scholarly journals Regulatory Measures' Effect on Gambling Participation: Experiences From Norway

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonny Engebø ◽  
Torbjørn Torsheim ◽  
Ståle Pallesen

The purpose of gambling regulation can be to ensure revenue for the public, to prevent crime and gambling problems. One regulatory measure involves restriction of what games can be offered in a market. In this study, the effects of two regulatory market changes are investigated: First, a restriction of availability when slot machines were banned from the Norwegian market in 2007, and second the introduction of regulated online interactive games to the same market in 2014. Data collected from the general population in the period from 2005 through 2018, comprising 2,000 respondents every year, are used to investigate how participation in gambling changed over time. The respondents were asked if they took part in various games or lotteries. Logistic regression analyses were used to predict the proportion participating in five groups of games and if changes in participation coincided with major market changes. The first change was associated with a reduction in gambling on slot machines as well as a reduction in gambling participation overall. Following the slot machine ban, results show an increase in women participating in games offered in land-based bingo premises. A general increase in gambling on foreign websites was also seen, albeit much smaller than the reduction in slot machine gambling. The increases can partly be explained as substitution of one type of gambling with another. New regulated online interactive games were introduced in 2014. Despite the relatively large growth of such games internationally, Norway included, increased online gambling in general and an increased marketing of foreign gambling websites, the participation on foreign websites seemed stable. However, the overall participation in online interactive games increased. The introduction of the regulated alternative seems to have had a channelizing effect. Overall, the changes in gambling participation coinciding with two major regulatory changes can be explained by transformations of physical and social availability, and in terms of mechanisms outlined by the model of total consumption.

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Lalande ◽  
Mathieu Emond ◽  
Emilie Bélanger

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of an exaggerated return rate on players’ errors of estimation and irrational beliefs. Conventional return rates for slot machines are set around 92%, whereas online gambling websites often use much higher return rates during demonstration (demo) play. Seventy college students were randomly assigned to play a virtual slot machine programmed to reflect a 92% return rate (control group) or a 180% return rate (experimental group). They completed self-reported measures of errors of estimation (e.g., chances of winning and losing) and irrational beliefs (e.g., having already won guarantees future wins) before and after playing a virtual slot machine for 10 min. Results from mixed 2 x 2 analyses of variance revealed statistically significant differences in errors of estimation (i.e., chances of winning, chances of winning the jackpot, chances of neither winning nor losing) between the experimental and control groups. Furthermore, participants estimated having less chance of losing during a slot machine session after exposure to the exaggerated return rate. Given the fact that many online gambling websites use similar exaggerated return rates during the demo period of their virtual slot machines, the present results suggest that this tactic may incite players to behave differently than they would otherwise during a gambling session. Implications for responsible gambling strategies are discussed.RésuméLa présente étude visait à évaluer l’impact d’un taux exagéré de retour sur les erreurs d’estimation et les croyances irrationnelles des joueurs. Les taux de retour conventionnels pour les machines à sous sont établis à environ 92%, tandis que les sites de jeux en ligne utilisent souvent des taux de retour beaucoup plus élevés dans les démonstrations de jeux. Soixante-dix étudiants universitaires ont été assignés au hasard à une machine à sous virtuelle programmée qui reflète un taux de retour de 92 % (groupe témoin) ou une autre affichant un taux de retour de 180 % (groupe expérimental). Ils ont complété des mesures auto-déclarées des erreurs d’estimation (p. ex., les chances de gagner et de perdre) et des croyances irrationnelles (p. ex., avoir déjà gagné garantit des gains futurs) avant et après avoir joué à une machine à sous virtuelle pendant 10 minutes. Les résultats d’analyses de la variance (mixte 2 x 2) ont révélé des différences statistiquement significatives dans les erreurs d’estimation (c’est-à-dire les chances de gagner, les chances de gagner le jackpot, les chances de ne pas gagner ni de perdre) entre le groupe expérimental et le groupe témoin. De plus, les participants ont estimé avoir moins de chances de perdre pendant une séance de machine à sous après avoir été exposés au taux de retour exagéré. Étant donné que de nombreux sites de jeux en ligne utilisent des taux de retour exagérés similaires pendant la démonstration de leurs machines à sous virtuelles, les résultats actuels suggèrent que cette tactique peut inciter les joueurs à se comporter différemment que pendant une séance de jeu avec une machine affichant un taux de retour conventionnel. On y aborde les conséquences pour les stratégies de jeu responsable.


2011 ◽  
pp. 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Harrigan ◽  
Michael Dixon ◽  
Vance MacLaren ◽  
Karen Collins ◽  
Jonathan Fugelsang

Past research has shown that gamblers frequently use the mini-max strategy in multi-line slot machines, whereby the player places the minimum bet on the maximum number of lines. Through a detailed analysis and explanation of the design of multi-line slot machine games, we show that when using the mini-max strategy, the payback percentage remains unchanged, yet the reinforcement rate is significantly increased. This increase in reinforcement rate is mainly due to spins in which the amount won is less than the amount wagered, which we call losses disguised as wins. We have verified these conclusions by playing an actual slot machine game for 10,000 spins and recording the results. We believe that the high reinforcement rate that results from playing multiple lines on games of this type contributes to their potential addictiveness. We provide three theories for why players use the mini-max strategy and suggest further areas of research.


2020 ◽  
Vol 136 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-29
Author(s):  
Alan M Emond ◽  
Mark D Griffiths

Abstract Introduction Children are susceptible to problems with gambling because of developmental and cognitive immaturities, as well as a sensitivity to peer pressure and marketing. Sources of data This review uses recent UK data from the Gambling Commission and from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, and evidence from recent reviews of gambling in children and adolescents. Areas of agreement The prevalence of gambling in children worldwide and in the UK is stable, having generally decreased since 2013. Online gambling is increasing in children and young people. A small minority of adolescents who gamble develop a gambling disorder. Adolescents who have problems with gambling tend to have lower self-esteem and a history of hyperactivity and impulsivity, are more likely to have parents who gamble, report less parental supervision and to use more alcohol than their peers. Areas of controversy Children’s access to slot machines, the relationship between gaming and gambling, and social media advertizing of gambling targeting children. Growing points An increase in online gambling and in-play sports betting by adolescents and the use of skins betting in video gaming. Areas timely for developing research: impact on young people of betting on e-gaming. How best to protect children from early exposure to gambling in the current internet age. Implications for clinicians Need to be aware of the growing and complex phenomenon of gaming and gambling, and implications for the mental health of children and adolescents. The effective management of gambling disorders in children and adolescents requires close working with families.


2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiina Latvala ◽  
Hannu Alho ◽  
Susanna Raisamo ◽  
Anne H Salonen

Aims: This study explores the associations between gambling involvement, type of gambling, at-risk and problem gambling (ARPG) and register-based grade point average (GPA), among Finnish people aged 18–29 years ( N = 676). It is assumed that high gambling involvement and engaging in certain types of gambling are linked to ARPG, and that low school achievement is positively associated with these measures. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional random sample was collected in 2015. The data were weighted based on gender, age and region. Analyses were carried out using logistic regression models. Results: Frequent gambling, playing several game types, online gambling and ARPG were more common among men than women. Those with low GPA played fast and low-paced daily lottery games and used online casinos significantly more often than men and women with average/high GPA. Men with a low GPA were also more likely to gamble on a weekly basis and played casino games and online poker more often. For women with a low GPA online gambling and playing slot machines were more common than for women with an average/high GPA. When controlling for sociodemographic variables and gambling involvement, men’s participation in daily lottery games and online poker was significantly associated with a low GPA, but among women none of the game types remained statistically significant. Among women, playing several different game types was linked with a low GPA. Conclusions: It seems that poorer school achievement is associated not only with frequent gambling, a large number of game types played and online gambling, but also, to some extent at least, with game type preferences.


2001 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 315-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan L. Eastin ◽  
Jun Fukuda

The decade of the 1990s have seen the introduction of several regulatory changes in international markets that have had a dramatic impact on the competitiveness of the Canadian softwood lumber industry. These regulatory changes have occurred in virtually every major market to which Canadian softwood lumber manufacturers export, including Europe, the US, and Japan. The objective of this paper is to describe the regulatory changes that have been implemented in the major markets for Canadian softwood lumber and provide an objective discussion of the impact of these changes on the international competitiveness of Canadian softwood lumber. Key words: softwood lumber, non-tariff barriers, international trade, Softwood Lumber Agreement (SLA), pinewood nematode, regulatory change, international competitiveness


Author(s):  
Michael J.A. Wohl ◽  
Melissa M. Salmon ◽  
Samantha J. Hollingshead ◽  
Hyoun S. Kim

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.


Author(s):  
Mark Griffiths ◽  
Jonathan Parke

Effects of the listening context on responses to music largely have been neglected despite the prevalence of music in our everyday lives. Furthermore, there has been no research on the role of music in gambling environments (e.g., casinos, amusement arcades) despite gambling's increased popularity as a leisure pursuit. An exploratory observational study in gambling arcades was carried out to investigate (i) how music is used as background music in amusement arcades, and (ii) how slot machines utilize music in their design. Results indicated that arcades often have music that caters for their customer demographics and that this may influence gambling behaviour. Furthermore, music from the slot machine itself appears to produce important impression formations about the machine (i.e., quality of the machine, familiarity, distinctiveness, and the sound of winning). It is suggested that music (whether it is in the gambling environment or in the activity itself) has the potential to be important in the acquisition, development, and maintenance of gambling behaviour. Some preliminary ideas and hypotheses to be tested are offered.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 126
Author(s):  
Levi Perez

There are several arguments why the economic and management analysis of gambling seems to be very interesting. Gambling is a relevant worldwide market from which either local or national governments obtain resources due to some sort of fiscal imposition on gambling participation. On the other hand, gambling is also a social phenomenon with potential risks to society and the consumption of gambling seems to violate the premises of economic theory (risk aversion, maximizing and rational conduct). The aim of this special issue is to provide an outlet for recent developments in gambling-related research encompassing topics on sports betting, responsible gambling, lottery markets and online gambling, among others.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 146
Author(s):  
Yuliana Riana Prasetyawati ◽  
Alexis Devera Lamoste

The Philippine gambling industry, and particularly online gaming, has recently emerged as a major driver of the country’s economy. The rise of this controversial industry has become a cause of concern for many Filipino citizens. For the past two decades, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) has been a major driver of the Philippine economy. However, a new sector of the economy has emerged that appears poised to take over traditional BPOs: online gambling. With the emergence of online gambling, any citizen can simply log into a website and they can play the usual casino games like poker, roulette, and slot machines or even sports betting. Online gambling is just like having a wallet in your pocket right now and just waiting for the money to come in, you just pull out your cellphone and you gamble already right away, that easy. Technically, engaging in online gambling is legal unless operated by a Philippine-licensed offshore company. Unlike other countries, the Philippines does not have strict mandates against gambling. The research aims to cover if consumer attitude and government regulations are significantly proportion with the effect of online gambling behavior. Adding to that, the researcher has added an intervening variable which is promotional ads if it has a direct impact adopting online gambling behavior. By using a quantitative analysis, the study recorded 100 respondents residing in the Philippines and studying their opinion towards this new addictive behavior relating to money. The materials and resources collected have concluded that consumer attitude and government regulations have significant impact towards this unlikely behavior, while promotional ads remain irrelevant.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 723-733
Author(s):  
Tyler B. Kruger ◽  
Mike J. Dixon ◽  
Candice Graydon ◽  
Madison Stange ◽  
Chanel J. Larche ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground and aims: Slot machines are a pervasive form of gambling in North America. Some gamblers describe entering “the slot machine zone”—a complete immersion into slots play to the exclusion of all else. Methods: We assessed 111 gamblers for mindfulness (using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS)), gambling problems (using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI)), depressive symptoms (using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale), and boredom proneness (using the Boredom Proneness Scale). In a counterbalanced order, participants played a slot machine simulator and completed an auditory vigilance task. During each task, participants were interrupted with thought probes to assess whether they were: on-task, spontaneously mind-wandering, or deliberately mind-wandering. After completing each task, we retrospectively assessed flow and affect. Compared to the more exciting slots play, we propose that gamblers may use deliberate mind-wandering as a maladaptive means to regulate affect during a repetitive vigilance task. Results: Our key results were that gamblers reported greater negative affect following the vigilance task (when compared to slots) and greater positive affect following slots play (when compared to the vigilance task). We also found that those who scored higher in problem gambling were more likely to use deliberate mind-wandering as a means to cope with negative affect during the vigilance task. Using hierarchical multiple regression, we found that the number of “deliberately mind-wandering” responses accounted for unique variance when predicting problem gambling severity (over and above depression, mindfulness, and boredom proneness). Conclusions: These assessments highlight a potential coping mechanism used by problem gamblers in order to deal with negative affect.


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