Structural Characteristics of Electronic Gaming Machines and Satisfaction of Play Among Recreational and Problem Gamblers

2005 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 187-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Blaszczynski ◽  
Louise Sharpe ◽  
Michael Walker ◽  
Kirsten Shannon ◽  
Maree-Jo Coughlan
Keyword(s):  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Electronic Gaming Machines ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Gaming Machines

scholarly journals A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE LINK BETWEEN GAMING MACHINES AND GAMBLING-RELATED HARM

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 55-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Blaszczynski
Keyword(s):  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Limited Range ◽  
Critical Examination ◽  
Electronic Gaming Machines ◽  
Harm Minimisation ◽  
Gambling Disorders ◽  
Situational Variables ◽  
Optimal Approach ◽  
Gaming Machines

It remains irrefutable that electronic gaming machines are associated with gambling-related harms. Although research on electronic gaming machines has predominantly focussed on their structural characteristics and to a lesser extent, situational variables contributing to the emergence of gambling-related harms, the precise causal mechanisms of these variables in the aetiology of gambling disorders remains inconclusive. In addition, it remains debatable as to whether or not electronic gaming machines have higher rates of problem gambling as a proportion of participants compared to other forms. Contributing to this state of uncertainty are methodological difficulties related to jurisdictional differences in the geographical location, distribution, density, and configuration of machines (payback percentages and volatility), socio-cultural and demographic features, and availability of and involvement in other gambling modes typically associated with gambling disorders. In addition, questionnaire and survey items have tended to elicit information on preferred or identified problem forms of gambling. Accordingly, gambling-related harms tend to be attributed to such identified forms without taking into consideration intensity (expenditure and frequency) and involvement in gambling modes in aggregate. It is therefore postulated that directing attention to electronic gaming machines over other forms equally capable of causing harm is not an optimal approach to harm minimisation. It may prove to be more fruitful to investigate the complex interaction between cultural/social values, accessibility and availability of all gambling products in aggregate within a community and the factors that promote participation in multiple forms rather than a narrow focus on a limited range of products.

scholarly journals The Legal Effect of Voluntary Self-Exclusion Programs for Problem Gambers

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 169
Author(s):  
Natalia Antolak-Saper
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Problem Gambler ◽  
Electronic Gaming Machines ◽  
Harm Minimisation ◽  
Reasonable Expectation ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Reporting Requirements ◽  
Legal Effect ◽  
Problematic Gambling ◽  
Gaming Machines

The voluntary self exclusion program has been designed as one attempt to minimise the harm caused by problem gambling and electronic gaming machines. However, the program’s role as a genuine regulatory response is questionable. Few reporting requirements for gaming corporations and a reliance on an unsophisticated method of detecting self-excluded problem gamblers significantly undermine the purpose of the program. This paper considers the liability of gaming venues and corporations in circumstances where a self-excluded problem gambler has not been successfully excluded from the gaming venue. It is suggested that, in entering into the program, a problem gambler may be under a reasonable expectation that the gaming venue will assist in his or her endeavour to control the problematic gambling. Drawing primarily on the laws of Victoria, this article will discuss how the voluntary self-exclusion program is in need of reform so that it can better act as a harm minimisation mechanism. Further, the article will explore possible legal redress in contract, equity and under the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth), for problem gamblers who have participated in an ineffective voluntary self-exclusion program.

Do Warning Signs on Electronic Gaming Machines Influence Irrational Cognitions?

2009 ◽  
Vol 105 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Monaghan ◽  
Alex Blaszczynski ◽  
Lia Nower
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Irrational Beliefs ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Accurate Information ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Electronic Gaming Machines ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Gaming Machine ◽  
Responsible Gaming ◽  
Gaming Machines

Electronic gaming machines are popular among problem gamblers; in response, governments have introduced “responsible gaming” legislation incorporating the mandatory display of warning signs on or near electronic gaming machines. These signs are designed to correct irrational and erroneous beliefs through the provision of accurate information on probabilities of winning and the concept of randomness. There is minimal empirical data evaluating the effectiveness of such signs. In this study, 93 undergraduate students were randomly allocated to standard and informative messages displayed on an electronic gaming machine during play in a laboratory setting. Results revealed that a majority of participants incorrectly estimated gambling odds and reported irrational gambling-related cognitions prior to play. In addition, there were no significant between-group differences, and few participants recalled the content of messages or modified their gambling-related cognitions. Signs placed on electronic gaming machines may not modify irrational beliefs or alter gambling behaviour.

Structural Changes to Electronic Gaming Machines as Effective Harm Minimization Strategies for Non-Problem and Problem Gamblers

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 503-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Sharpe ◽  
Michael Walker ◽  
Maree-Jo Coughlan ◽  
Kirsten Enersen ◽  
Alex Blaszczynski
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Electronic Gaming Machines ◽  
Harm Minimization ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Gaming Machines

Raising the Stakes: More Electronic Gaming Machines equals how many more problem gamblers?

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-33
Author(s):  
Scott Holmes ◽  
Kathryn Holmes ◽  
Mark Sargent
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Specific Aspect ◽  
Electronic Gaming Machines ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Small Industry ◽  
Regulatory Decisions ◽  
Gaming Machines

In the administration of the New South Wales Gaming Machines Act 2001, a small ‘industry’ developed around the preparation and appraisal of Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) required to accompany any application for additional Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) in clubs or hotels. The two-tiered structure permitted a simple process, known as Class 1, for small-increase applications. However the more complex Class 2 process required for larger applications was slow, costly and contentious. One of the key points of contention in this process was assessing the extent of problem gambling impacts that might be associated with a localised increase in EGMs, ordinarily expressed as an estimate of the increase in problem gamblers. As a consequence of this inefficient process, subsequent legislation sought to eliminate these contested aspects. This paper examines the available evidence on this policy approach and its effectiveness, focusing on the specific aspect of estimating incremental impacts arising from regulatory decisions, which serve to demonstrate the shortcomings of the system. The evidence presented extends to the application of a mathematical model developed for assessing outcomes in the SIA process. This model has some value as a tool in assessing regulatory outcomes in situations where marginal changes can alter externalised impacts.

scholarly journals Being a Gambler during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study with Italian Patients and the Effects of Reduced Exposition

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 424
Author(s):  
Maria Anna Donati ◽  
Silvia Cabrini ◽  
Daniela Capitanucci ◽  
Caterina Primi ◽  
Roberta Smaniotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Gambling Behavior ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Electronic Gambling Machines ◽  
Electronic Gambling ◽  
Gambling Market ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Gambling Activities

The COVID-19 pandemic, with the consequent lockdown of about 3 months, can be viewed as an experimental model to observe the impact of the depletion of environmental factors that stimulate gambling, particularly electronic gambling machines (EGMs) that were set to zero. The effects of some structural characteristics of gambling activities that increase gambling behavior were studied among disordered gamblers in treatment in this unique scenario. In fact, studies investigating the effects of the lockdown on problem gamblers (PGs) under treatment are missing. The aims of this study were to analyze patients’ gambling behavior and craving during the lockdown and to conduct a comparison between gambling disorder (GD) symptoms at the beginning of the treatment and during lockdown. The study was conducted in Italy, the European country with the largest gambling market and the first to be affected by the virus. Data were collected through a semi-structured telephone interview conducted by healthcare professionals. Participants were 135 PGs under treatment (109 males, mean age = 50.07). Results showed that most PGs achieved a significant improvement in their quality of life, with less gambling behavior, GD symptoms, and lower craving. No shift toward online gambling and very limited shift towards other potential addictive and excessive behaviors occurred. The longer the treatment, the more monitoring is present and the better the results in terms of symptoms reduction. Individual and environmental characteristics during the lockdown favored the reduction in symptoms. Consideration for prevention and treatment are discussed.

Internet Gambling Addiction

2012 ◽  
pp. 735-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daria J. Kuss ◽  
Mark Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Systematic Literature Review ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Internet Gambling ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Addictive Behaviors ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Per Se ◽  
Ease Of Access ◽  
The Relationship

As the Internet offers a new venue for gambling, the risks for engaging in pathological behaviors are potentially increased. In light of this, a systematic literature review was conducted in order to shed further light on the relationship between gambling on the Internet and possible addiction by assessing Internet gambling in general and addictive gambling on the Internet specifically. Based on previous research, it is argued that a combination of individual, situational, and structural characteristics determine whether and to what extent individuals engage in Internet gambling. The results suggest that there are more problem gamblers on the Internet than in land-based venues. A reason for this may be the structural characteristics of the Internet inherent to this technology, namely availability, ease of access, anonymity, and convenience. In conclusion, however, the Internet cannot be claimed to be addictive per sé, but rather to facilitate the engagement in addictive behaviors, including gambling.

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