Contentious Issues and Future Directions in Adolescent Gambling Research

Background. There is currently considerable public policy and regulatory interest in the nature and prevalence of underage gambling. Research in this area has purported to show that adolescents are at elevated risk of problem gambling and that early exposure to gambling or gambling-like activities could be a potential precursor to future harm. Method. In this commentary, we provide a critical appraisal of these arguments with reference to major studies in the field of gambling studies. It is argued that adolescent gambling research is a contentious area. Some questions remain concerning the validity of adolescent problem gambling measures, the strength of the association between adolescent and adult gambling and the impact of simulated gambling activities. Results. The paper summarises the conceptual and methodological issues that should be considered and addressed in future studies to strengthen the validity of research in this area. Conclusion. The paper encourages the greater use of harm-based measures, longitudinal and individual-level transition analyses and questions that capture the influence of activities rather than just their temporal sequencing.

Gambling behaviours and treatment uptake among vulnerable populations during COVID-19 crisis

This study aimed to explore changes in gambling behaviours and gambling disorder (GD) treatment uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic among those with a heightened vulnerability to gambling-related harm. This was a single-center, cross-sectional, retrospective case series study assessing gambling behaviours and GD counselling participation among a vulnerable population sector following the COVID-19 shutdown. The clinical records of clients at a community substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center were explored (N = 67). Eight clients (n = 8) had satisfied the objective criteria, and were qualified for data exploration and analysis of gambling activities and GD treatment participation following the COVID-19 shutdown. All clients in the study belonged to subgroups at an elevated risk for gambling-related harm, with a mean duration of gambling problems of 9.5 years. Following the COVID-19 shutdown, an increase in gambling activities was noted in five cases. Migration to online gambling was noted in three cases. In two cases, no change in gambling activities was noted, and a reduction of gambling activities was noted in one case. In seven cases, no screening for gambling problems prior to current SUD program was noted. None had a history of, nor were currently engaged in counselling for gambling problems. The COVID-19 crisis and associated increase in gambling participation, coupled with a diminutive gambling counselling uptake during the pandemic, present an opportunity to rethink current behavioural addictions service delivery model for those with an increased vulnerability to gambling-related harm. Further investigation of the changes in gambling participation, and a closer look at optimizing GD service delivery among vulnerable population sectors during the COVID-19 crisis is warranted.

Between two worlds: Exploring esports betting in relation to problem gambling, gaming, and mental health problems

Background and aimsEsports betting is an emerging gambling activity where individuals place bets on an organized video gaming competition. It represents only one of several gambling activities commonly endorsed by adolescents. To date, limited research has explored the relationship between esports betting and mental health among adolescents and its convergence with both problem gambling (PG) and problem video gaming (PVG). The present study examined the relation between esports betting, PG and PVG, and both externalizing and internalizing problems among adolescents while accounting for adolescents' video gaming intensity (i.e., how often they play 2 h or more in a day) and engagement in other gambling activities.MethodsData was collected from 6,810 adolescents in Wood County, Ohio schools. A subset of 1,348 adolescents (Mage = 14.67 years, SD = 1.73, 64% male) who had gambled and played video games during the past year were included in the analyses.ResultsApproximately 20% (n = 263) of the included sample had bet on esports during the past year. Esports betting was positively correlated with other forms of gambling, both PG and PVG, and externalizing behaviors. Mediation analyses revealed esports betting was associated to both internalizing and externalizing problems through PVG and not PG.ConclusionsEsports betting may be particularly appealing to adolescents who are enthusiastic video gamers. As such, regulators must be vigilant to ensure codes of best practices are applied to esports betting operators specifically for underaged individuals.

The excessive gaming and gambling during COVID-19

PurposeBy combining econometrics and multifractal methods, utilizing a financial framework, this paper will examine with objectivity the economic, financial and social impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on society.Design/methodology/approachThrough Granger causality, the authors test the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on excessive gaming and gambling activities, and through econometrics and multifractal methods, they combine the results to analyze a possible long-run relationship.FindingsThe COVID-19 confirmed cases Granger cause all examined stocks. Based on the co-integration technique, and the multifractal cross-correlation analysis, a long-run relationship exists between all examined stocks and COVID-19.Originality/valueThis is an empirical examination of a very important subject in the field of economics, namely, the consequences of the COVID-19-related events on the behavior of global citizens. It proposes a different and more objective approach (than the interviews and questionnaires) in the examination of this specific subject, through a financial framework, depicting the stock performance of the gaming and online gambling-related companies, and reflecting on the activity of these companies. It combines two different approaches from two different disciplines, namely econometrics and multifractal analysis, to test and describe the causal and the long-run relationship between the phenomena examined, combining the results to an overall and multidimensional view of this occurrence.

KETIDAKSETUJUAN KEGIATAN JUDI MERPATI DEMI MENJAGA KELESTARIANNYA (KHUSUSNYA PADA DAERAH KENJERAN, SURABAYA)

This research on pigeon gambling was made with the aim of informing residents that until now there are still many who carry out pigeon gambling activities, especially in the Kenjeran area of Surabaya. With the pigeon gambling activity, of course, indirectly harming their relatives, especially themselves if they do this, because if they fail, they will bet to pay the money according to the agreement. Where it is not profitable at all, but rather an addiction or desire more to hope to win and produce quickly. Pigeon gambling is a game using birds that are contested to compete with the flying speed of the pigeons until they reach the finish line that has been prepared and determined by the “adu doro” (pigeon fighting) committee. In Surabaya, especially in the Kenjeran area, the existence of "fight-doro" activities is still often seen. Even though Surabaya is a big city, “pigeon fighting” activities are only carried out at certain times, namely Sundays or holidays. Before participating in the competition, the pigeons must be trained first, the practice is carried out every afternoon so that the pigeons can be more sensitive to their cruising range.Keywords: bet; deviant behavior; pigeon gamblingAbstrakPenelitian mengenai judi burung merpati ini dibuat dengan tujuan untuk memberitahu kepada para warga yang sampai saat ini masih banyak yang melakukan kegiatan judi burung merpati, khususnya di daerah Kenjeran Surabaya. Dengan adanya kegiatan judi merpati tersebut tentu secara tidak langsung merugikan sanak saudara mereka, terutama dirinya sendiri jika melakukan hal tersebut, karena jika sudah mengalami kegagalan akan bertaruh membayar uang sesuai yang sudah diperjanjikan. Dimana hal tersebut sama sekali tidak menguntungkan, melainkan rasa candu atau keinginan lebih untuk berharap menang dan menghasilkan secara cepat. Judi merpati merupakan judi dengan sarana burung yang dilombakan untuk mengadu kecepatan terbang merpati hingga sampai di garis finish yang telah dipersiapkan dan ditentukan oleh panitia “adu doro” (adu merpati). Di Surabaya, khususnya daerah Kenjeran, kegiatan “adu doro” masih sering terlihat eksistensinya. Walaupun Surabaya termasuk kota besar, akan tetapi kegiatan “adu merpati” hanya dilakukan pada waktu tertentu yaitu hari Minggu atau hari libur. Burung merpati sebelum mengikuti lomba harus dilatih terlebih dahulu, latihannya dilakukan setiap sore hari agar merpati nya bisa lebih peka daya jelajahnya.

The study of differences by region and type of gambling on the degree of gambling addiction in Japan

We conducted an online national survey using the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) on 42,880 people in Japan to identify gambling addiction prevalence differences with regard to gambling type and region. This study included 14,780 individuals (valid responses) who engaged in gambling activities in the past year. There was a large difference in mean SOGS score by gambling type: public gambling and casinos score ≈ 4.0, whereas lotteries (including numbers, etc.) ≈ 1.43. SOGS scores were much higher for those who participated in more than one gambling type than for those who participated in only one type. Regional differences in SOGS scores were also confirmed, with more populous prefectures having lower and less populous having higher SOGS scores. Integrating SOGS scores with existing data concerning hobbies and recreational behaviors across regions indicated that regions characterized by lower SOGS scores were also characterized by greater activity for hobbies and recreational behaviors.

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

Gambling 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.

Gambling activity in the old-age general population

Old age constitutes a vulnerable stage for developing gambling-related problems. The aims of the study were to identify patterns of gambling habits in elderly participants from the general population, and to assess socio-demographic and clinical variables related to the severity of the gambling behaviours. The sample included N = 361 participants aged in the 50–90 years range. A broad assessment included socio-demographic variables, gambling profile and psychopathological state. The percentage of participants who reported an absence of gambling activities was 35.5 per cent, while 46.0 per cent reported only non-strategic gambling, 2.2 per cent only strategic gambling and 16.3 per cent both non-strategic plus strategic gambling. Gambling form with highest prevalence was lotteries (60.4%), followed by pools (13.9%) and bingo (11.9%). The prevalence of gambling disorder was 1.4 per cent, and 8.0 per cent of participants were at a problematic gambling level. Onset of gambling activities was younger for men, and male participants also reached a higher mean for the bets per gambling-episode and the number of total gambling activities. Risk factors for gambling severity in the sample were not being born in Spain and a higher number of cumulative lifetime life events, and gambling severity was associated with a higher prevalence of tobacco and alcohol abuse and with worse psychopathological state. Results are particularly useful for the development of reliable screening tools and for the design of effective prevention programmes.