Internet Gambling Behavior in a Sample of Online Gamblers

The present study examined Internet gambling behavior in a sample of online gamblers. Participants (N = 563; 382 male; ages 18–over 65) were recruited from a banner placed in an online newsletter. Questionnaires were completed online and assessed demographic information, game-play patterns (e.g., frequency, duration, wagering), preferred type of play, and problem gambling (using the DSM-IV). In addition, participation in gambling-type games without money was also examined. Seventy-seven percent of respondents reported playing gambling-type games without money and 42% reported gambling on the Internet. Twenty-three percent of participants were identified as problem gamblers. Problem gamblers were significantly more likely than social gamblers to spend more time gambling per session, gamble alone, from school, or with a cell phone, gamble with more money, wager online while consuming alcohol or illicit drugs, and lose more money gambling online. These results hint at a disturbing and difficult relationship between the Internet and individuals with gambling problems.

Awareness Training Program on Responsible Gambling for Casino Employees

Over the last years, several comprehensive training programs for problem gambling have been developed and implemented in various casinos around the world. However, the efficacy of these programs has rarely been assessed and evaluated scientifically. A workshop called Des gens qui font la différence (People Making a Difference) was developed to train casino employees about problem gambling and how to offer help to gamblers in crisis. Two thousand four hundred and thirty-two (2,432) employees of the three casinos in the province of Quebec, Canada were enrolled in these training sessions. The employees completed a self-administered questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the session, and were also invited to participate in a 6-month follow-up. One-thousand six-hundred fifteen (1,615) employees of the three casinos agreed to be contacted by phone for the follow-up. Of this number, 789 answered the questionnaire, which constitutes a participation rate of 32%. The results showed that participants demonstrated a better understanding of the notions of chance and randomness, and of problem gambling. They were more convinced of their role in identifying gamblers in crisis and displayed a greater knowledge of the procedure that has been implemented to help gamblers. At the follow-up, results indicated that participants maintained a good understanding of the notion of randomness and remained convinced about the importance of receiving information about available help and resources. However, some notions about problem gambling and the procedure implemented to help gamblers in crisis were not well maintained. In conclusion, the awareness training session on responsible gambling allowed employees to increase their knowledge about gambling and improve their attitudes regarding gamblers. Since some important components that were taught—such as the established procedure to help gamblers—were not well assimilated, awareness training program planners in casinos need to schedule for additional information to be made available (refresher courses, posters, brochures, videos) to keep employees well informed.     

Factors Associated with the Severity of Gambling Problems in a Community Gambling Treatment Agency

Factors (demographics, gambling behaviors and comorbid problems) that may be related to the severity of gambling problems were investigated among 440 problem gamblers seeking treatment in an Australian outpatient treatment agency. The participants were divided into sub-threshold pathological gamblers (SPGs; N = 104) and pathological gamblers (PGs; N = 336) using Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) IV diagnosis of pathological gambling. SPGs were more likely to be separated/divorced, while PGs were more likely to be single. PGs tended to be younger than SPGs. Participation in lottery games was the only form of gambling that could distinguish between the two severity groups. No significant differences were found in participation in more than one gambling session per week and average amount spent per session on various gambling activities between the two groups. PGs were more likely to report financial, relationship, employment, physical, intrapersonal, other excessive behaviors (e.g., substance problems), leisure (e.g., loneliness, boredom) and legal problems than SPGs. Implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.     

Internet Gambling: An Online Empirical Study Among Student Gamblers

It has been noted that the introduction of the Internet to gambling activities may change some of the fundamental situational and structural characteristics and make them potentially more addictive and/or problematic. This study examined some of the differences between Internet gamblers and non-Internet gamblers. Based on past literature it was hypothesised that (1) males would be significantly more likely to be Internet gamblers than females, (2) Internet gamblers would be significantly more likely to be problem gamblers than non-Internet gamblers, and (3) males would be significantly more likely to be problem Internet gamblers than females. A self-selected sample of 473 student respondents (213 males; 260 females) aged between 18 and 52 years (mean age  = 22 years; SD = 5.7 years) participated in an online survey. All three hypotheses were confirmed. The results suggest the structural and situational characteristics of Internet gambling may be having a negative psychosocial impact on Internet gambling. This is most notably because of increased number of gambling opportunities, convenience, 24-h access and flexibility, increased event frequencies, smaller intervals between gambles, instant reinforcements, and the ability to forget gambling losses by gambling again immediately. It is suggested that further research needs to be carried out into the effects that the Internet has in facilitating gambling behaviour.     

Characteristics and Predictors of Problem Gambling on the Internet

Internet gambling participation is rapidly increasing, however little is known about potential links between internet gambling and problem gambling. This study examined the predictors of online problem gambling and whether these differed from established predictors of offline problem gambling. Data were obtained online in response to posts on 32 international gambling websites (n?=?1,119). Potential correlates included demographic questions, gambling activities, frequency of gambling, and reasons for gambling online. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that compared to non-problem gamblers, online problem gamblers were more likely to be male, smoke cigarettes, gamble alone, have a disability, lie about their age online, gamble online for more than 4 h at a time, engage in two or more online gambling activities regularly, gamble after a near miss, and drink alcohol while gambling online. Therefore, characteristics predictive of offline problem gambling are similar to those predicting online problem gambling. As a result online gambling could potentially be problematic for those individuals who have problems with gambling more generally.     

Gambling onset and progression in a sample of at-risk gamblers from the general population

The goal of this study was to investigate gambling-related behavior, onset and progression in a sample of at-risk gamblers from the community. A national household survey was conducted in Brazil, covering individuals 14 years old or older. Subjects were screened for at-risk gambling, those testing positive answered a questionnaire about gambling progression, preferred games and DSM-IV pathological gambling criteria. Out of 3007 respondents, 118 were considered at-risk gamblers according to the Lie/Bet Questionnaire. According to the DSM-IV, 32.7% and 24.9% of those were considered problem and pathological gamblers, respectively. Early at-risk gamblers (onset prior to 20 years of age), were more likely to be male, to prefer non-commercially structured games, and to chase losses while gambling. Young pathological gamblers (under 35 years of age) progressed faster from regular to problem gambling (roughly 2 years) than mature pathological gamblers (12 years). Such findings had not been described before because previous reports focused mostly on clinical samples that lack young, male, early-onset gamblers. Gambling programs have not satisfactorily covered this segment of gamblers. Outreach strategies and early interventions should be provided to prevent these individuals from rapidly evolving into pathological gambling.     

A Theoretical Model of EGM Problem Gambling: More than a Cognitive Escape

Although electronic gaming machine (EGM) gambling is established as a particularly risky form of gambling (Dowling, Smith and Thomas, Addiction 100:33–45, 2005), models of problem gambling continue to be generalist so factors and processes specific to EGM gambling can be overlooked. This study conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 EGM problem gamblers and six gambling counsellors and used grounded theory methods to develop a theoretical model of EGM problem gambling. The final model demonstrates the importance of both situational and structural characteristics in maintaining excessive EGM gambling. Originally a harmless pastime, EGM gambling became a means by which gamblers cognitively and physically avoided problems. EGM venues were highly accessible, had an inviting atmosphere, and were private yet companionable. Games were entertaining and distracting. Maladaptive coping habits, low social support and few alternative social spaces contributed to the reliance on gambling.     

Gambling on the stock market: an unexplored issue

ObjectiveStock market investment (SMI) is one of the most socially acceptable types of gambling, which, however, can turn into a gambling problem. Because it is barely examined, we compared a series of clinical, psychopathologic, and personality variables in SMI gambling patients (both as primary and secondary problem) with a group of traditional pathologic gamblers (PGs).MethodA total sample of 1470 PGs (1376 patients without SMIs [PG-SMI], 76 patients with SMI as a secondary gambling problem [PG+SMI], and 18 patients with SMI as a primary gambling problem [SMI+PG]) participated in this study. All participants were diagnosed according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria. The following instruments were used: the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the Symptom Check List-90 Items—Revised, the Temperament and Character Inventory—Revised, and other clinical and psychopathologic indices.ResultsThe 3 patient groups' profiles were statistically similar in psychometrical measures. The risk of having SMI increased for patients with higher education, and the presence of SMI as a primary problem in PGs increased with university study level and higher scores on the personality trait of cooperativeness.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate comparability of SMI gamblers with PGs in their general clinical profile and in psychopathology and personality.     

Gambling Awareness for Youth: An Analysis of the “Don’t Gamble Away our Future™” Program

Gambling has become increasingly popular among minors and is easily accessible to them. This is alarming since research has indicated that minors are more susceptible to gambling pathology than adults. Additionally, gambling has devastating effects on minors that gamble as well as their families and communities. The Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery (IIAR) developed a gambling awareness prevention program called “Don’t Gamble Away our Future _™” to educate minors about gambling and the dangers associated with it. The IIAR started collecting data for the purpose of evaluation in 2005. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the program’s effectiveness at changing knowledge about gambling and to assess the frequencies of problem and pathological gambling among participants at program implementation (year one). The program was evaluated with a sample of 8,455 Midwestern youth. Findings indicated that 10% of the participants were probable pathological gamblers and that the program was successful at increasing knowledge of gambling and the negative effects it can have, over the short term. Teaching minors about the risks of gambling and the effects it can have is an important preventative measure that can help protect youth from the dangers associated with problem and pathological gambling.     

Review of Pop-Up Messages on Electronic Gaming Machines as a Proposed Responsible Gambling Strategy

Gambling revenue worldwide is increasing and associated increases in problem gambling heighten the need for effective responsible gambling strategies. This is particularly important for electronic gaming machines (EGMs), which are purported to make the largest contribution to problem gambling. In an attempt to increase the effectiveness of responsible gambling strategies, governments in Australia, New Zealand and Canada have supported the implementation of ‘pop-up’ messages on EGMs to break play and inform gamblers when they have been playing continuously for a set period of time. The purpose of this article is to review the evidence available regarding the efficacy of pop-up messages as a responsible gambling strategy for EGMs. While there is some evidence of the usefulness of these messages limitations remain to the known value of this strategy. Further research is needed to determine the optimal frequency of and content of pop-up messages, and the extent to which this method potentially minimises gambling-related harm.     

Gambling participation and problems among older adults

Few studies have evaluated rates of gambling participation and problems in older adults. This study recruited 492 adults aged 65 years and older from bingo sites (n = 132) and senior centers (n = 360). Compared to those recruited from senior centers, participants recruited at bingo events had higher South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) scores and greater gambling frequency and expenditures. Lifetime rates of combined problem and pathological gambling were 12.9% in the bingo sample and 9.7% in the senior center sample (10.6% overall). Compared to non-problem gamblers, problem and pathological gamblers were more likely to be younger (73 versus 76 years) and male (52% versus 27%). Overall, 39.1% reported gambling at least twice per month over the past year, and 33.7% wagered dollars 50 or more over the prior 2 months. This study suggests that subsets of active older adults have high rates of gambling participation and problems.     

Internet Gambling Amongst Adolescents: A Growing Concern

Gambling researchers have often reported that research in the field of gambling remains in its infancy compared with other addictive behaviors. Twelve years ago Dr. Mark Griffiths’ seminal research on understanding adolescent gambling and problem gambling behaviors was published. Today, adolescent gambling research is no longer in its infancy. Research in the field has made great strides and has evolved as a result of Dr. Griffiths’ work. His qualitative investigations and insight into understanding the situational, environmental and social contexts associated with adolescent problem gambling has inspired continued efforts to better understand this phenomenon. Dr. Griffiths’ insights and predictions of the impact of technological advances associated with changing structural characteristics in electronic gaming machines and the widespread impact of Internet and mobile gaming has spurred new research. For most adolescents gambling remains a form of entertainment without serious negative consequences. Yet, adolescent pathological gamblers, like their adult counterpart and independent of the negative consequences resulting from their excessive gambling, continue to engage in a wide variety of gambling activities. Internet gambling amongst adolescents clearly represents new challenges and problems. Some recent research concerning the risks associated with adolescent Internet gambling is provided.     

Traumatic brain injury as an independent risk factor for problem gambling: a matched case-control study

Purpose

To assess whether traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the risks of subsequent problem gambling.

Methods

We conducted a matched case–control analysis of adults in Ontario, Canada. The study included those who self-reported their gambling activities in the Canadian Community Health Survey 2007–2008. Using Problem Gambling Severity Index, we defined cases as those who were problem gamblers and controls who were recreational gamblers. Cases were matched to controls 1:2 using propensity scores based on demographics, prior mental health, and self-reported behaviours. The main predictor was prior TBI defined as requiring emergency care and identified using ICD-10 codes from administrative health databases. We estimated the likelihood of prior TBI in problem gamblers compared to controls using conditional logistic regression.

Results

Of 30,652 survey participants, 16,002 (53%) reported gambling activity of whom 14,910 (49%) were recreational gamblers and 4% (n = 1092) were problem gamblers. A total of 1469 respondents (5%) had a prior TBI. Propensity score matching yielded 2038 matched pairs with 1019 cases matched to 2037 controls. Case–control analysis showed a significant association between prior TBI and subsequent problem gambling (odds ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.51, P = 0.007). The increased risk was mostly apparent in men aged 35 to 64 years who reported alcohol use or smoking. The relative risk of problem gambling in those with two or more TBIs equated to an odds ratio of 2.04 (95% confidence interval 1.05–3.99).

Conclusions

We found that a prior TBI was associated with an increased subsequent risk of problem gambling. Our findings support more awareness, screening, and treating problem gambling risks among TBI patients.

     

Tracking online poker problem gamblers with player account‐based gambling data only

The aim was to develop and validate an instrument to track online problem poker gamblers with player account‐based gambling data (PABGD). We emailed an invitation to all active poker gamblers on the online gambling service provider Winamax. The 14,261 participants completed the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). PGSI served as a gold standard to track problem gamblers (i.e., PGSI ≥ 5). We used a stepwise logistic regression to build a predictive model of problem gambling with PABGD, and validated it. Of the sample 18% was composed of online poker problem gamblers. The risk factors of problem gambling included in the predictive model were being male, compulsive, younger than 28 years, making a total deposit > 0 euros, having a mean loss per gambling session > 1.7 euros, losing a total of > 45 euros in the last 30 days, having a total stake > 298 euros, having > 60 gambling sessions in the last 30 days, and multi‐tabling. The tracking instrument had a sensitivity of 80%, and a specificity of 50%. The quality of the instrument was good. This study illustrates the feasibility of a method to develop and validate instruments to track online problem gamblers with PABGD only. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Case Study of Binge Problem Gambling

Objectives  To examine the rarely reported phenomenon of binge problem gambling via a case study.Design  A male 31-year old “fruit machine addict” was interviewed three times over a three-month period. The participant was diagnosed as a pathological gambler using both the South Oaks Gambling Screen and the DSM-IV criteria.Results  The male gambler displayed a very unusual pattern of problem gambling that would best be described as binge gambling. The participant’s gambling binges were typically caused by very specific ‘trigger’ incidents (e.g., relationship break-up). Gambling problems appeared to be related to low self-esteem coupled with feeling depressed and having nothing else to do. Gambling problems were usually linked to other underlying problems. When these are dealt with, his problem gambling all but disappeared.Conclusions  Binge problem gambling appears to be less serious than chronic problem gambling but can still cause significant problems in the lives of people it affects.

Player Preferences and Social Harm: An Analysis of the Relationships Between Player Characteristics, Gambling Modes, and Problem Gambling

To explore the structure of gambling participation and its association with problem gambling, we draw upon Caillois’s distinction between games based on competition (i.e. agôn) and those based on chance (i.e. alea). The idea that alea and agôn are socially patterned and associated with differing levels of problem gambling, as measured by the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI), was empirically tested using data from the 2005 Northern Territory Gambling Prevalence Survey (Australia). This survey collected information on gambling participation, problem gambling, and a range of socio-demographic variables from a representative sample of the Northern Territory adult population. Principal Components Analysis of participation in eight different gambling activities was used to explore the underlying structure of participation. Subsequently, regression was used to identify associations between dimensions of participation, social characteristics, and problem gambling. While a two-factor solution supported a basic distinction between agonistic and aleatory games, the third factor of a three-factor solution combined the two categories, indicating that activity preferences are more complex than the agôn-alea duality would suggest. There were significant associations between the two-factor solution and socio-demographic variables including geographic remoteness, age, gender, and household type. No association was found between alea, agôn and the CPGI, suggesting that it is the configuration of specific games, rather the broad structure of activities, that influence problem gambling risk. In terms of harm minimisation, strategies that target specific gambling games may be more effective than those that cover a range of gambling modes.     

Gambling Behavior of Juvenile Offenders in Louisiana

The purpose of this paper was to determine the (1) frequency of and (2) types of prearrest gambling (3) prevalence of pathological gambling and (4) the associations of after school activities and gambling related symptoms among juvenile offenders in Louisiana, compared to a contemporaneous school sample. A gambling survey was administered to 343 (jail) and 1293 (prison) offenders, ages 10–19 and compared to random sample of 12,036 Louisiana students in sixth through twelfth grades. Results showed that juvenile offenders gambled more frequently than the school sample on every gambling activity. Juvenile offenders (20.5%) were more likely to be classified as pathological gamblers than students (3.9%). Thirteen per cent of the juvenile justice sample identified their arrest as gambling related. Pathological gamblers were twice as likely to have had a gambling-related arrest. Pathological gambling may pose a risk factor for incarceration in the juvenile age group. After school activities, including church, employment, and athletics were risk factors for gambling related symptoms in both populations.     

Opportunity Structure for Gambling and Problem Gambling Among Employees in the Transport Industry

Working conditions for employees in the transport sector might present an opportunity structure for gambling by providing access to gambling during the workday. This study investigates connections between opportunity structure, gambling during the workday, and gambling problems among employees in the transport sector. Data has been collected from three different transport organizations in Norway: bus, truck, and taxi drivers (N = 1033). 6.8% of the sample gambled during working hours and 3.2% of the employees could be characterized as having a gambling problem. We found a positive relationship between opportunities to gamble during working hours and problem gambling, with the odds for problem gambling increasing fourteen-fold if employees gambled during working hours. Gambling during the workday is a major risk factor for gambling problems in this sample.

Comorbid Axis I-disorders among subjects with pathological,problem, or at-risk gambling recruited from the general population in Germany: Results of the PAGE study

The aim of the present study was to analyze comorbid Axis I-disorders in a sample of individuals with at-risk, problem, and pathological gambling. A number of 164 adult gamblers derived from a random sample of 15,023 individuals were compared with a general population sample. The lifetime prevalence of any psychiatric disorder was 93.6% among pathological (five–10 criteria), 83.5% among problem (three or four criteria), and 81.0% among at-risk gamblers (one or two criteria). Substance use disorders were the most common comorbid disorders in gamblers. Logistic regression analyses revealed elevated odds ratios for having a comorbid disorder in at-risk (Conditional Odds Ratio (COR) 3.5, Confidence Interval (CI) 2.6–4.6), problem (COR 4.9, CI 3.3–7.3), and pathological gamblers (COR 4.6, CI 3.0–6.9) compared to the general population. No significant differences were found between at-risk and problem gamblers or problem and pathological gamblers. Compared to at-risk gamblers, pathological gamblers showed elevated rates of comorbid substance use disorders. The data suggest a linear association between gambling disorder severity and comorbid Axis I-disorders. In conclusion, comorbid disorders are very prevalent in individuals with gambling problems. Even at-risk gamblers with one or two DSM-IV criteria show high rates of Axis I-disorders. Therefore, this group should be included in further studies on problematic gambling.