ArticleLiterature Review

Relationships Between Online Gambling, Mental Health, and Substance Use: A Review

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Abstract This review deals with the published literature to date while examining the relationship between online gambling, mental health problems, and substance use. Online gambling, particularly problematic gambling online, was found to be associated with poor mental health and use of various substances. Recent preliminary evidence also suggests that online gamblers may be at a greater risk of some substance use and mental health problems, relative to nononline gamblers. However, many of the reviewed studies were limited by investigation of online gambling behaviors only; these samples may have inadvertently comprised individuals who engage in both online and nononline gambling. Future research is required to address these limitations.

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... We included three reviews examining the impact of gambling on mental health outcomes [52][53][54]. There was evidence from high quality reviews for associations between gambling with depression, and general mental health outcomes. ...
... Focusing on gambling and depression, this review did not report any pooled effects, but 10 out of the 12 included cross-sectional studies found statistically significant positive associations between problem gambling and depressive symptoms [53]. The second acceptable quality review [54] examined online gambling, including only cross-sectional studies, and found several studies reporting a positive association between online gambling and depressive symptoms [54]. ...
... Focusing on gambling and depression, this review did not report any pooled effects, but 10 out of the 12 included cross-sectional studies found statistically significant positive associations between problem gambling and depressive symptoms [53]. The second acceptable quality review [54] examined online gambling, including only cross-sectional studies, and found several studies reporting a positive association between online gambling and depressive symptoms [54]. ...
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Mental ill health has complex and interrelated underlying causes, with wider determinants of health often overlooked as risk factors. The ‘commercial determinants of health’ are gradually receiving more attention and recognition but there is a relative lack of awareness of the commercial determinants of mental health. This aim of this umbrella review was to synthesise systematic review level evidence for the association between commercial determinants and mental health outcomes. This umbrella review included evidence from high, middle, and low-income countries. We included terms related to broader commercial activities and terms focused on six key unhealthy commodities (tobacco, alcohol, ultra-processed foods, gambling, social media, fossil fuels) and the impacts of fossil fuel consumption (climate change, air pollution, wider pollution). We included 65 reviews and found evidence from high quality reviews for associations between alcohol, tobacco, gambling, social media, ultra-processed foods and air pollution and depression; alcohol, tobacco, gambling, social media, climate change and air pollution with suicide; climate change and air pollution with anxiety; and social media with self-harm. There was a lack of evidence examining wider practices of commercial industries. Our umbrella review demonstrates that by broadening the focus on commercial determinants, the influence of commercial products and activities on mental ill health can be better understood. The lack of research examining broader commercial practices on mental ill health is an area that should be addressed. Our review highlights the existing base of high-quality evidence for many of these unhealthy commodities’ impacts on mental ill health and indicates that commercial determinants is a valuable framework for understanding the drivers of mental ill health.
... According to Scholes-Balog and Hemphill (2012), there is also a large body of evidence that looks at the effect a problem gambling on mental health. Responsible gamblers have a tendency to use gambling as a leisure activity, while problematic gamblers try to use gambling in modifying their current mood state (Wood & Griffiths, 2015). ...
... In relation to multiple account users, people who engage in online multiple gambling activities had the highest mental health disorders prevalence (Lloyd et al. 2010b). In addition, online gamblers were more at risk of alcohol and cannabis misuse (Kairouz et al., 2012;Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012). Currently, there exists very little information on the behaviours and attitudes of online gamblers in Ireland. ...
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This study investigated the influence of gambling on the psychological wellness of young people in Njokerio Village of Nakuru County in Kenya. It targeted youthful rural Kenyan population in relation to gambling activities they are engaging in, the reasons for gambling, their attitudes to gambling, and the financial and psychological well-being consequences of gambling. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 292 youth living in the Njoro sub-county in Kenya’s larger Nakuru County. The data was collected using two questionnaires developed based on the three objectives of the study. The questionnaires included items that measured symptoms of gambling disorder and emotions associated with gambling how the betting influences them psychologically. A Likert scale was used in measuring the symptoms of gambling disorder Gambling was previously seen as a form of entertainment, but slowly people are using gambling to escape from their problems, for instance, to avoid loneliness and bereavement. Suicidal rates have also increased when one cannot come to terms with the losses they suffer after taking chances with something of greater value and ends up losing it. Gambling has also contributed to relationship breakups among friends and families. In addition, there is a strain on financial responsibilities as one is not able to budget well for their needs. There is a need to put measures and techniques to regulate gambling due to its psychological, financial, social and physical effects through licensing and taxation of companies that offer gambling sites. Interventions including counselling may help those already affected to recover.
... Studies of online gambling, in particular, have noted comorbid relationships between mental health outcomes, substance use and problem gambling (Awaworyi Churchill and Farrell 2018;Gainsbury 2015;Hing et al. 2014;LaPlante et al. 2009;Lloyd et al. 2010a;Scholes-Balog and Hemphill 2012;Wardle et al. 2011). For example, early studies of the relationship between mental health and online gambling report much lower levels of mental health than those who never gambled online (Petry 2006). ...
... Broadly speaking, this research has reaffirmed relationships articulated in past research on risky online gambling and comorbidities, including mental health concerns and substance use (Awaworyi Churchill and Farrell 2018;Gainsbury 2015;Hing et al. 2014;LaPlante et al. 2009;Lloyd et al. 2010a;Scholes-Balog and Hemphill 2012;Wardle et al. 2011). Notably, this research adds to the limited evidence showing significant associations between cannabis use, online gambling and mental health concerns-particularly depression (Potenza et al. 2011). ...
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This study examined the emerging impact of COVID-19 on gambling during the first 6 weeks of emergency measures in Ontario, Canada. A cross-sectional online survey of 2005 gamblers, including a sub-sample of 1081 online gamblers (age 18 years and older), was administered to assess risky gambling behaviours and motivations, financial impacts from COVID-19, the influence of COVID-19 on online gambling, mental health concerns and substance use. A series of odds ratio comparisons and measures of association were carried out. Results show significant likelihood of online gambling among those classified as high-risk gamblers (according to the Problem Gambling Severity Index) and those with past experience of online gambling, though migration from land-based gambling was apparent. Among high-risk online gamblers, the most predictive risk factors included moderate and severe anxiety and depression, reduced work hours, being influenced to gamble due to COVID-19, gambling under the influence of cannabis or alcohol and risky gambling motives tied to mental health concerns, including gambling because it helps with nervousness and depression, chasing gambling losses and seeking to earn income. This study has confirmed many of the risk associations presented in emerging COVID-19-related studies and past research on global economic crisis relating to gambling risk, mental health concerns and substance use. However, unlike many past studies, the present paper takes note of all of these elements holistically and provides incremental clarity on online gambling risk factors during the pandemic, specifically.
... Importantly, authors have argued that online gambling may be particularly addictive (14), due to its speed and availability (15). Also, others have indicated that even though the literature is limited, people gambling online may be particularly likely to have comorbid substance use or mental health problems (16). Meanwhile, the opposite finding of lower psychological distress in online gamblers compared to landbased gamblers, also has been demonstrated. ...
... The present study demonstrated a high prevalence of past-year problem gambling in web panel participants who endorsed the criteria of being online gamblers during the past year. Thus, the very high prevalence of PGSI-measured problem gambling and moderate-risk gambling confirm previous hypotheses of a particularly problematic picture in online gamblers (14)(15)(16)(17)36). Specifically, problem gambling has been described to be more common in online gamblers than in offline gamblers (37), and inherent characteristics of the online gambling modality may inhibit self-control during gambling (38). ...
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Background Online gambling has increased in recent years, including online casino games and live sports betting which constitute rapid gambling activities with significant potential for gambling-related harm. There is a paucity of research examining whether specific gambling patterns are related to problem gambling and over-indebtedness, when controlling for psychological distress, gender, and other risk factors. Methods A general population-based web panel of 1,004 online gamblers were examined in an online survey addressing problem gambling symptoms (the PGSI), psychological distress (Kessler- 6), past 30-day gambling activities, past 30-day gambling losses, history of subjective over-indebtedness and expected over-indebtedness in the near future, as well as socio-demographic data. Results In logistic regression analyses, problem gambling was associated with psychological distress, recent online casino gambling, and recent combined online casino gambling and live sports betting. History of over-indebtedness was associated with recent combined online casino gambling and live sports betting, and expected over-indebtedness was associated with online casino gambling. Problem gambling, and a history of having borrowed money for gambling, were markedly higher in online casino gamblers, compared to subjects not reporting this gambling activity. Problem gambling was markedly more common in women, but was not associated with gender in the adjusted analysis. Conclusions In online gamblers, high rates of problem gambling and over-indebtedness were seen, and online casino gambling (alone or in combination with live sports betting), was associated with remarkably increased risk. Gender distribution of problem gamblers was clearly in contrast to that found in previous problem gambling literature. These findingsa suggest regulations in the market of online casino gambling, and prevention of over-indebtedness in gambling-related borrowing, in consumer credit counselling and in mental health care. In particular, female gender may need to be addressed as a stronger risk factor than previously described.
... In the geographical setting studied here, online gambling is commonly reported in the treatment setting, to the extent that a large majority of treatment seekers [21] and helpline callers [22] report online gambling as their problematic gambling type. A problematic gambling pattern may be particularly likely to develop in gambling types carried out online [23,24], and it has been described that online gambling may be associated with higher rates of mental illness, psychological distress, or alcohol consumption, compared to land-based forms of gambling [25][26][27][28]. ...
... In the present study, reporting of psychological distress to a level where an individual considers seeking help failed to demonstrate a significant and independent association with problem gambling in the adjusted analysis. is may be seen as surprising; studies in the field have shown associations of mental illness and problem gambling [2,25]. In contrast, for the gambling problem itself, it is well known that many people do not seek treatment because of a range of different barriers to treatment seeking [55,56], including barriers perceived by concerned significant others [57]. ...
Article
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Background: While pathological gambling, or gambling disorder, is an established diagnosis, a link to other potential behavioural addictions has been suggested. The present study aimed to investigate whether signs of problem gaming and problematic internet use are related to problem gambling in the general population, while including other potential risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study design, using an electronical questionnaire, administered through a marketing survey company for relative representativeness with respect to age and gender. Potential correlates of problem gambling were measured in binary analyses, and significant associations were entered in a logistic regression analysis controlling them for one another. Problem gambling, gaming, and internet use were measured through established screening instruments (the CLiP, the GAS, and the PRIUSS). Results: Statistically significant associations were found between problem gambling and both problem gaming and problematic internet use, as well as with male gender. In logistic regression, problem gaming, problematic internet use, and male gender remained associated with problem gambling. Conclusion: After controlling for potential demographic risk factors, problem gaming and problematic internet use may be related to problem gambling, suggesting that these constructs may interact or may share similar risk factors. More research is needed to clarify factors mediating the links between these conditions.
... There is also a large body of evidence looking at the effect that problem gambling can have on mental health (Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012). Responsible gamblers tend to use gambling as a leisure activity whereas problem gamblers try and use gambling as a way of modifying their current mood state (Wood & Griffiths, 2015). ...
... Problem gamblers reported negative mood states after gambling online and negative mood states in general (King & Barak, 1999). In line with multiple account users, people engaging in multiple gambling activities online had the highest prevalence of mental health disorder (Lloyd et al. 2010b) and online gamblers were more at risk of alcohol and cannabis misuse (Kairouz et al. 2012;Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012). ...
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Objectives The aim of this study is to look at an Irish population in relation to the online gambling activities people are engaging with, the reasons for gambling online, their attitudes to online gambling and the financial/mental health consequences of online gambling. Methods The outline for this study was adapted from a study by McCormack et al . (2014) in relation to online gambling, with the aim of replicating this study in an Irish population. An online survey consisting of 11 categories related to online gambling was advertised online over a 7-month period. Participants answered on activities gambled online, devices used, duration of time gambling, as well mental health/financial consequences of their gambling. Results A total of 208 users participated in the online survey. The most popular gambling activity played was Sports Betting (26.9%) and the most commonly used device was Mobile app (68.6%). The main reason for gambling online was ‘To win money’ (84.6%), the main reason for ending gambling sessions – ‘Had something else to do’ (67.3%) and the most prominent emotion experienced – Excitement (60.6%). There were findings related to the severity of gambling addiction (75% – had to borrow or sell to fund gambling) and their attitudes towards online gambling (strongly agreed – 39.9% – The potential dangers of gambling should be advertised). Conclusions Online gamblers in Ireland share similar behavioural profiles to online gamblers in the United Kingdom and worldwide. The majority of participants in this research have been adversely affected from both a mental and financial perspective due to their gambling behaviours.
... A link has been reported between IA and ADHD, major depression and social phobia [4] and online gambling linked to more frequent psychiatric comorbidity than offline gambling [23]. Psychiatric disorders are highly prevalent in older people [11], and depression is the most studied psychiatric disorder in this population [11]. ...
... Potential impacts of mental illness in the elders are social isolation, suicide, increased somatic pathologies, increased death, and cognitive decline [11]. IA is also linked to substance abuse, more frequently alcohol abuse [2,23]. This substance use disorder is precisely the most frequent in older adults [20]. ...
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Lately, the use of Internet has become increasingly common and is source of benefits in terms of information, communication and health applications. Its use is, sometimes, problematic with psychiatric and physical negative consequences. Growing literature provides data on adolescents and adults. Entry into advanced age and characteristics involve interaction with Internet, different from that of the adult or young adult. This paper aimed to review literature on problematic Internet use in elder persons. Literature search on Medline database has shown no study on problematic Internet use targeting subjects aged over 60 years old. Only 3 studies including subjects entering into elder age (over 55 years old) have been found. They showed Problematic Internet use (PIU) being present in this subgroup population but no further data were presented specifically for this age group. Why problematic Internet use in elderly should be a concern for the medical community at a neurological, social, somatic and psychiatric level is discussed in the present article. Further research is needed to screen for problematic use of Internet in this population and to characterize it. The expected outcome of this research to be developed is to design specific therapeutic and preventive strategies
... In a negative context, the Internet opens up opportunities for cybercrime or what is usually called cybercrime. Cybercrime is a form of crime that uses information technology and is characterized by the use of high-level technological techniques, often carried out without territorial boundaries and does not require physical interaction between the perpetrator and the victim (Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012). ...
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This study aims to evaluate the effect of online gambling on mental health in a group of teenagers in Panimbang District, Banten. The research was conducted to understand the impact of online gambling activities on the mental well-being of teenagers, focusing on factors such as stress, anxiety, depression and impulsive behavior. Survey and interview methods were used to collect data from selected samples, which included teenagers aged 15-19 years who were involved in online gambling activities. The results of this research indicate that engaging in online gambling has a negative impact on the mental health of adolescents in Panimbang District. Respondents who were involved in online gambling tended to experience higher levels of stress and anxiety than those who were not involved. Apart from that, the level of depression was also found to be higher in the group of teenagers who were involved in online gambling. This research also shows a positive correlation between online gambling activities and impulsive behavior. Teenagers who engage in online gambling tend to exhibit higher levels of impulsive behavior, which can impact their decisions in everyday life. These findings underscore the importance of awareness of the negative impact of online gambling on adolescent mental health. Preventive and intervention steps need to be taken to reduce the risk of these negative impacts.
... The nonmedia behavioral addictive domains of interest in the present study are gambling and shopping. Gambling disorder is associated with poor mental health, increased substance use, and financial harm (Muggleton et al., 2021;Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012). There have been calls to consider gambling a major public health problem and enact policy concomitant with the level of health problems it causes (Abbott, 2020;Price et al., 2021;Wardle et al., 2019). ...
... The nonmedia behavioral addictive domains of interest in the present study are gambling and shopping. Gambling disorder is associated with poor mental health, increased substance use, and financial harm (Muggleton et al., 2021;Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012). There have been calls to consider gambling a major public health problem and enact policy concomitant with the level of health problems it causes (Abbott, 2020;Price et al., 2021;Wardle et al., 2019). ...
... There is a large body of literature showing associations between gambling, PG, and adverse mental health and substance use disorders (Mathieu et al., 2020). While meta-analyses show that there is a reliable association between gambling and both mental health symptoms and substance use (Allami et al., 2021), there is a relative paucity of studies examining these relationships specifically among people who gamble online (Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012). For example, people who gamble online have been shown to report higher levels of depression compared to those do not, while the two groups may not differ in terms of anxiety severity (Price, 2022). ...
Article
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Online gambling is associated with higher levels of problem gambling and an array of adverse mental health characteristics. No longitudinal study has identified factors that lead people who gamble in land-based venues to migrate toward online gambling, keeping accessibility to land-based venues constant (i.e., not in the context of a pandemic lockdown). This study involved 3,753 Canadian adults who gambled but not online. One year later, 367 had started gambling online, falling into three groups - lottery players, sports betters, and casino players. Mental health, substance use, gambling motivations, and gambling involvement intensity assessed at both time-points, were used as prospective and concurrent predictors of follow-up online gambling. Results distinguished risk factors that precede the migration to online gambling from those that may appear concurrently. Males with substance use disorders and females with anxiety disorders and who gamble to escape are particularly likely to migrate to riskier forms of gambling.
... On the other hand, the association between gambling and other problems such as the consumption of alcohol and other substances has already been explored in the literature (Barnes et al., 2009;De Luigi et al., 2017;Scholes-Balog and Hemphill, 2012;Míguez & Becoña, 2015), reporting higher rates of consumption among those who play online (Brunelle et al., 2012;Potenza et al., 2011). Other works have provided evidence of the relationship between substance use and Problematic Internet Use (Gómez et al., 2017;Tsitsika et al., 2011), and even with accessing to inappropriate or dangerous content through the Internet (Montiel et al., 2013). ...
Article
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Recent research has warned of the growing participation of minors in online gambling, an illegal behaviour with an enormous addictive potential. The present study was proposed with a double objective: (1) having updated data about online gambling among adolescents and, (2) analysing its relationship with substance use and Problematic Internet Use [PIU]. For this purpose, a sample of 3188 Spanish adolescents between 12 and 17 years of age (Mean=14.44; SD=1.67) was gathered, to whom was applied an ad hoc questionnaire with items regarding their internet use and substance consumption, as well as specific screening instruments (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test -AUDIT-, Cannabis Abuse Screening Test -CAST-, the Substance Use and Abuse subscale of the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers -POSITuas-, and the Problematic Internet Use Scale for Adolescents-PIUSa-). The results showed that 8.4% of the sample had participated in online gambling during the prior year. It was also found that those who gambled on the Internet had higher rates of PIU and different online risky behaviours, as well as higher rates of substance consumption. Therefore, these are not isolated problems, making it necessary to employ an integral preventive approach to address them.
... On the other hand, the association between gambling and other problems such as the consumption of alcohol and other substances has already been explored in the literature (Barnes et al., 2009;De Luigi et al., 2017;Scholes-Balog and Hemphill, 2012;Míguez & Becoña, 2015), reporting higher rates of consumption among those who play online (Brunelle et al., 2012;Potenza et al., 2011). Other works have provided evidence of the relationship between substance use and Problematic Internet Use (Gómez et al., 2017;Tsitsika et al., 2011), and even with accessing to inappropriate or dangerous content through the Internet (Montiel et al., 2013). ...
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Recientes investigaciones han alertado de la creciente participación de los menores en el juego online, una conducta ilegal con un enorme potencial adictivo. El presente estudio se planteó con un doble objetivo (1) disponer de datos actualizados sobre el juego online entre los adolescentes y, (2) analizar su relación con el consumo de sustancias y el Uso Problemático de Internet [UIP]. Para ello, se recogió una muestra de 3188 adolescentes españoles de entre 12 y 17 años (Media=14.44; DT=1.67), a los que se les aplicó un cuestionario ad hoc con ítems relativos al uso de Internet y consumo de sustancias, así como instrumentos de cribado específicos (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test -AUDIT-, Cannabis Abuse Screening Test -CAST-, Substance Use and Abuse subscale of the Problem Oriented Scree­ning Instrument for Teenagers -POSITuas- y la Escala de Uso Problemático de Internet para Adolescentes -EUPIa-). Los resultados mostraron que el 8.4% de la muestra había participado en juegos de azar en línea durante el año anterior. También se comprobó que los que jugaban a través de Internet presentaban tasas más elevadas de PIU y de diferentes comportamientos de riesgo online, así como tasas más elevadas de consumo de sustancias. Por tanto, no se trata de problemas aislados, por lo que es necesario emplear un enfoque preventivo integral para abordarlos.
... Technological and digital advances have offered new gambling opportunities, making it more available, accessible, convenient, and anonymous in its practice on online platforms [1,4]. Since previous evidence points to a greater risk of addiction for this modality [1,6] and problematic online gambling appears to be associated with lower levels of mental health [48], the present research aimed to explore some risk and protective factors for the levels of problematic gambling, considering the interaction between some personal (i.e., alexithymia and dissociation) and environmental (i.e., Family functioning) variables. ...
Article
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The diffusion of the internet and technological progress have made gambling on online platforms possible, also making it more anonymous, convenient, and available, increasing the risk of pathological outcomes for vulnerable individuals. Given this context, the present study explores the role of some protective and risk factors for problematic gambling in online gamblers by focusing on the interaction between alexithymia, dissociation, and family functioning. A sample of 193 online gamblers (Mage = 28.8 years, SD = 10.59; 17% females, 83% males) completed the South Oaks Gambling Screen, Twenty-Items Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Dissociative Experience Scale-II, and Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales-IV through an online survey. MANOVA, ANOVA and moderated mediation analyses were carried out to analyse the data. Significant differences in cohesive family functioning, alexithymia and dissociation have been found between online gamblers with problematic, at-risk or absent levels of gambling disease. Furthermore, the results showed a significant and positive association between alexithymia and problematic online gambling, partially mediated by dissociation, with the moderation of cohesive family functioning. Such data may have relevant clinical implications, highlighting the interaction of some core personal and environmental variables that may be involved in the etiology of online pathological gambling and could be kept in mind to tailor preventive interventions.
... Most of the online gambling-based studies have proved significant associations between mental health outcomes, substance abuse, and problem gambling. 29 In the UK, data obtained from the Gambling Commission revealed that past four-week gambling participation remained comparatively stable in the initial stages of lockdown, however, almost a quarter of gamblers reported that their mental health had been negatively influenced. Recruiting a UK-based online sample, preliminary results indicate that across the whole sample, levels of depression, anxiety, and stress calculated using (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) DASS and BPGS questionnaire have increased in lockdown, particularly, among those who were classified as Potential Problem Gamblers. ...
Article
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The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered the world into unforeseen circumstances, prompting the authorities to impose restrictions and cut back various events including many gambling avenues. Professional sports have been postponed, land casinos are closed, and social distancing has shut home games down. The present narrative overview has addressed the following changes in gambling behavior since the start of the pandemic: - a) Change in the number of gamblers and intensity of gambling b) differences among various types of gambling modalities (land-based, horse betting, casino, online). and transitioning between them. c) Psychosocial effects on gamblers owing to the shutdown of gambling avenues in the early phase of COVID-19 lockdown. It alludes to several survey studies conducted so far in Northern Europe (Sweden, UK, Italy), North America (Canada, USA), and Australia on the potential impact of the SARS-Cov2 pandemic on gambling figures. Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scale is used by most of the studies to demonstrate the severity among gamblers i.e., low-risk, high-risk, and problem gamblers respectively. The majority of studies are based on self-reported questionnaires, few tracked data from online gambling operators, and one study used revenue-based taxation of land-based and online gambling as its information source. The decline in the overall gambling activity attributable to the situational changes was predominant in a majority of surveys. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling is diverse – possibly causing a reduction in current or future problems in some, but also promoting increased problematic gambling in others.
... This finding is also consistent with previous studies, which have related a higher likelihood of substance use while gambling (mainly for alcohol and illicit drugs) among people with online gambling habits (44). Increased prevalences of substance-related disorders among Internet problematic gamblers compared with other gambling forms and with non-gamblers have also been reported (45). Epidemiological and etiological research has also shown the relevance of the co-occurrence between online gambling and substances consumption (mainly with tobacco), as well as the relationship between substances status with more severe gambling habits (46). ...
Article
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Background and Objectives The Internet provides easy access to multiple types of gambling and has led to changes in betting habits. A severe rise in problematic gambling has been predicted among all sectors of the population, and studies are required to assess the emerging phenotypes related to the new structures of gambling activities. This study aimed to explore the existence of latent classes associated with gambling habits among treatment-seeking gamblers due to Online Sports Betting (OSB). Method Initial sample included n = 4,516 patients consecutively admitted for treatment in a hospital unit specialized in behavioral addictions. Two-step clustering analysis was used within the subsample of n = 323 patients who reported problems related with OSB, within a set of indicators including sociodemographics, psychopathological distress, personality, and severity of the gambling activity. Results The prevalence of OSB as a main type of gambling problem in the study was 7.2% (95% confidence interval: 6.4 to 7.9%). Two latent clusters were identified, with differences in sociodemographics and clinical status. Cluster 1 (n = 247, 76.5%) grouped patients that were more affected due to the OSB behaviors, and it was characterized by non-married patients, lower socioeconomic position index, higher comorbidity with other substance related addictions, younger age, and early onset of the gambling activity, as well as higher debts due to the OSB, higher psychopathological distress, and a more dysfunctional personality profile. Cluster 2 (n = 76, 23.5%) grouped patients that were less affected by OSB, mostly married (or living with a stable partner), with higher social position levels, older age and older onset of the gambling activity, as well as a more functional psychopathological and personality profile. Conclusion The increasing understanding of latent classes underlying OSB phenotypes is essential in guiding the development of reliable screening tools to identify individuals highly vulnerable to addictive behaviors among Internet gamblers, as well as in planning prevention and treatment initiatives focused on the precise profiles of these patients.
... Among problematic gamblers, almost 38% had mood disorders and 37% had anxiety disorders [23]. Additionally, substance use has been shown to co-occur with gambling and mental health problems [43,[97][98][99]. The causality of these health consequences is not clear because gambling can cause negative health outcomes, but is also a coping mechanism to escape physical, emotional, and substance use problems. ...
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Background: Gambling for money is a popular leisure time activity in most countries, which has major social and economic impacts not only affecting the gambler, but his/her significant others, and the society. Gambling impact studies can help researchers and policymakers compare the health and social costs and benefits of different gambling policies and can be used when considering which gambling policies will reduce or increase costs or benefits the most. In a public health approach, the impacts of gambling, negative and positive, are assessed across the entire severity spectrum of the activity. Although some studies have created basic principles for conducting impact studies, a theoretical model is currently lacking. The aim of this debate is to review complementing and contrasting views on the effects of gambling to create a conceptual model, where a public health perspective is applied. Main text: The effects of gambling can be structuralized using a conceptual model, where impacts are divided into negative and positive; costs and benefits. Costs and benefits are categorized into three classes: financial, labor and health, and well-being. These classes manifest in personal, interpersonal, and societal levels. Individual impacts cause effects on a personal level to gamblers themselves. External impacts influence the interpersonal and society/community levels and concern other people. The temporal level refers to the development, severity and scope of the gambling impact. These include general impacts, impacts of problem gambling and long-term impacts of gambling. Conclusions: The conceptual model offers a base on which to start building common methodology for assessing the impact of gambling on the society. While measuring monetary impacts is not always straightforward, the main issue is how to measure the social impacts, which are typically ignored in calculations, as are personal and interpersonal impacts. The reviewed empirical work largely concentrated on the costs of gambling, especially costs on the community level. The Model can be used to identify areas where research is scarce. Filling the gaps in knowledge is essential in forming a balanced evidence base on the impacts of gambling. Ideally, this evidence could be the starting point in formulating public policies on gambling.
... Gambling-related problems are a major public health issue and they affect the gambler, his or her social circle, and society (Afifi, LaPLante, Taillieu, Dowd, & Shaffer, 2014). Gambling-related problems can be linked to emotions that may lead to suicide attempts, substance abuse, impulsivity, and dysfunctional cravings (Cook et al., 2015;de Castro, Fong, Rosenthal, & Tavares, 2007;King, Abrams, & Wilkinson, 2010;McCormack, Shorter, & Griffiths, 2013a;Moghaddam, Yoon, Dickerson, Kim, & Westermeyer, 2015;Petry & Weinstock, 2007;Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012;Thon et al., 2014;Valleur et al., 2015). Internet gamblers are 10 times more likely than the general population to develop gambling-related problems or disorders (McBride & Derevensky, 2009), and they are more likely to engage in potentially harmful lifestyles than casino gamblers, according to Shead et al. (2012). ...
Thesis
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The use of the Internet to gamble has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Although researchers have suggested that adult Internet gamblers are at high risk for developing a gambling disorder, few studies, overall, have been conducted on the effects of Internet gambling. Furthermore, conflicting research exists regarding what moderates gambling-related problems. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if age, gender, and emotions prior to the gambling experience are related predictors of Internet problem gambling severity. A retrospective design was used. The pathways model was used to support the belief that emotions felt before an Internet gambling session are associated with the severity of the gambling problem. Data were obtained from adult Internet gamblers who had Internet gambled in the preceding week. One hundred and fifty participants completed an online survey about the emotions they felt before an Internet-gambling session and self-reported the negative consequences of their gambling. The survey contained demographic questions, questions from the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (to assess emotions felt before participants’ last Internet gambling session), and questions from the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis were significant, indicating that, as a group, participants’ age, gender, and emotions felt prior to the gambling experience predicted their problem gambling severity. This study can assist with prevention, early intervention, and treatment of adult Internet gamblers.
... Problem gambling, understood as experiencing negative consequences of using gambling services (Cowlishaw and Kessler, 2016), is prevalent in 0.12-5.8% of the population in all the parts of the world (Calado and Griffiths, 2016), and is recognized as a public health issue in many countries (Adams et al., 2009;Marshall, 2009;Svensson et al., 2013;Gainsbury et al., 2014). With the increase in the number of Internet gambling services (Scholes-Balog and Hemphill, 2012) concerns have been raised about potential harms related to its specific features, such as high accessibility, absence of social control, and high speed . Consequently, the need to develop adequate protective measures has been addressed (Gainsbury et al., 2013). ...
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Pre-commitment tools – allowing users of gambling services to pre-set a limit for how much money they may spend – are relatively common. However, there exist no clear evidence of their effectiveness in preventing gamblers from spending more money than they otherwise planned. The aim of the study was to compare gambling intensity between users of an online gambling service prompted to set a deposit limit and non-prompted customers, both in the whole sample and among most active users based on the total number of gambling days. Prospective customers of a publicly governed gambling operator from Finland were randomized to receive a prompt to set a voluntary deposit limit of optional size either (1) at registration, (2) before or (3) after their first deposit, or (4) to an unprompted control condition. Data on customers from Finland with online slots as a preferred gambling category (N = 4328) were tracked in the platform for 90 days starting at account registration, gambling intensity being measured with aggregated net loss. The intervention groups did not differ from each other in either proportion of participants with positive net loss or size of positive net loss. The pooled intervention group did not differ from the control group regarding proportion of gamblers with positive net loss (OR = 1.0; p = 0.921) or size of net loss (B = -0.1; p = 0.291). The intervention groups had higher rates of limit-setters compared to the control condition (ORat-registration/pre-deposit/post-deposit = 11.9/9.2/4.1). Customers who have increased/removed a previously set deposit limit had higher net loss than the limit-setters who have not increased/removed their limit (Bat-registration/pre-deposit/post-deposit/control = 0.7/0.6/1.0/1.3), and unprompted limit-setters lost more than unprompted non-setters (B = 1.0). Prompting online gamblers to set a voluntary deposit limit of optional size did not affect subsequent net loss compared to unprompted customers, motivating design and evaluation of alternative pre-commitment tools. Setting a deposit limit without a prompt or increasing/removing a previously set limit may be a marker of gambling problems and may be used to identify customers in need of help.
... Stwierdzono związek z gorszym ogólnym stanem zdrowia psychicznego i nadużywaniem substancji z uprawianiem hazardu online, a zwłaszcza z występowaniem szkód w związku z graniem. Z ostatnich badań wynika, że gracze online mogą stanowić grupę większego ryzyka uzależnień od substancji psychoaktywnych i wystąpienia chorób psychicznych niż hazardziści "konwencjonalni" [Scholes-Balog i Hemphill 2012]. ...
Chapter
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Chapter contains broad review of state of art in one of the best known behavioral addicions - since DSM-5 renamed as gambling disorder.
... Online gambling is characterized by several features that support a player's flow experience: It provides accessibility, convenience, disinhibition, anonymity, and instant reinforcement. 11,18,19 This combination of factors results in ''more mindless consumption of gambling and resultant losses.'' 20 Again, the relationship between addiction problems and ''flow experience'' as a possible antecedent, as well as its various sub-dimensions, is yet to be explored. ...
Article
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Flow experience has been widely investigated in experiential activities such as sports, the performing arts, gaming, and Internet usage. Most studies focus on the positive aspects of flow experience and its effect on performance. In stark contrast, gambling research focusing on the negative side of addiction lacks an in-depth investigation of gamblers' (positive) flow encounters. This separation of research lines seems out of place given that recent research indicates connections between flow and addiction. Joining both constructs in a causal-effects model helps one gain a better understanding of their relationship and its contingencies. This article empirically investigates whether and how it is possible to observe a ''Janus face'' of flow with its various sub-dimensions in online gambling. Empirical data were collected from 500 online gamblers by applying a structured questionnaire with established scales. The data were analyzed with a confirmatory factor analysis and a double-hurdle model to separate casual gamblers who are unsusceptible to any addiction issues from gamblers affected by initiatory addiction issues. The findings indicate that online gambling addiction is negatively influenced by two sub-dimensions of flow experience, namely a sense of control and concentration on the task at hand, whereas it is enhanced by a transformation of time and autotelic experience.
... Online gambling is characterized by several features that support a player's flow experience: It provides accessibility, convenience, disinhibition, anonymity, and instant reinforcement. 11,18,19 This combination of factors results in ''more mindless consumption of gambling and resultant losses.'' 20 Again, the relationship between addiction problems and ''flow experience'' as a possible antecedent, as well as its various sub-dimensions, is yet to be explored. ...
Article
Full-text available
Flow experience has been widely investigated in experiential activities such as sports, the performing arts, gaming, and Internet usage. Most studies focus on the positive aspects of flow experience and its effect on performance. In stark contrast, gambling research focusing on the negative side of addiction lacks an in-depth investigation of gamblers' (positive) flow encounters. This separation of research lines seems out of place given that recent research indicates connections between flow and addiction. Joining both constructs in a causal-effects model helps one gain a better understanding of their relationship and its contingencies. This article empirically investigates whether and how it is possible to observe a ''Janus face'' of flow with its various sub-dimensions in online gambling. Empirical data were collected from 500 online gamblers by applying a structured questionnaire with established scales. The data were analyzed with a confirmatory factor analysis and a double-hurdle model to separate casual gamblers who are unsusceptible to any addiction issues from gamblers affected by initiatory addiction issues. The findings indicate that online gambling addiction is negatively influenced by two sub-dimensions of flow experience, namely a sense of control and concentration on the task at hand, whereas it is enhanced by a transformation of time and autotelic experience.
... Being based on similar interfaces, it is intuitive that online gambling and gaming may co-occur. What is less clear is whether gaming which is excessive or otherwise perceived as detrimental is even more strongly associated to online gambling; some findings suggest an association with mental health problems (Hopley & Nicki, 2010;Petry & Weinstock, 2007;Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012;Wood, Griffiths, & Parke, 2007) while others argue against it (Wood & Williams, 2011). ...
Article
The expansion of online gambling opportunities calls for better comprehension of online gambling, including relevant gender specific correlates. This study compared online and land-based gamblers among males and females separately, utilizing a nationally representative Finnish survey sample of 18-74 year olds. Online gamblers were younger than land-based gamblers and had full-time working status more often than land-based gamblers, with partial indication of land-based gamblers' monthly income being lower. Online gambling was associated with participation in computer or video gaming more strongly than with landbased gambling. Results show that the strongest predictors of online gambling common to both genders were younger age, computer gaming and gambling on multiple gambling types. Risky alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking were not associated to gambling mode when controlling for other factors. Results indicate that particularly for females online gambling may be related to higher relative expenditure and at-risk and problem gambling, providing implications for tailored interventions. The continued study of subgroups of gamblers is necessary to comprehensively understand the altering gambling milieu.
... Les conclusions des études comparant les jeux en ligne et hors-ligne dégagent un trait unanime : les risques inhérents au jeu en ligne susciteraient beaucoup plus de comportements problématiques (Griffiths et Barnes, 2008;Scholes-Balog et Hemphill, 2012;. , établissent des risques de trois à dix fois supérieurs pour le jeu en ligne. ...
... To clarify what real money online gambling is, gambling needs to be defined. Given its long history, most literature defines it at a broad level (Raylu & Oei, 2002;Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012;UK Gambling Act, 2005). Where the definition of gambling differs is within a legal context, specifically what each country, state or province allows within its jurisdiction and how it defines each element of gambling from a legal perspective. ...
Article
ABSTRACT Internet technology provides a new approach to how gambling is conducted in postmodern times. Drawing on constructivist research and utilising a single case study strategy, this paper examines online social gambling and real money gambling marketing communication practices, as well as offering some insights into the development and implementation of effective marketing communication programmes. In contrast to existing studies, this paper, in part, proposes integrative and higher levels of marketing communication programmes between online social gambling and real money gambling environments. The paper reveals the implicit structure of meanings underlying the link between online social gambling activity and real money gambling practices.
... Systematický pøehled zamìøený na on-line hraní a psychiatrickou komorbiditu naznaèil, že problémoví on-line hráèi mohou být ve vyšším riziku nadmìrného užívání návykových látek (alkoholu) a duševních onemocnìní (deprese a úzkosti) než problémoví hráèi neinternetových her; z dostupných studií však není jasné, nakolik on-line hráèi hrají také neinternetové hry a nakolik tedy mohou být jejich problémy zpùsobeny hraním her neinternetových, tzv. land-based nebo venue-based her (Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012). ...
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BACKGROUND: Some individuals’ gambling develops into problem gambling, including serious health, social, and economic impacts. AIMS: To describe the characteristics of problem gamblers, their gambling careers, and the social, economic, and health correlations and consequences of pathological gambling in the Czech Republic. METHOD: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey on a sample of diagnosed pathological gamblers (F63.0 in ICD-10). SAMPLE: 229 respondents were interviewed in 27 treatment facilities. They were mostly men (93.4%) and aged 34 on average. RESULTS: The majority of the respondents in the sample reported playing electronic gaming machines (EGMs) as their primary problem gambling activity. On average, their total debt was CZK 894 thousand (€ 33 thousand). About 7.6% of the money for gambling came from illegal activities. 53.6% of the respondents found that their financial problems caused them the greatest difficulty. Relationship and mental health problems were identified as major difficulties by 22.4% and 18.2% of the respondents respectively. Nervousness and irritability (67.7%), anxiety and insomnia (both 59.8%), suicidal thoughts (41.0%), and cardiovascular problems (28.4%) were reported as the most common health problems. The majority of the respondents (83.8%) had perceived gambling as a problem during their gambling careers. About 80% had tried to stop. Help was sought three or more years after the problems had occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Pathological gambling is a chronic relapsing condition accompanied by frequent health and social functioning disorders. Financial problems and the disruption of relationships are perceived as the most serious consequences which lead to seeking help. While in 2013 the majority of the problems were caused by EGMs, an increase in problem gambling associated with online gambling is expected in the future. Early diagnosis and intervention is key to preventing problem gambling and reducing the harm it entails.
... Systematický pøehled zamìøený na on-line hraní a psychiatrickou komorbiditu naznaèil, že problémoví on-line hráèi mohou být ve vyšším riziku nadmìrného užívání návykových látek (alkoholu) a duševních onemocnìní (deprese a úzkosti) než problémoví hráèi neinternetových her; z dostupných studií však není jasné, nakolik on-line hráèi hrají také neinternetové hry a nakolik tedy mohou být jejich problémy zpùsobeny hraním her neinternetových, tzv. land-based nebo venue-based her (Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012). ...
Article
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BACKGROUND: Pathological gambling projects into all aspects of the life of a pathological gambler. The domains of relationships, finance, and health are affected the most. Any effective intervention aimed at preventing and treating pathological gambling must identify such phenomena and address them as a whole. AIMS: To describe the impacts of gambling in the Czech Republic at the individual level in the domains of family life, interpersonal relationships, employment, crime, finance, and health. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews focused on the impacts of gambling. SAMPLE: The sample consists of seven men who are ex-gamblers from the Bohnice Psychiatric Hospital, aged 21-55. RESULTS: The range of preferred games was wide: slots, roulette, poker, online bets, and lotteries (such as Keno and Sportka). The amount of money gambled away ranged from CZK 400,000 to CZK 7,500,000 CZK (€15-280,000). Apart from a chance to have fun, relax, relieve their anxiety, and escape from reality, gambling had a wide range of negative consequences for these persons’ lives which included debts, the loss of their freedom and hobbies, unemployment, breakups, the decline of their social status, and psychosomatic and psychiatric comorbidities (including suicidality). Gambling also had a negative influence on the gamblers’ families and friends. CONCLUSIONS: Besides its financial impact, gambling in its problematic form caused a wide range of negative social and health consequences. The participants reported the disruption of their relationships (especially within the family) as the most painful loss caused by gambling.
... Systematický pøehled zamìøený na on-line hraní a psychiatrickou komorbiditu naznaèil, že problémoví on-line hráèi mohou být ve vyšším riziku nadmìrného užívání návykových látek (alkoholu) a duševních onemocnìní (deprese a úzkosti) než problémoví hráèi neinternetových her; z dostupných studií však není jasné, nakolik on-line hráèi hrají také neinternetové hry a nakolik tedy mohou být jejich problémy zpùsobeny hraním her neinternetových, tzv. land-based nebo venue-based her (Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012). ...
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BACKGROUND: Gambling and problem gambling correlate with the social situation at both the individual and community levels. This association is often manifested as negative social, economic, and demographic phenomena. METHODS: This article presents a non-systematic review of accessible data on the consequences and impacts of gambling on the regional, local, and individual levels in the Czech Republic. RESULTS: Higher accessibility of gambling opportunities correlates with negative phenomena such as unemployment, indebtedness, crimes of violence and against property, a decrease in the population, the consumption of alcohol and illegal substances, and the abuse of social welfare benefits. These phenomena are even more prevalent in socially excluded localities. Some municipalities issue local ordinances to control the accessibility of gambling opportunities. Individually, problem gambling leads to financial struggles, debts, and, in extreme cases, to illegal ways of obtaining the financial wherewithal to fund a gambling addiction, including crimes, mainly crimes against property such as theft, fraud, and embezzlement. Social and family ties become disrupted as gamblers’ relationships with their relatives and other people who are close to them are negatively affected by their behaviour. Problems at work very often lead to unemployment. Employment opportunities created by the gambling industry and tax revenues feeding the public budgets are among the positive social impacts of gambling that are cited most frequently. CONCLUSION: Gambling involves a complex social and economic context and works as a regressive tax for low-income groups. Both quantitative and qualitative studies show that gambling is primarily associated with indebtedness, which is a serious consequence of pathological gambling and a cause for or correlate of the social and economic decline of gamblers, their social environment, and entire communities. The latent and stigmatising character of indebtedness and the related social impacts are barriers to treatment.
... To clarify what real money online gambling is, gambling needs to be defined first. Given the long history of gambling, most literature defines it at a broad level (Scholes-Balog and Hemphill, 2012;Raylu and Oei, 2002;UK Gambling Act, 2005). Where the definition of gambling differs is within the legal context, more specifically, what each country, state or province will allow within its jurisdiction and how it defines each element of gambling from a legal perspective. ...
Article
Gambling has been a part of humanity for a long time, and references to it have been found in some of the earliest dated records. Literature on the topic has been accumulating since ancient times. The advent of Internet technology along with its typical subsets provides a new approach to how gambling is conducted in postmodern times. Drawing on qualitative research and utilising a single case study strategy, this study examines online social gambling and real money gambling marketing communication practices as well as offers some insights into the development and implementation of effective marketing communication programmes. In contrast to existing studies, the paper, in part, proposes integrative and higher levels of marketing communication programmes between online social gambling and real money gambling environments.
... Changing his preference for gambling could have been due to his isolation and movement difficulties, as well as his high educational level, which facilitated access to the Internet. OG, particularly problematic gambling online, was found to be associated with poor mental health and substance use disorder (Balog and Hemphill, 2012). OG has several characteristics that potentially make it more attractive and addictive, including its accessibility, anonymity, convenience, feasibility, disinhibition, quickness, simulation, and isolation (Bonnaire, 2012). ...
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Background: The lifetime prevalence of problem or Gambling disorder (GD) in the elderly (i.e., those over 60 years old) is reported to range from 0.01 to 10.9%. Research has identified several specific risk factors and vulnerabilities in the elderly. Since the late 1990s, an increase in online GD has been observed in the youth population, whereas casinos, slot machines, and bingo seem to be the activities of choice among the elderly. Interestingly, online GD has not been described in the elderly to date. Case Description: We report an 83-year-old man who started online casino gambling from the age of 80 years, leading to debts that exceeded €30,000. He underwent a full clinical and neuropsychological assessment, without any evidence of cognitive impairment or any associated neurodegenerative disease. However, he had risk factors for GD, including adjustment disorder, stressful life events, previous offline casino GD when 50 years old, and dysfunctional personality traits. The change to online GD may have been due to his isolation, movement difficulties, and his high level of education, which facilitated his access to the Internet. Care management focused on individual cognitive-behavioral therapy. Conclusion: The prevalence of online GD may be underestimated among the elderly, and may increase among isolated old people with movement difficulties and ready access to the Internet. However, late-life GD should be considered a diagnosis of elimination, requiring a full medical, psychiatric (including suicide risk), and cognitive assessment. Specific therapeutic approaches need to be proposed and developed.
... Knowledge about the differences in gambling triggers and motivations will further our understanding of internet gambling. The solitary nature and anonymity of internet gambling may contribute to other psychological and health issues (Griffiths et al., 2011; Scholes-Balog & Hemphill, 2012). For example, internet gamblers have demonstrated higher rates of cigarette smoking (McCormack et al., 2013; Smead et al., 2012; Wood & Williams, 2011), alcohol and substance use (Brunelle et al., 2012; Griffiths et al., 2011; Kairouz et al., 2012; Smead et al., 2012; Wood & Williams, 2011), and substance abuse/dependence (Potenza et al., 2011; Wood & Williams, 2011) than non-internet gamblers. ...
Article
Research generally classifies internet gamblers as those who have gambled online at least once in the previous year. This classification system has been criticised on the grounds that it fails to consider the frequency of internet gambling. This study aimed to contrast the demographic, gambling, and psychosocial profiles of regular internet gamblers (at least monthly in the previous year) with those of past-year internet gamblers. Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted with 4303 adult respondents from Tasmania, Australia. The findings revealed that 3.3% were past-year internet gamblers and 2.1% were regular internet gamblers. Both past-year and regular internet gambling were significantly associated with several variables (younger age, dependent children, paid employment, higher annual income, higher gambling frequency and expenditure, younger age of first gambling, challenge and positive feelings gambling motives, and positive reinforcement gambling triggers). However, several variables were significantly associated only with past-year internet gambling (male gender, living with partner, number of gambling activities, regulate internal state gambling motives, hazardous alcohol use, cannabis use, and other illicit drug use) or regular internet gambling (higher education). Only gambling for positive feelings was a significant independent predictor of both past-year and regular internet gambling. These findings suggest that the classification of past-year internet gambling that is normally employed in research produces profiles that are not fully generalizable to regular internet gamblers.
... An Australian telephone survey found that illicit drug use was a significant predictor of having greater levels of gambling problems [13]. These results may indicate that Internet who are at risk for gambling problems may engage in a range of risk-taking behaviours, for example due to high levels of impulsivity [72]. ...
Article
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One of the most significant changes to the gambling environment in the past 15 years has been the increased availability of Internet gambling Internet, including mobile, gambling is the fastest growing mode of gambling and is changing the way that gamblers engage with this activity. Due to the high level of accessibility, immersive interface, and ease at which money can be spent, concerns have been expressed that Internet gambling may increase rates of disordered gambling. The current paper aimed to provide an overview of the research to date as well as highlight new and interesting findings relevant to Internet gambling addiction. A comprehensive review was conducted of existing literature to provide an overview of significant trends and developments in research that relates to disordered Internet gambling. This paper presents research to inform a greater understanding of adult participation in Internet gambling, features of this interface that may impact problem severity, the relationship between Internet gambling and related problems, as well as considering the role of the wider spectrum of gambling behaviour and relevant individual factors that moderate this relationship.
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Introduction While research in online sports betting is dominated by studies using objective player tracking data from providers to identify risky gambling behavior, basicresearch has identified various putative individual risk factors assumed to underlie the development of gambling disorder across all types of gambling. This study aims to examine individual risk factors and their longitudinal clinical relevance in online sports bettors. Methods German online sports bettors (N = 607, Mage = 34, 92% male) from a provider based sample took part in an online survey. The study team randomly preselected customers to be invited. N = 325 (53,45%) of the participants also took part in an online follow-up survey one year later. Crosssectional and longitudinal associations of putative risk factors and DSM-5 gambling disorder in online sports bettors were analyzed. These risk factors include alcohol and tobacco use, impulsivity, difficulties in emotion identification, emotion regulation strategies, comorbid mental disorders and stress. Results We found more pronounced impulsivity, difficulties in emotion identification, emotion suppression, comorbid mental disorders and stress were cross-sectionally associated with gambling disorder, and longitudinally predicted gambling disorder in online sports bettors (with the exception of emotion suppression). In an overall model only lack of premeditation and perceived helplessness remained significant as predictors for gambling disorder. Online sports bettors with gambling disorder predominantly showed more pronounced risk factors, which were also confirmed longitudinally as relevant for the maintenance of gambling disorder. Discussion Risk factors such as impulsivity and stress and appropriate coping mechanisms should consequently be integrated not only into prevention efforts to identify individuals at risk early, but also into intervention efforts to tailor treatment.
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Gambling has become an endemic phenomenon particularly among adolescents and young adults in many societies in recent times. Gambling has unprecedentedly become youth’s subculture in contemporary Nigerian society. This is clearly evident from their increasing participation in gambling activities especially sports betting. It has eaten deep into the fabrics of many societies in Nigeria. Youth who are supposed to be the future leaders of tomorrow are now wallowing in gambling activities and this has socioeconomic implications. Therefore this study investigated the socio-economic implications of gambling behaviour among youth in Nigeria. The study adopted survey research design using qualitative data for analysis. The study also made use of In-depth interview (IDI) and Key informants Interview (KII) for data collection. Purposive sampling technique was also adopted to select the study population. The study found out that poverty, unemployment and bad economic climate are the major reasons behind youth engagement in gambling particularly sport betting. It also revealed that sport betting has various implications such as truancy, aggressive and risk taking behaviour, poor psychological adjustment, borrowing, stealing and other serious criminal behaviours among younger population of ages 14-25 years. The study recommends that government should provide employment opportunities for the youth; government should also put effective measures in place that will regulate the betting activities of the youth and also make effective policies and programmes that will alleviate poverty in the society.
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ODREDNICE OVISNOSTI O INTERNETU ZAGREBAČKIH SREDNJOŠKOLACA [DETERMINANTS OF INTERNET ADDICTION AMONG HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE CITY OF ZAGREB] Introduction In the last twenty years, technology has become an indispensable part of people’s lives around the world, and at the same time the availability and accessibility of the Internet has been increasing. Children are surrounded by modern technologies from birth, and almost all young people are highly dependent on the Internet during their education. As a result, it is not surprising that there are currently nearly five billion active Internet users in the world and a portion of the population has been developing problems related to excessive Internet use or Internet addiction. Young people, i.e., high school and college students, are continuously cited as a particularly vulnerable group for the development of Internet addiction because they belong to a generation that has grown up with an extraordinary accessibility to modern technologies and for whom the Internet is inseparable from almost all aspects of life. Although prevalence data vary and there is no consensus, findings suggest a slightly higher prevalence of Internet addiction among high school students in Asian countries, where it ranges from 14% to 20%, while in European countries it ranges from 1% to 5%. As for individual risk factors for developing Internet addiction, the most significant are younger age of first Internet use, shyness, loneliness, certain personality traits, low self-esteem and self-efficacy, and low self-control. Special emphasis is also placed on the presence of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as impulsivity, hyperactivity, and problems with maintaining attention. In addition to individual factors, environmental factors, especially family and peer factors, are also important. Family factors include frequent conflicts between parents and between parents and adolescents, inadequate parental control of Internet use, substance abuse and positive attitude of close family members towards it, parents’ mental health issues, and lower level of family functioning. The most important risk factors related to peer relationships are social loneliness, peer pressure, and peer rejection. The main goals of this study are to gain insight into the characteristics and habits of social networking and video game use among adolescents, to examine the prevalence of Internet addiction, and to identify possible differences in the characteristics of use and Internet addiction in relation to key personal and sociodemographic characteristics. In addition, the contribution of selected personal characteristics to Internet addiction among adolescents who prefer social networking sites and adolescents who prefer online video games will be examined. Methodology This research was conducted on a probabilistic sample of a total of 825 students from the first to the final grade of different high schools (three- and four-year vocational schools and grammar schools) from the City of Zagreb. This type of sampling allows us to generalize the results of the sample to the population of high school students in the City of Zagreb. The sample consists of a total of 49.0% boys, 50.7% girls and 0.3% students who did not provide information about their gender, and the participants’ ages ranged from 14 to 20 years (Mage=16.65 years; SDage=1.208). In order to provide a comprehensive response to the research goals and problems, an extensive battery of measurement instruments was used: (1) Questionnaire on participants' baseline characteristics; (2) Questionnaire on frequency of use of social networks and online video games; (3) Internet Addiction Test (Young, 1998); (4) International Personality Item Pool-20 (Donnellan et al., 2006); (5) Self-Description Questionnaire II (Marsh, 1992); (6) General Self-Efficacy Scale (Schwarzer and Jerusalem, 1995); (7) Hyperactivity - impulsivity - attention Scale (Vulić-Prtorić, 2006); (8) Questionnaire of emotional skills and competence (Takšić, 1998); (9) Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995); (10) Internet Motive Questionnaire for Adolescents (Bischof-Kastner, Kuntsche, and Wolstein, 2014); (11) Social Comparison Scale (Gibbons and Buunk, 1999); (12) Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale (diTommaso and Spinner, 1993). Prior to the start of this study, the approval of the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences of the University of Zagreb was obtained, as well as the approval of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Croatia with a positive opinion of the Education and Teacher Training Agency. Consent was obtained from the principals of the selected schools, and from the parents of the minors. After obtaining the above consents, the research in the schools began. It was conducted during the second semester of the 2020/2021 school year, using the "pencil and paper" method of self-reporting. The students gave their verbal consent to participate in the research after having been informed about the basic aim of the research, anonymity, and voluntary nature of participation, as well as the possibility to stop filling in the questionnaire at any time. Results The results show that the participants of this research use social networks the most, namely Instagram and YouTube. They are followed by Snapchat, which is used slightly less frequently than Instagram and YouTube, and in third place is TikTok. All four types of online video games, Facebook and Pinterest share the "fourth" place, meaning they are used less frequently compared to Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok. Twitter is used the least. Almost all social networks (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Pinterest), are used more often by girls, while only YouTube is used more by men, which points to significant gender differences in social media usage. Gender differences were not found in the use of Facebook and Twitter, which are those social networks that are used the least (almost not at all) by both girls and boys compared to other networks. As for the differences in the frequency of use of online video games, they are significant in favour of young men, i.e., they play them to a greater extent than girls. Most participants (79%) use the Internet in a way that helps them fulfil their obligations and occasionally provides entertainment without interfering with their daily routine. About 20.1% of adolescents have a moderate level of addiction, while 0.8% of them meet the criteria for a high level of addiction. In other words, one fifth of Zagreb high school students have certain problems related to Internet use, and their daily psychosocial functioning is impaired in almost all areas, such as in interpersonal relationships, academic success, reducing Internet usage, and the like. The results indicate differences in students’ gender and age and the type of secondary schools. It has been found that the prevalence of addiction is higher in girls than in boys. Furthermore, first grade students report the presence of certain symptoms of Internet addiction to a greater extent than older students. As far as the type of secondary schools is concerned, the results have shown that grammar school students express problems related to Internet addiction most often. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed and significant predictors of Internet addiction among adolescents who predominantly used social networks were found, such as the female gender; lower levels of conscientiousness and self-efficacy; more problems with attention; emotional loneliness; a greater tendency to compare oneself with others; motivation to use the Internet with the aim of social conformity (conformism), mood elevation, and as a coping strategy for stressful life situations; and more intensive use of social networks. Significant predictors of Internet addiction among adolescents who predominantly played online video games were higher levels of attention problems, motivation to use the Internet as a coping strategy for stressful life situations, and more intensive use of online video games. Conclusion In conclusion, this study has certainly contributed to the expansion of the body of knowledge in scientific and professional contexts. The characteristics and habits of Internet use among Zagreb high school students were investigated, especially in relation to the frequency and intensity of use of certain online activities. The prevalence of Internet addiction among Zagreb high school students was determined, which allowed comparison of the results with foreign and domestic studies. The correlates of Internet addiction among adolescents depending on the dominant online activity were investigated and the role of certain factors in explaining Internet addiction, which are included but not clearly enough described in the model I- PACE, was described in more detail. The research findings point to the need for changes in the way Internet addiction is measured, with a particular focus on measuring addiction to specific online activities. The findings provide a starting point for the development and implementation of effective prevention and treatment interventions for adolescents.
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The Internet represents a new and widely available forum for gambling. However, relatively few studies have examined Internet gambling in adolescents. This study sought to investigate the correlates of at-risk or problem gambling in adolescents acknowledging or denying gambling on the Internet. Survey data from 2,006 Connecticut high school student gamblers were analyzed using χ(2) and logistic regression analyses. At-risk/problem gambling was found more frequently in adolescent Internet gamblers than in non-Internet gamblers. Compared with at-risk/problem gambling in the non-Internet gambling group, at-risk/problem gambling in the Internet gambling group was more strongly associated with poor academic performance and substance use (particularly current heavy alcohol use; odds ratio 2.99; p = .03) and less strongly associated with gambling with friends (odds ratio 0.32; p = .0003). At-risk/problem gambling in the Internet and non-Internet gambling groups, respectively, was associated at p < .05, each with multiple adverse measurements including dysphoria/depression (odds ratios 1.76 and 1.96), getting into serious fights (odds ratios 2.50 and 1.93), carrying weapons (odds ratios 2.11 and 1.90), and use of tobacco (odds ratios 2.05 and 1.88 for regular use), marijuana (odds ratios 2.02 and 1.39), and other drugs (odds ratios 3.24 and 1.67). Clinically, it is important to assess for teenagers' involvement in Internet gambling, particularly because adolescent at-risk/problem Internet gambling appears specifically associated with non-peer involvement, heavy alcohol use, and poor academic functioning.
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This paper reviews evidence pertaining to the prevalence of common comorbid disorders, including alcohol use disorder, depression, substance use disorders, nicotine dependence, anxiety disorders and antisocial personality disorder, in population-representative samples of problem and pathological gamblers. A systematic search was conducted for peer-reviewed and unpublished articles reported between 1 January 1998 and 20 September 2010. Only studies which examined the prevalence of comorbid conditions in problem and/or pathological gamblers from a general population sample using randomized sampling methods and standardized measurement tools were included. Meta-analysis techniques were then performed to synthesize the included studies and estimate the weighted mean effect size and heterogeneity across studies. Eleven eligible studies were identified from the literature. Results from across the studies indicated that problem and pathological gamblers had high rates of other comorbid disorders. The highest mean prevalence was for nicotine dependence (60.1%), followed by a substance use disorder (57.5%), any type of mood disorder (37.9%) and any type of anxiety disorder (37.4%). However, there was evidence of moderate heterogeneity across studies, suggesting that rate estimates do not necessarily converge around a single population figure, and that weighted means should be interpreted with caution. Problem and pathological gamblers experience high levels of other comorbid mental health disorders and screening for comorbid disorders upon entering treatment for gambling problems is recommended. Further research is required to explore the underlying causes of variability observed in the prevalence estimates.
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Despite the widespread rise of online poker playing, there is a paucity of research examining potential predictors for excessive poker playing. The aim of this study was to build on recent research examining motives for Texas Hold'em play in students by determining whether predictors of other kinds of excessive gambling apply to Texas Hold'em. Impulsivity, negative mood states, dissociation, and boredom proneness have been linked to general problem gambling and may play a role in online poker. Participants of this study were self-selected online poker players (N = 179) who completed an online survey. Results revealed that participants played an average of 20 hours of online poker a week and approximately 9% of the sample was classified as a problem gambler according to the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. Problem gambling, in this sample, was uniquely predicted by time played, dissociation, boredom proneness, impulsivity, and negative affective states, namely depression, anxiety, and stress.
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Within the last decade, interest in online gambling has increased. This pilot study examined online gambling among students to identify the extent to which student Internet gamblers manifest a propensity for problem gambling and to understand if mood states at various times are predictors of problem gambling. A questionnaire was administered to 127 student Internet gamblers. In addition to questions asking for basic demographic data, the questionnaire included the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Results showed that approximately one in five online gamblers (19%) was defined as a probable pathological gambler using the SOGS. Among this sample, results also showed that problem gambling was best predicted by negative mood states after gambling online and negative mood states more generally.
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This study developed prevalence estimates of gambling-related disorders in the United States and Canada, identified differences in prevalence among population segments, and identified changes in prevalence over the past 20 years. A meta-analytic strategy was employed to synthesize estimates from 119 prevalence studies. This method produced more reliable prevalence rates than were available from any single study. Prevalence estimates among samples of adolescents were significantly higher than estimates among samples of adults for both clinical (level 3) and subclinical (level 2) measures of disordered gambling within both lifetime and past-year time frames (e.g., 3.9% vs 1.6% for lifetime estimates of level 3 gambling). Among adults, prevalence estimates of disordered gambling have increased significantly during the past 20 years. Membership in youth, treatment, or prison population segments is significantly associated with experiencing gambling-related disorders. Understanding subclinical gamblers provides a meaningful opportunity to lower the public health burden associated with gambling disorders. Further research is necessary to determine whether the prevalence of disordered gambling will continue to increase among the general adult population and how prevalence among adolescents will change as this cohort ages.
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The nine-item depression module from the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) is well validated and widely used as a brief diagnostic and severity measure, but its validity as an outcome measure for depression has not yet been established. Therefore, we investigated the sensitivity to change of the PHQ-9 in three groups of patients whose depression status either improved, remained unchanged, or deteriorated over time. From three cohorts of medical outpatients, with an equal distribution of major depressive disorder, other depressive disorders, or no depressive disorder, 167 patients (82.7%) were followed up after a mean of 12.3 +/- 3.0 months. The PHQ-9 and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID) were completed at both baseline and follow-up. Depression diagnoses from the SCID were used as the criterion standard to divide patients into subgroups with (a) improved depression status, (b) unchanged depression status, and (c) deteriorated depression status. Effect sizes (ES) of PHQ-9 change scores were ES = -1.33 for the improved depression status subgroup (n = 52), ES = -0.21 for the unchanged status subgroup (n = 91), and ES = 0.47 for the deteriorated status subgroup (n = 24). PHQ-9 change scores differed significantly between the three depression outcome groups. Limitations: The PHQ-9 and the SCID were completed in person at baseline, whereas they were completed in a telephone interview at follow-up. This study demonstrates the ability of the PHQ-9 to detect depression outcome and changes over time. Data from treatment trials will help further establish the sensitivity to change of the PHQ-9 in comparison to other depression severity measures.
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Gambling problems are rarely brought to the attention of family practice physicians, but pathological gambling can be associated with poor emotional and physical health. Recent availability and easy accessibility of Internet gambling may be associated with pathological gambling status, and Internet gambling may confer health risks. This study evaluated the prevalence of Internet gambling, its association with pathological gambling, and the relationship between Internet gambling and health status among patients attending medical and dental clinics. The South Oaks Gambling Screen and Short Form 12 were administered to 1414 adults in waiting areas of clinics. Only 6.9% of respondents reported ever gambling on the Internet, with 2.8% indicating frequent Internet wagering. Almost two-thirds (65.9%) of regular Internet gamblers were classified as probable pathological gamblers, compared with 29.8% of ever-Internet gamblers and 7.6% of non-Internet gamblers. Internet gambling was associated with poor mental and physical health, and this association remained significant even after controlling for age, gender, site and pathological gambling status. These data suggest that Internet gambling is linked to pathological gambling and is independently associated with poor health. Family practice physicians should consider referring patients who gamble on the Internet for further treatment.
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To date there has been very little empirical research into Internet gambling and none relating to the recent rise in popularity of online poker. Given that recent reports have claimed that students may be a vulnerable group, the aim of the current study was to establish basic information regarding Internet poker playing behavior among the student population, including various motivators for participation and predictors of problematic play. The study examined a self-selected sample of student online poker players using an online survey (n=422). Results showed that online poker playing was undertaken at least twice per week by a third of the participants. Almost one in five of the sample (18%) was defined as a problem gambler using the DSM-IV criteria. Findings demonstrated that problem gambling in this population was best predicted by negative mood states after playing, gender swapping whilst playing, and playing to escape from problems.
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This study evaluated prevalence of Internet gambling and its association with pathological gambling and mental health status in college students. The South Oaks Gambling Screen and General Health Questionnaire were administered to 1356 undergraduates, and 23% reported ever gambling on the Internet, with 6.3% reporting Internet gambling weekly. Almost two-thirds (61.6%) of regular Internet gamblers were pathological gamblers, compared with 23.9% of infrequent Internet gamblers and 5.0% of non-Internet gamblers. Internet gambling frequency was significantly associated with poor mental health, after controlling for demographics and pathological gambling. These data call for prevention and treatment efforts of Internet gambling in students.
A critical review of the impact of in-ternet gambling (Report to the Australiasian Gaming Council)
  • S Monaghan
Monaghan S. (2009) A critical review of the impact of in-ternet gambling (Report to the Australiasian Gaming Council). www.austgamingcouncil.org.au/images/pdf/ discussion_papers/ (accessed September 2012).