as compared to domestic gambling sites, consumer attitudes and gambling-related harms. Participants ( N = 3199) completed an online survey assessing gambling behaviour, reasons for choosing sites, awareness of and impact of online gambling legislation, and problem gambling. Results show that 25.8% of online gamblers used offshore sites, and that these were more involved gamblers overall than domestic gamblers, and had greater problem gambling severity. Most online gamblers preferred domestic sites, indicating that regulation of online gambling with associated consumer protection measures may benefit those who wish to gamble online.

scholarly journals An Examination of the Relationship Between Social Casino Gaming and Gambling: The Bad, The Ugly, and The Good

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J.A. Wohl ◽  
Melissa M. Salmon ◽  
Samantha J. Hollingshead ◽  
Hyoun S. Kim
Keyword(s):  
Path Model ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Disordered Gambling ◽  
Nous Proposons ◽  
Gambling Participation ◽  
Casino Gaming ◽  
Social Casino Games ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Casino Game

Social casino games (i.e., free-to-play online gambling-themed games) are now ubiquitous on social network platforms such as Facebook. Their popularity and similarity to gambling games has raised concern that, among other things, social casino games will normalize gambling behaviour, which may contribute to gambling participation and to a rise in the rate of disordered gambling (see Gainsbury, Hing, Delfabbro, & King, 2014; Kim, Wohl, Salmon, Gupta, & Derevensky, 2015; Parke, Wardle, Rigbye, & Parke, 2013). Herein, we review theory and research that address potentially bad (migration to gambling) and ugly (increased rate of problem gambling) consequences of social casino gaming. We also outline the limits and boundaries of this presupposition. Specifically, we outline contexts in which social casino games may yield positive consequences when played, including the use of such games as a proxy for gambling among disordered gamblers. Drawing on these discussions, we offer a path model for gambling behaviour that places social casino gaming at its core. Although we, like others, present some pessimism regarding the outcome of social casino game play, this paper points to situations and motivations that may yield positive effects.Les jeux de casino sociaux (à savoir, les jeux de hasard gratuits en ligne) se retrouvent maintenant sur les plateformes de réseaux sociaux comme Facebook. Leur popularité et leur ressemblance avec les jeux d’argent soulèvent des inquiétudes que les jeux de casino sociaux aient entre autres pour effet de normaliser les comportements de jeu, lesquels peuvent contribuer à une participation aux jeux de hasard et à une augmentation du taux de jeu compulsif (voir Gainsbury, Hing, Delfabbro, et King, 2014; Kim, Wohl, Salmon, Gupta, et Derevensky, 2015; Parke, Wardle, Rigbye, et Parke, 2013). Dans le présent article, nous analyserons la théorie et les travaux de recherche qui traitent des conséquences potentiellement néfastes (engouement pour les jeux d’argent) et horribles (augmentation du taux du jeu compulsif) des jeux de casino sociaux. Nous définissons également les limites de cette affirmation. Plus particulièrement, nous présentons une vue d’ensemble des contextes dans lesquels les jeux de casino sociaux peuvent avoir des conséquences positives lorsqu’on s’y adonne, notamment l’utilisation chez les joueurs pathologiques de ces jeux comme substitut pour les jeux de hasard. En nous inspirant de cette analyse, nous proposons un modèle de cheminement pour les comportements de jeu où les jeux de casino sociaux occupent la place centrale. Bien que nous soyons un peu pessimistes, et nous ne sommes pas les seuls, en ce qui a trait aux répercussions des jeux de casino sociaux, cet article cite des situations et des motivations qui peuvent amener des effets positifs.

scholarly journals Risky business: Gambling problems amongst gaming venue employees in Queensland, Australia

2011 ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nerilee Hing ◽  
Sally Gainsbury
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Responsible Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Population Problem ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Gambling Participation ◽  
Type Of Gambling ◽  
Venue Staff ◽  
Risky Business

This study examines gambling and problem gambling among gaming venue staff and provides a quantitative analysis that is directly comparable to the general population. A sample of 511 staff from casinos, hotels, and clubs in Queensland, Australia completed a questionnaire. Results indicate that employees exceed the average for gambling participation, regular gambling, and usual gambling duration for every type of gambling for which comparisons could be made. Problem gambling rates amongst staff were 9.6 times higher than for the Queensland population. Problem and moderate-risk gamblers were typically males who worked around gambling facilities and assisted patrons with gambling. A substantial proportion of problem and moderate-risk gamblers report increasing their gambling since commencing work. These results are of interest, given the importance of understanding how exposure interacts with gambling behaviour, of debates about the nature of this interaction, and of industry-based responsible gambling policies that particularly focus on gaming venue employees.

scholarly journals Gambling among 16-year-olds and associated covariates: A Nordic comparison

2020 ◽  
pp. 140349482092381
Author(s):  
Jessika Spångberg ◽  
Johan Svensson
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Parental Monitoring ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Bivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Other Substances ◽  
Cross Country

Aims: This study aimed to compare the prevalence in different gambling types as well as problem gambling in the Nordic countries, examining gambling, leisure activities, school truancy, parental relations and consumption of alcohol and other substances as covariates for problem gambling. Methods: Cross-country data were provided by the European Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) 2015. Prevalence of gambling and potential covariates were analysed for Denmark, Finland, Iceland Norway and Sweden ( N=13,172 respondents aged 16 years), while analyses regarding problem gambling only included countries that participated in the optional questions on gambling problems (Denmark, Finland and Sweden; N=8108). We tested variables for problem gambling by bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Cross-country differences were found in gambling and problem gambling, as well as differences in covariates for problem gambling. Sweden had the lowest rate of problem gambling. No significant difference was found between Denmark and Finland. Reports of too much gaming, inhalants, slots, betting and online gambling were positively associated with problem gambling, while parental monitoring and parental caring had a negative association. The relevance of the covariates varied across countries. Conclusions: Results indicate that although gambling regulation and its implementation have an important impact on gambling behaviour, we need more research on social, economic and cultural factors and how youth understand and interact with them. Contexts and regulations in other related fields should inform gambling research, policies and interventions.

The Structure of Young People's Leisure and Their Gambling Behaviour

2000 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 167-177 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Moore ◽  
Keis Ohtsuka
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Specific Activity ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Board Games ◽  
Time Usage ◽  
Increase Risk ◽  
Major Predictor ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Gambling Frequency

AbstractIn this study, the relationship between adolescent leisure and gambling was explored. Three different models of time usage were compared as potential predictors of gambling behaviour and problem gambling among 769 adolescents (15 to 18 years old) from five secondary schools in Melbourne. More leisure time, particularly unstructured leisure, predicted more frequent gambling behaviour for girls and boys. Specific activity factors provided the best time usage-based prediction of gambling behaviour. More time socialising and being involved in organised sport predicted more gambling for boys, possibly because of the access these activities provide to gambling venues. For boys, lower levels of so-called masculine pursuits (activities with other male peers) were associated with problem gambling, as were “cognitive pursuits” such as board games and collecting hobbies. For girls, more time in studious activity mitigated against gambling frequency. Lower levels of typically “feminine” adolescent pursuits predicted problem gambling. By far the major predictor of problem gambling for both sexes was gambling frequency. The role of leisure in problem gambling was discussed in terms of the role played by peer socialising, which may increase risk through access to gambling venues yet simultaneously increase protection through a sense of belongingness.

scholarly journals Attitudes, Risk Factors, and Behaviours of Gambling among Adolescents and Young People: A Literature Review and Gap Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 984
Author(s):  
Ben J. Riley ◽  
Candice Oster ◽  
Mubarak Rahamathulla ◽  
Sharon Lawn
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Young People ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Gap Analysis ◽  
Modern Technology ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Public Health Perspective ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Associated Risk Factors

Gambling is occurring in a rapidly changing landscape, with new trends and technologies affecting gambling behaviour and problem gambling across a range of populations. Gambling activity among adolescents and young people has received considerable research attention due to a high prevalence of gambling reported among these groups in recent years. Despite legislation worldwide to constrain gambling among adolescents and young people, modern technology, such as online gaming apps and online gambling venues, has significantly increased their exposure to the risks of problem gambling. It is important, therefore, to have up to date information about what is currently known about gambling and to explore gaps in our knowledge. This gap analysis presents the results of a systematic approach to reviewing the current literature on gambling behaviour, attitudes, and associated risk factors for gambling and problem gambling among adolescents and young adults (aged 10–25 years). The review included studies published between January 2015 and August 2020 and included 85 studies for final synthesis. Findings reveal further research is needed on the implications for young people of emerging technologies and new trends in gambling in the digital age. The current gap analysis reveals that this should include more research on the development and impact of both treatment and intervention strategies, and policy and regulatory frameworks from a public health perspective.

scholarly journals An Exploratory Study of the Relationship Between Financial Well-Being and Changes in Reported Gambling Behaviour During the COVID-19 Shutdown in Australia

2021 ◽  
pp. 136-157
Author(s):  
Thomas B Swanton ◽  
Martin T Burgess ◽  
Alex Blaszczynski ◽  
Sally M Gainsbury
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gambling Participation ◽  
Gambling Severity ◽  
The Relationship

A change in someone’s financial situation, such as a windfall gain or increased financial stress, can affect the way that they gamble. The aim of this paper was to explore the relationship between financial well-being and changes in gambling behaviour during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) shutdown. Australian past-year gamblers (N = 764; 85% male) completed an online cross-sectional survey in May 2020. Participants retrospectively reported monthly gambling participation before and after the COVID-19 shutdown, as well as their financial well-being, experience of COVID-related financial hardship, problem gambling severity, and psychological distress. Financial well-being showed strong negative associations with problem gambling and psychological distress. Neither financial well-being nor the interaction between financial well-being and problem gambling severity showed consistent evidence for predicting changes in gambling participation during the shutdown in this sample. This study provides preliminary evidence that self-reported financial well-being has a strong negative association with gambling problems but is not related to gambling participation. Future studies should link objective measures of financial well-being from bank transaction data with survey measures of problem gambling severity and experience of gambling-related harm.

scholarly journals Transmission of Problem Gambling Between Adjacent Generations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Forrest ◽  
Ian G. McHale
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Family Attitudes ◽  
Gambling Participation ◽  
Parents And Children ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Health Choices ◽  
Child Age

Abstract We investigate the extent to which gambling problems at age 20 are linked to parental gambling behaviour during childhood, employing data from a longitudinal study (ALSPAC) which has followed parents and children from Avon, England since pregnancy. 1058 children completed a problem gambling screen at age 20. When those children had been age 6, each of their parents was asked about their own gambling. We used regression to estimate the effect of parental gambling behaviour at child age 6 on the child’s problem gambling risk at age 20. Parental gambling participation at child age 6 was not a predictor of offspring problem gambling; but problem gambling by parents was a predictor of offspring problem gambling. However, this latter result was found only cross-gender (fathers’ behaviour influencing daughters and mothers’ behaviour influencing sons). This pattern was robust to models including measures of parental education and variables capturing family attitudes to health choices and the degree of domestic harmony. The sample illustrates high problem gambling prevalence amongst young adults. Although there is transmission of ‘problem gambling’ between generations, it appears to happen only cross-gender. This limits the importance of parental problem gambling as a source of the high prevalence because relatively few mothers exhibit problem gambling and risks to daughters from fathers are in the context of initially low baseline risks. Preventative policies might therefore be more appropriately targeted at young adults rather than rely on influencing parental gambling behaviour earlier in the child’s life.

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