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

2004 ◽  
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.

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

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.

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

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 316-331 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Relating severity of gambling to cognitive distortions in a representative sample of problem gamblers

2014 ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Cunningham ◽  
David C. Hodgins ◽  
Tony Toneatto
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Representative Sample ◽  
Cognitive Distortions ◽  
Population Sample ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
General Population Sample ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Gambling Severity ◽  
The Relationship

The current study explored the relationship in a general population sample between problem gambling severity and cognitive distortions about gambling. A representative sample of problem gamblers (N = 766) was asked about cognitive distortions related to gambling. A positive association between gambling severity and cognitive distortions emerged, even when the variables associated with participants' demographic characteristics were accounted for. The current study demonstrates that the relationship between problem gambling severity and cognitive distortions does exist in the general population of problem gamblers. This finding emphasizes the key role that cognitive distortions may play in the development and maintenance of pathological gambling.

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

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Declan T. Barry ◽  
Marvin A. Steinberg ◽  
Ran Wu ◽  
Marc N. Potenza
Keyword(s):  
Family History ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
New England ◽  
Asian American ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Casino Gambling ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Phone Calls

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.

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

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-322 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Problem gambling—a Lacanian Real

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-76 ◽  
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.

Coping Strategies and Problem Gambling

2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-24 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Effect of a New Casino on Problem Gambling in Treatment-Seeking Substance Abusers

2003 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Toneatto ◽  
Donna Ferguson ◽  
Judy Brennan
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
General Population ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Substance Abusers ◽  
Slot Machines ◽  
Treatment Seeking ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
South Oaks Gambling Screen ◽  
Risk Population

Problem gambling rates are frequently found to be higher in those who abuse substances than in the general population, and this group represents a well-established high-risk population for developing the disorder. In this study of 853 residential substance abusers, approximately 10% scored in the problem gambling range on the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). On most descriptive variables, these subjects appeared to be similar to substance abusers who do not have gambling problems. However, they tended to participate in more gambling behaviours and had more relationships with individuals who also gambled. There is some evidence that the introduction of a new casino in the community increased the SOGS scores for subjects who gambled most frequently on such casinorelated gaming as slot machines, cards, and casino games.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Problem Gambling Among Women Using Shelter and Drop-in Services

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flora I. Matheson ◽  
Parisa Dastoori ◽  
Tara Hahmann ◽  
Julia Woodhall-Melnik ◽  
Sara J. T. Guilcher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
General Population ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Problematic Gambling

AbstractPeople experiencing poverty/homelessness have higher rates of problematic gambling than the general population. Yet, research on gambling among this population is sparse, notably among women. This study examined prevalence of problematic gambling among women using shelter and drop-in services in Ontario, Canada. The NORC Diagnostic Screen for Disorders was administered to women during visits to 15 sites using time/location methodology. Within a sample of 162 women, the prevalence of at-risk (6.2%), problem (9.3%), and pathological gambling (19.1%) was higher than the general population. Among women who scored at-risk or higher, 55.4% met criteria for pathological gambling. The findings suggest that women seeking shelter and drop-in services are vulnerable to problematic gambling. Creating awareness of this vulnerability within the shelter and drop-in service sector is an important first step to support women with gambling problems who face financial and housing precarity.

scholarly journals Links between problem gambling and spending on booster packs in collectible card games: A conceptual replication of research on loot boxes

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zendle
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Real World ◽  
Practical Importance ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Card Game ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Card Games ◽  
Online Stores ◽  
Collectible Card Games

Loot boxes are digital containers of randomised rewards present in some video games which are often purchasable for real world money. Recently, concerns have been raised that loot boxes might approximate traditional gambling activities, and that problem gamblers have been shown to spend more on loot boxes than peers without gambling problems. Some argue that the regulation of loot boxes as gambling-like mechanics is inappropriate because similar activities which also bear striking similarities to traditional forms of gambling, such as collectable card games, are not subject to such regulations. Players of collectible card games often buy sealed physical packs of cards, and these ‘booster packs’ share many formal similarities with loot boxes. However, not everything which appears similar to gambling requires regulation. Here, in a large sample of collectible card game players (n=726), we show no statistically significant link between in real-world store spending on physical booster and problem gambling (p=0.110, η2 = 0.004), and a trivial in magnitude relationship between spending on booster packs in online stores and problem gambling (p=0.035, η2 = 0.008). Follow-up equivalence tests using the TOST procedure rejected the hypothesis that either of these effects was of practical importance (η2 > 0.04). Thus, although collectable card game booster packs, like loot boxes, share structural similarities with gambling, it appears that they may not be linked to problem gambling in the same way as loot boxes. We discuss potential reasons for these differences. Decisions regarding regulation of activities which share structural features with traditional forms of gambling should be made on the basis of definitional criteria as well as whether problem gamblers purchase such items at a higher rate than peers with no gambling problems. Our research suggests that there is currently little evidence to support the regulation of collectable card games.

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