Differences in Characteristics of Asian American and White Problem Gamblers Calling a Gambling Helpline

Introduction: The characteristics of Asian American and white problem gamblers using a gambling helpline were examined to identify race-related differences.Methods: Logistic regression analyses were conducted on data obtained from callers to a gambling helpline serving southern New England in 2000–2003, inclusive.Results: Of the 144 phone calls used in the analyses, 72 were from Asian American callers and 72 were from white callers who were matched on gender, education, income, marital/cohabitation status, and age. Race-related differences were observed in forms of gambling problems, psychiatric problems secondary to gambling, substance use problems, and family history. Asian American gamblers were more likely to report suicide attempts related to gambling and problems with non-strategic gambling. White gamblers were more likely to report both casino and non-casino gambling problems and personal and familial alcohol use problems. High proportions of both groups reported problems with strategic gambling, gambling-related anxiety, family and financial problems secondary to gambling, financial debt, daily tobacco use, and a family history of problem gambling.Conclusion: Race-related differences should be considered in optimizing prevention and treatment strategies related to problem gambling.

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Treatment of Gambling Problems in Asia: Comprehensive Review and Implications for Asian Problem Gamblers

Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy ◽

10.1891/0889-8391.27.3.297 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 297-322 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Namrata Raylu ◽

Jasmine Loo ◽

Tian P. S. Oei

Keyword(s):

Problem Gambling ◽

Treatment Program ◽

Asian American ◽

Gambling Problems ◽

Psychodynamic Treatment ◽

Problem Gamblers ◽

Behavioral Treatments ◽

Gambling Treatment ◽

Problem Gambling Treatment

Much research has been conducted in the treatment of gambling problems. However, very little is reported specifically on treating Asian problem gamblers. Thus, this article reviewed the general problem gambling treatment literature as well as the limited Asian problem gambling treatment literature to provide a discussion of interventions that can be used with Asian problem gamblers. The general literature showed that behavioral, cognitive, and combined cognitive behavioral treatments (CBT) have the most treatment outcome literature and appear to be the most effective in treating gambling problems. Although, pharmacotherapy also looks promising, it may be more suitable for problem gamblers with comorbid mood problems or impulsivity. Research on other forms of treatments also exists (e.g., 12-step and psychodynamic treatment approaches) but are not as robust. Only three studies have reported on the effectiveness of treatment with Asian problem gamblers. The first study is case study. The second study presents data from a treatment program for Asian problem gambling and the last one presents preliminary findings of a telephone delivered treatment program with eight Asian American gamblers. These studies support the general treatment literature in showing that CBT and pharmacotherapy have a role to play in treating Asian problem gamblers. Based on the general and Asian problem gambling treatment literature, a discussion of treatment of Asian problem gamblers is provided including the use of CBT and other forms of treatment, issues to address in treatment, and variables that can assist treatment.

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Characteristics of Gamblers Who Use the French National Problem Gambling Helpline and Real-Time Chat Facility: Longitudinal Observational Study

JMIR Formative Research ◽

10.2196/13388 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (5) ◽

pp. e13388

Author(s):

Stéphane Darbeda ◽

Henri-Jean Aubin ◽

Michel Lejoyeux ◽

Amandine Luquiens

Keyword(s):

Problem Gambling ◽

Real Time ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Logistic Models ◽

Target Population ◽

Casino Gambling ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Web Based ◽

History Of

Background Problem gambling is a growing public health issue that is characterized by low rates of face-to-face help seeking. Helplines and real-time chat services could reduce shortfalls in treatment. Objective This study aimed to (1) describe the characteristics of gamblers contacting a government-funded help service, (2) study the evolution of their characteristics over time, (3) evaluate the differences between subgroups (ie, gender, media used for gambling, and media used to contact the service), and (4) explore factors influencing referral to care. Methods From January 2011 to December 2015, a government-funded gambling helpline and real-time chat website in France received 9474 contacts from gamblers. Counselors filled in a form for each contact, collecting demographics, gambling characteristics, and referrals. Time-series analyses were performed. Univariate logistic models were used to assess differences across subgroups. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the variables related to an actual referral. Results Gamblers were predominantly men (7017/9474, 74.07%); the average age was 41 years (SD 14). Compared with the men, the women were older (mean 50.7 years, SD 14.0 vs mean 37.9 years, SD 13.0, respectively; P<.001), were more often solely offline gamblers (1922/2457, 78.23% vs 4386/7017, 62.51%, respectively; P<.001), and had different gambling patterns. Compared with helpline contacts, real-time chat contacts were more often men (124/150, 82.7% vs 3643/4881, 74.64%, respectively; P=.04), younger (mean 32.8 years, SD 12.9 vs mean 41.3 years, SD 14.3, respectively; P<.001), more often poker gamblers (41/150, 27.3% vs 592/4881, 12.13%, respectively; P<.001), and more often web-based gamblers (83/150, 55.3% vs 1462/4881, 29.95%, respectively; P<.001). Referral was positively associated with betting (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.67; P<.001), casino gambling (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.21-1.57; P<.001), scratch cards (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.58-2.12; P<.001), poker gambling (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.61; P<.001), lottery (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.56; P=.03), weekly gambling (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.40-2.15; P<.001), request for referral (aOR 17.76, 95% CI 14.92-21.13; P<.001), and a history of suicide attempts (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.51-3.02; P<.001), and it was negatively associated with web-based gambling (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98; P=.030) and refusal to be referred (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26-0.49; P<.001). Conclusions The governmental helpline and chat contacts included a broad range of sociodemographic profiles. Compared with the helpline, real-time chat exchanges reached a younger population of web-based gamblers, which was the target population. The development of the gambling helpline and help online website is a considerable challenge for the future.

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Problem gambling and support preferences among Finnish prisoners: a pilot study in an adult correctional population

International Journal of Prisoner Health ◽

10.1108/ijph-07-2018-0041 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 316-331 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kalle Lind ◽

Anne H. Salonen ◽

Johanna Järvinen-Tassopoulos ◽

Hannu Alho ◽

Sari Castrén

Keyword(s):

Substance Use ◽

Problem Gambling ◽

Potential Problem ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Property Crime ◽

Gambling Problems ◽

Related Factors ◽

Content Type ◽

Problem Gamblers ◽

Previous Sentence

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of potential problem gambling among Finnish prisoners; the associations between problem gambling and demographics, substance use and crime-related factors; and problem gamblers’ support preferences. Design/methodology/approach Prisoners (n=96) from two Finnish prisons were recruited between December 2017 and January 2018. The estimated response rate was 31 percent. Gambling problems were measured using the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen. The participants were asked to report their gambling both for one year prior to their incarceration and for the past year. The independent variables were demographics (age, gender and marital status), substance use (alcohol, smoking and narcotics) and crime-related factors (crime type, prison type and previous sentence). Statistical significance (p) was determined using Fischer’s exact test. Findings Past-year pre-conviction problem gambling prevalence was 16.3 percent and past-year prevalence 15 percent. Age, gender, smoking, alcohol or illicit drug use were not associated with past-year problem gambling before sentencing. One-third of the prisoners (33.3 percent) who were sentenced for a property crime, financial crime or robbery were problem gamblers. One-quarter (24 percent) of all participants showed an interest in receiving support by identifying one or more support preferences. The most preferred type of support was group support in its all forms. Research limitations/implications It is recommended that correctional institutions undertake systematic screening for potential problem gambling, and implement tailored intervention programs for inmates with gambling problems. Originality/value This study provides a deeper understanding of problem gambling in prisons. Problem gambling is associated with crime and also seems to be linked with serving a previous sentence. Early detection and tailored interventions for problem gambling may help to reduce reoffending rates.

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Characteristics of Gamblers Who Use the French National Problem Gambling Helpline and Real-Time Chat Facility: Longitudinal Observational Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.13388 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Stéphane Darbeda ◽

Henri-Jean Aubin ◽

Michel Lejoyeux ◽

Amandine Luquiens

Keyword(s):

Problem Gambling ◽

Real Time ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Logistic Models ◽

Target Population ◽

Casino Gambling ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Web Based ◽

History Of

BACKGROUND Problem gambling is a growing public health issue that is characterized by low rates of face-to-face help seeking. Helplines and real-time chat services could reduce shortfalls in treatment. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to (1) describe the characteristics of gamblers contacting a government-funded help service, (2) study the evolution of their characteristics over time, (3) evaluate the differences between subgroups (ie, gender, media used for gambling, and media used to contact the service), and (4) explore factors influencing referral to care. METHODS From January 2011 to December 2015, a government-funded gambling helpline and real-time chat website in France received 9474 contacts from gamblers. Counselors filled in a form for each contact, collecting demographics, gambling characteristics, and referrals. Time-series analyses were performed. Univariate logistic models were used to assess differences across subgroups. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the variables related to an actual referral. RESULTS Gamblers were predominantly men (7017/9474, 74.07%); the average age was 41 years (SD 14). Compared with the men, the women were older (mean 50.7 years, SD 14.0 vs mean 37.9 years, SD 13.0, respectively; P<.001), were more often solely offline gamblers (1922/2457, 78.23% vs 4386/7017, 62.51%, respectively; P<.001), and had different gambling patterns. Compared with helpline contacts, real-time chat contacts were more often men (124/150, 82.7% vs 3643/4881, 74.64%, respectively; P=.04), younger (mean 32.8 years, SD 12.9 vs mean 41.3 years, SD 14.3, respectively; P<.001), more often poker gamblers (41/150, 27.3% vs 592/4881, 12.13%, respectively; P<.001), and more often web-based gamblers (83/150, 55.3% vs 1462/4881, 29.95%, respectively; P<.001). Referral was positively associated with betting (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.67; P<.001), casino gambling (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.21-1.57; P<.001), scratch cards (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.58-2.12; P<.001), poker gambling (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.61; P<.001), lottery (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.56; P=.03), weekly gambling (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.40-2.15; P<.001), request for referral (aOR 17.76, 95% CI 14.92-21.13; P<.001), and a history of suicide attempts (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.51-3.02; P<.001), and it was negatively associated with web-based gambling (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98; P=.030) and refusal to be referred (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26-0.49; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS The governmental helpline and chat contacts included a broad range of sociodemographic profiles. Compared with the helpline, real-time chat exchanges reached a younger population of web-based gamblers, which was the target population. The development of the gambling helpline and help online website is a considerable challenge for the future.

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Problem gambling—a Lacanian Real

The International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research ◽

10.7895/ijadr.v4i1.197 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 71-76 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anita Borch

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Problem Gambling ◽

Critical Point ◽

Drug Research ◽

Point Of View ◽

Gambling Problems ◽

The Real ◽

Problem Gamblers

Borch, A. (2015). Problem gambling—a Lacanian Real. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 4(1), 71-76. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v4i1.197The concept of addiction has been criticized for being mainly based on self-reporting in therapeutic and research settings, and that it is functional for people in these settings to report that they are addicted—driven by forces beyond their capacity to control. In this paper, I take this criticism seriously into account and argue that problem gambling belongs to the Lacanian Real, in short, referring to those parts of our existence that might be sensed and even acknowledged, but that never can be wholly grasped. Based on qualitative research of households with reported gambling problems, I argue that neither problem gamblers nor their spouses seem to know why the person gambles and why he or she keeps on gambling even though s/he knows it is damaging. The unknown and incomprehensible aspects of problem gambling (the Real) tend, as part of the gambler’s process of ‘recovering,’ to be repressed and replaced with the concept of addiction. This repression mechanism is observed in other contexts as well, not least in scientific milieux studying gambling, and reflects interests and power in society. Exploring the addiction concept from a critical point of view is necessary to sort truth from myth and make scientific enhancements.

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Social service providers' perspectives on casino gambling in older adult clients

Journal of Gambling Issues ◽

10.4309/jgi.2015.30.11 ◽

2015 ◽

pp. 57 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Kim L. Stansbury ◽

Blake Beecher ◽

Mitzi Schumacher ◽

Fayetta Martin ◽

Mary Ann Clute

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Problem Gambling ◽

Social Service ◽

Service Providers ◽

Peer Pressure ◽

The United States ◽

Casino Gambling ◽

Gambling Problems ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Social Service Providers

There has been an upward trend in gambling, particularly among older adults. With the baby-boomer generation moving toward retirement, this trend is expected to increase. Availability and social acceptability of casinos in the United States are 2 of many precipitating factors for older adults' increased enthusiasm for gambling. Noticeably absent from the literature on casino gambling is the perspective of senior social service providers (SSSPs). The present study used a cross-sectional open-ended questionnaire completed by 88 SSSPs in Washington State. The purpose of this study was to describe the SSSPs' (a) perceptions of older adults' motivations to participate in casino gambling, (b) experience with older adults who have gambling problems, (c) views and knowledge of problem gambling, and (d) perception of the need for training on gambling problems. The most prevalent reasons cited for older adults to patronize casinos were the entertainment of gambling and the desire to win money. The least prevalent reasons included peer pressure, to learn new things, and for a public smoking environment. Many respondents (42.0%) felt that their clients were aware of the risks of casino gambling. However, almost one third (29.5%) reported that their clients were largely unaware of the risks. Almost all of the respondents (85.2%) reported they had not received any training regarding problem gambling. The findings indicate the need to educate SSSPs about the potential positive and negative consequences of casino gambling.

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The Association Between Problem Gambling and Suicidal Ideations and Attempts: A Case Control Study in the General Swedish Population

Journal of Gambling Studies ◽

10.1007/s10899-020-09996-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kristina Sundqvist ◽

Peter Wennberg

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Problem Gambling ◽

Suicide Ideation ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Case Control ◽

Swedish Population ◽

Problem Gamblers ◽

General Swedish Population ◽

Control Study

AbstractThe association between problem gambling and suicidal behaviours is well established in treatment seeking populations, but less explored among sub-clinical problem gamblers in the general population. The aim of this study was to examine the association between problem gambling (including moderate risk gambling) and suicidal ideations/suicide attempts, in the general Swedish population. Another aim was to compare problem gamblers with and without suicide ideation/attempts. A case-control study nested in the Swelogs cohort was used. Both ideations and attempts were about twice as frequent among the cases compared to the controls. After controlling for socio-economic status and life-time mental health problems, suicidal ideation, but not attempts, remained significantly higher among the cases compared to the controls. The largest difference between attempters and non-attempters were on payment defaults and illicit drug abuse, whereas depression yielded the largest difference between ideators and non-ideators. Problem gambling severity (PGSI 8+) resulted in the smallest difference, compared to the other variables, between attempters and non-attempters. Even though no conclusion regarding the casual relationship can be drawn in this type of study, it seems like sub-clinical levels of problem gambling might have an impact on suicidal ideations whereas for suicide attempts to occur, other factors need to be present. In addition to mental health issues, financial difficulties may be such factors.

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Fifteen years of problem gambling prevalence research: What do we know? Where do we go?

Journal of Gambling Issues ◽

10.4309/jgi.2004.10.12 ◽

2004 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Rachel A. Volberg

Keyword(s):

North America ◽

General Population ◽

Problem Gambling ◽

Rapid Growth ◽

Accurate Information ◽

Gambling Problems ◽

Problem Gamblers ◽

The Future ◽

Representative Samples

This paper charts the rapid growth of problem gambling prevalence research in North America and internationally. Looking beyond the overall prevalence of problem gambling in the general population, the results of these studies support the notion of a link between the expansion of legal gambling opportunities and the prevalence of problem gambling as well as the notion that the characteristics of problem gamblers change in response to changes in the availability of specific types of gambling. The results of these studies also challenge existing concepts and definitions of problem gambling. In the future, it will be important to improve how problem gambling prevalence research is done. Such work is likely to include changes in how we measure gambling problems as well as requiring us to take steps to overcome obstacles in achieving representative samples of the population and obtaining valid and accurate information.

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Coping Strategies and Problem Gambling

Behaviour Change ◽

10.1375/bech.24.1.14 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 24 (1) ◽

pp. 14-24 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Simone Farrelly ◽

Christine Ffrench ◽

Rowan P. Ogeil ◽

James G. Phillips

Keyword(s):

Problem Gambling ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Gambling Behaviour ◽

Gambling Problems ◽

South Oaks Gambling Screen ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Problem Gamblers ◽

Dissociative Experiences ◽

Dsm Iv ◽

Dissociative Tendencies

AbstractIn DSM-IV, problem gambling is associated with symptoms such as escape, denial, and chasing. However, these symptoms could actually be underlying coping strategies that contribute to the problems associated with gambling behaviour. To address relationships between coping strategies and gambling problems, 65 participants (37 males and 28 females) with a mean age of 37 completed the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), and questionnaires addressing coping strategies, mood states, and dissociative experiences. Specific subscales addressing coping strategies relevant to DSM-IV symptoms were examined, namely Distancing, Escape-Avoidance and Confrontative Coping. Although fantasy and denial feature in the behaviours of problem gamblers, dissociative tendencies were only indirectly linked to problem gambling status. Instead, problem gambling status was related to depression and greater tendencies towards Confrontative Coping and Distancing. The present data demonstrates several distinct factors associated with gambling problems and suggests confrontation could have a role in problem gambling.

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Exploring the Gaps in Programming for Men and Women with a Gambling Disorder in the Correctional System in Canada

International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology ◽

10.1177/0306624x211013743 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 0306624X2110137

Author(s):

Farah Jindani ◽

Steve Cook ◽

Jing Shi ◽

Steve McAvoy ◽

Chris Myers ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gender Differences ◽

Substance Abuse ◽

General Population ◽

Problem Gambling ◽

Gambling Disorder ◽

Barriers To Treatment ◽

Gambling Problems ◽

Men And Women ◽

Problem Gamblers ◽

Correctional System

The prevalence of problem gambling in the correctional system is about 10 times higher than in the general population, but programming for gambling problems in the correctional system is scarce. Examined barriers to treatment for problem gamblers in the correctional system, sex or gender differences, and options for program design. We conducted interviews with 16 experts who had worked with problem gamblers in the correctional system and analyzed the data in terms of themes. For barriers, the experts discussed a lack of awareness about problem gambling, as well as stigmatization and lockdowns. Experts described the content of current programs as equally applicable to both men and women, but that emotional components were more important for women. Finally, the experts had mixed views on whether programming should be integrated with other programs such as substance abuse. Programming implications for this population are discussed.

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