Journal of Gambling Studies最新文献

Emerging research has highlighted potential associations between micro-transaction use and problematic videogame and gambling behaviour. An increasingly prominent theory highlights that self-determined motivations and basic psychological needs may play crucial roles in the development of problematic videogame and gambling behaviour. However, literature discussing the role that micro-transaction use has in this relationship is scarce. The present study examined the role of micro-transactions in the relationship between self-determined motivations for gaming and gambling and problematic behaviour (internet gaming disorder and problem gambling severity). A sample of 370 participants (74.1% male, M_age = 28.24 years, SD = 7.88) answered questions related to their gaming and gambling motivations, basic psychological needs, micro-transaction use (i.e., type of micro-transaction, expenditure, and frequency of use), internet gaming disorder, and problem gambling. The present study used structural equation modelling methods to test relationships between these variables. The results indicated positive associations between extrinsic gaming and gambling motivations and frequency of micro-transaction use. Frequency of micro-transaction use (i) partially mediated the relationship between extrinsic gambling motivations and problem gambling severity, and (ii) fully mediated the relationship between externally regulated gaming motivations and problem gambling severity. Expenditure on micro-transactions and basic psychological needs were not found to be significant variables in the present study. Potential explanations for the findings, including a lack of self-esteem and a need to boost ego, social pressure, and rapid reward processes, are discussed. The implications and applications of the research are also discussed, focusing on limit setting and policy development focusing on frequency of micro-transaction use.

This study aimed to investigate suicide and general mortality in individuals with gambling disorder and to evaluate the effect of gambling disorder on mortality and death from suicide. This is a Swedish nationwide case-control, register based study with a ratio of 1:2. Controls were matched on gender, age and municipality. Cases were defined as all adults with a diagnosis of gambling disorder in Swedish in-patient and/or specialized out-patient health care 2005-2019. The total population included 10,782 individuals. Multifactor Cox regression stratified for sex was used to analyze risk factors for suicide mortality and general mortality. Suicide mortality was higher amongst cases, with 41 (1.2%) individuals passing away due to suicide vs. 22 (0.3%) of the controls (p < 0.001). In the regression model, gambling disorder was not significantly associated with suicide mortality, which was associated with substance use disorder and low education in men and for women the model could not draw conclusions on predicting factors. Mortality was also elevated in cases; 94 of the deceased were controls (1.3%) and 132 were cases (3.8%, p < 0.001). In the regression model gambling disorder was not significantly associated with mortality, this was predicted by socioeconomic status, increasing age, low education level, somatic comorbidity, substance use disorder and previous intentional self-harm in men and for women by increasing age and somatic comorbidity. In conclusion, gambling disorder is associated with increased mortality and suicide death. Comorbid disorders and socioeconomic status appear to be important reasons for the increased mortality.

Gambling-related harm can extend to family members and friends but few population-representative studies have investigated affected other (AO) prevalence estimates and profiles in the general population. Using data from the 5000 adult respondents in the Fourth Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania, this study aimed to: (1) identify prevalence estimates of AO status and professional help-seeking; (2) establish the socio-demographic and gambling profiles of AOs; (3) extend the growing literature examining negative mental health characteristics experienced by AOs, after accounting for socio-demographic characteristics and other potential sources of harm; and (4) explore the degree to which gender moderates these relationships. Results found that 1 in 20 adults (5.11%, 95% CI: 4.33, 6.01) reported past-year AO status but only 1 in 7 AOs (14.15%, 95% CI: 9.01, 21.52) had ever sought help in relation to another person's gambling (i.e., < 1% of all adults). AOs were significantly more likely than non-AOs to be younger, Australian-born, employed, and living in households with children. They were significantly more likely than non-AOs to report depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, binge drinking, tobacco use, and drug use, even after controlling for socio-demographics and other potential sources of harm. Finally, they were more likely to report their own gambling participation, problems, and harm but only 2.20% (95% CI: 0.69, 6.78) had ever sought help for their own gambling. These findings suggest that a considerable proportion of AOs in the general population may benefit from support to improve their own mental health and address their own gambling harm.

Gambling disorder (GD) has a significant impact on individuals, the healthcare system, and the society. The vast majority of individuals with GD do not use healthcare services for their GD. Since primary care is the first point of contact, exploring barriers to GD treatment is of utmost importance. For this systematic review, we searched five major databases up to October 2024 and included empirical studies describing the practices of general practitioners (GPs) and emergency department physicians regarding GD, as well as their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about GD management. We retained six quantitative and six qualitative articles that reported GP data on GD management; however, no studies conducted in emergency departments met our inclusion criteria. The narrative synthesis revealed that none of the GPs routinely screened for GD, only 7-14% treated GD themselves, and approximately half referred these individuals to mental health specialists. While more than half of GPs were knowledgeable about GD-related harms, only 17-38% were confident in their knowledge of GD or care pathways. Although over 65% acknowledged their potential role in managing GD, multiple barriers to care were identified. These included negative attitudes, such as attributing gambling-related harms to individual character weakness, insufficient training on GD screening tools and treatment modalities, and the low prioritization of GD treatment within the healthcare system. Given the higher risk of GD among individuals with mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety) and substance use disorders, prioritizing GD screening and treatment for these high-risk groups in primary care is essential.

To minimize the harms associated with gambling, an array of responsible gambling (RG) messages has been developed to raise awareness of the risks of problem gambling and encourage safer gambling behaviors. However, evidence is limited as to the utility of RG messages to promote positive gambling-related beliefs and behaviors. In the current paper, we report the results of a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) of empirical research on RG messages. We identified 3200 unique articles published between 1890 and September 2024 using search terms related to RG messaging. Eighteen articles (containing 20 unique studies) met our inclusion criteria. Two general themes emerged: 1) RG message preferences among players and 2) RG message effectiveness. Specifically, players prefer self-appraisal messages, which were more effective in promoting RG behaviors compared to informative messages. Messages content also needs to be segmented (i.e., low-risk players prefer different types of messages than high risk players, such as highlighting player quizzes for low-risk players and helplines for high-risk players). Lastly, RG messages should be presented dynamically (e.g., pop-ups on an Electronic Gaming Machine: EGM). Results suggest a need for the gambling industry to adopt targeted, evidence-based RG messaging, as well as a need to engage in integrated knowledge mobilization, to more effectively promote RG. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring RG messages to player risk levels and preferences while leveraging dynamic delivery methods to maximize their effectiveness in promoting safer gambling behaviors and reducing harm.

Rates of gambling disorder (GD) have been found to be higher among people receiving disability benefit, but few studies have investigated whether receiving disability benefit prospectively actually increases the risk of GD. The present study investigated whether those with a disability benefit had an increased risk of developing GD using a case-control design. The study sample was retrieved from the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR, N = 5,131) and consisted of all adults in Norway (18 years and older) who had received a GD diagnosis (F63.0 according to ICD-10) between 2008 and 2018. The study group was age and sex matched with a random sample from the (1) general population (FD-trygd, n = 30,164), and (2) and individuals with other somatic or psychiatric illnesses (NPR, n = 30,476). The results of logistic regression analysis showed that people receiving disability benefit had higher odds of later being diagnosed with GD compared to the general population (odds ratio [OR] = 2.27, 95% CI [2.02, 2.54]), and compared to individuals in the NPR (OR = 2.13, 95% CI [1.90, 2.38]). Recipients of disability benefit constitute a group who is vulnerable in terms of developing GD. Although the present study found evidence for a prospective association, causality could not be established. The study identified a cohort that may benefit from targeted prevention and intervention strategies regarding gambling behavior.

This study examines the relationship between daily encounters with gambling facilities and gambling participation in a Czech region that transformed from having one of the world's highest gambling facility densities to implementing strict regulations. Using a sample of 2,447 respondents from 277 municipalities, the research analyses how daily encounters with gambling facilities, rather than mere facility presence, influence gambling behaviour. The study incorporates individuals' accessibility based on daily encounters within their living space, moving beyond conventional metrics of availability. Results show that the extent of encounters during daily routines is a stronger predictor of gambling participation than facility presence alone, with the most pronounced effects observed in casinos and gaming halls. Municipalities with comprehensive gambling offerings showed the highest proportion of at-risk and problem gamblers. These findings emphasise the importance of considering population mobility in gambling accessibility analyses and suggest implications for local regulatory policies.

This paper examines how proximity to sports betting shops affects local crime patterns in Ghana, providing evidence from a developing country context where limited financial buffers may amplify gambling's environmental effects. Using geo-referenced data on licensed betting operators and Afrobarometer survey responses, the study finds that doubling the distance from betting shops reduces crime probability by 3 percentage points. This effect is particularly pronounced for property crimes, with a 5.5 percentage point reduction in burglary risk, while showing no significant impact on violent crimes. Employing distance to regional capitals as an instrumental variable addresses potential endogeneity in betting shop locations, revealing even larger effects in IV specifications. Community cohesion plays a complex moderating role-while areas with stronger social ties generally report more crime, potentially due to better monitoring, the crime-reducing effect of distance from betting shops is amplified in these high-cohesion communities. The results highlight how institutional context shapes the relationship between gambling access and criminal behavior, supporting theories of routine activities and social disorganization rather than strain theory. These findings have important implications for regulatory policy in developing economies, particularly regarding spatial planning and community-based approaches to crime prevention near gambling establishments.

In comparison to other motives for gambling, social motives (e.g., gambling for social interaction) are often suggested to be the least problematic and, in some cases, even a protective factor for problem gambling. This view is consistent with historical distinctions between 'social' versus 'problem' gambling. As a result, little research has attempted to identify the circumstances in which social motives are more likely to be associated with risk of problems. Consistent with self-determination theory, the present study examined whether the relationship between social motives and problem gambling varies based on social deficits, such as loneliness and a lack of social connectedness, in a weighted, census matched sample of adults in the U.S. (N = 2,835). Findings demonstrate support for the moderating influence of social deficits (i.e., loneliness and relatedness frustration) on the relationship between social gambling motives and problem gambling and provide unique insights into the circumstances in which social motives are more likely associated with gambling problems.