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Wood RTA, Wohl MJA, Tabri N, Philander K. Responsible Gambling as an Evolving Concept and the Benefits of a Positive Play Approach: A Reply to Shaffer et al. J Gambl Stud 2023:10.1007/s10899-023-10245-8. [PMID: 37537311 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10245-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael J A Wohl
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nassim Tabri
- Department of Psychology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kahlil Philander
- Carson College of Business, School of Hospitality Business Management, Washington State University, Everett, WA, USA
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
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2
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Kraus L, Bickl A, Sedlacek L, Schwarzkopf L, Örnberg JC, Loy JK. 'We are not the ones to blame'. Gamblers' and providers' appraisal of self-exclusion in Germany. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:322. [PMID: 36788494 PMCID: PMC9926676 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15117-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given low utilization by individuals experiencing gambling problems the potential of self-exclusion (SE) might be not fully exploited in Germany. This paper aims to gain insight into different actors' perceptions and reflections on the problems and difficulties in the process of self-exclusion to delineate which specific attitudes hamper a successful implementation of SE. METHODS 13 individual and four group interviews with individuals experiencing gambling problems and governmental or commercial gambling providers were examined. A Grounded Theory Approach was used to portray the opinions of these different actors on existing regulations of SE and to delineate potentially diverging interests between the distinct groups. RESULTS The interviewees agreed on the usefulness of SE and consented that it is important to early recognize individuals experiencing gambling problems. They also considered the present practice insufficient but for different reasons. Individuals experiencing gambling problems and providers particularly disagreed on addressing individuals experiencing gambling problems. While individuals experiencing gambling problems stated that they had hardly ever been approached, providers argued that help offers were mostly rejected. Especially commercial providers also regarded insufficient German language skills and rapid fluctuation of guests as strong barriers to approaching individuals experiencing gambling problems. Interviewees from governmental venues furthermore suspected that commercial providers took addressing individuals experiencing gambling problems less seriously. CONCLUSION Our results emphasize the dilemma of conflicting interests in both individuals experiencing gambling problems and providers. Rather than acting against the economic interests of employers, venue staff blame individuals experiencing gambling problems for lack of problem recognition. Conversely, individuals experiencing gambling problems blame the providers for not offering help. To address individuals experiencing gambling problems appropriate staff training is required, and SE regulations need to be controlled by an independent body rather than by the providers themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludwig Kraus
- IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Research, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Public Health Sciences, Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Institute of Psychology, ELTE, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Andreas Bickl
- grid.417840.e0000 0001 1017 4547IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Research, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Lucia Sedlacek
- grid.417840.e0000 0001 1017 4547IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Research, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Larissa Schwarzkopf
- grid.417840.e0000 0001 1017 4547IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Research, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Jenny Cisneros Örnberg
- grid.10548.380000 0004 1936 9377Department of Public Health Sciences, Centre for Social Research on Alcohol and Drugs, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna K. Loy
- grid.417840.e0000 0001 1017 4547IFT Institut für Therapieforschung, Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Research, Leopoldstraße 175, 80804 Munich, Germany
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3
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Li E, Thorne H, Browne M, Rockloff M. Minding the consumer mindsets in addressing gambling consumption harms. Front Psychol 2022; 13:905785. [PMID: 36072030 PMCID: PMC9441754 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.905785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- En Li
- School of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: En Li
| | - Hannah Thorne
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Matthew Browne
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
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Using “Markers of Harm” to Track Risky Gambling in Two Cohorts of Online Sports Bettors. J Gambl Stud 2022; 38:1337-1369. [DOI: 10.1007/s10899-021-10097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Applying the DSM-5 Criteria for Gambling Disorder to Online Gambling Account-Based Tracking Data: An Empirical Study Utilizing Cluster Analysis. J Gambl Stud 2021; 38:1289-1306. [PMID: 34635986 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-021-10080-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of online gambling has raised concerns about potential gambling-related harm, and various measures have been implemented in order to minimise harm such as identifying and/or predicting potential markers of harm. The present study explored how the nine DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder can be operationalised in terms of actual online gambling behaviour using account-based gambling tracking data. The authors were given access to an anonymised sample of 982 gamblers registered with an online gambling operator. The data collected for these gamblers consisted of their first three months' gambling activity. The data points included customer service contacts, number of hours spent gambling, number of active days, deposit amounts and frequency, the number of times a responsible gambling tool (such as deposit limit) were removed by the gamblers themselves, number of cancelled withdrawals, number of third-party requests, number of registered credit cards, and frequency of requesting bonuses through customer service (i.e., the number of instances of 'bonus begging'). Using these metrics, most of the DSM-5 criteria for gambling disorder can be operationalized (at least to some extent) using actual transaction data. These metrics were then applied to a sample of online gamblers, and through cluster analysis four types of online gambler based on these metrics (non-problem gamblers, at-risk gamblers, financially vulnerable gamblers, and emotionally vulnerable gamblers) were identified. The present study is the first to examine the application of the DSM-5 criteria of gambling disorder to actual gambling behaviour using online gambling transaction data and suggests ways that gambling operators could identify problem gamblers online without the need for self-report diagnostic screening instruments.
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Understanding Online Voluntary Self-Exclusion in Gambling: An Empirical Study Using Account-Based Behavioral Tracking Data. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18042000. [PMID: 33669540 PMCID: PMC7922787 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Online gambling has continued to grow alongside new ways to analyze data using behavioral tracking as a way to enhance consumer protection. A number of studies have analyzed consumers that have used voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) as a proxy measure for problem gambling. However, some scholars have argued that this is a poor proxy for problem gambling. Therefore, the present study examined this issue by analyzing customers (from the gambling operator Unibet) that have engaged in VSE. The participants comprised of costumers that chose to use the six-month VSE option (n = 7732), and customers that chose to close their Unibet account due to a specific self-reported gambling addiction (n = 141). Almost one-fifth of the customers that used six-month VSE only had gambling activity for less than 24 h (19.15%). Moreover, half of the customers had less than seven days of account registration prior to six-month VSE (50.39%). Customers who use VSE are too different to be treated as a homogenous group and therefore VSE is not a reliable proxy measure for problem gambling. The findings of this research are beneficial for operators, researchers, and policymakers because it provides insight into gambling behavior by analyzing real player behavior using tracking technologies, which is objective and unbiased.
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Macey J, Kinnunen J. The convergence of play: interrelations of social casino gaming, gambling, and digital gaming in Finland. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2020.1770834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Macey
- Gamification Group, Gamification Group, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jani Kinnunen
- Game Research Lab, Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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Ivanova E, Magnusson K, Carlbring P. Deposit Limit Prompt in Online Gambling for Reducing Gambling Intensity: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychol 2019; 10:639. [PMID: 31001160 PMCID: PMC6455077 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Ivanova
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Magnusson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Carlbring
- Division of Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Salonen AH, Kontto J, Perhoniemi R, Alho H, Castrén S. Gambling expenditure by game type among weekly gamblers in Finland. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:697. [PMID: 29871617 PMCID: PMC5989364 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5613-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive expenditure and financial harms are core features of problem gambling. There are various forms of gambling and their nature varies. The aim was to measure gambling expenditure by game type while controlling for demographics and other gambling participation factors. A further aim was to find out how each game type was associated with gambling expenditure when the number of game types played is adjusted for. METHODS Using data from the 2015 Finnish Gambling survey on adult gamblers (n = 3555), multiple log-linear regression was used to examine the effects of demographics, gambling participation, and engaging in different game types on weekly gambling expenditure (WGE) and relative gambling expenditure (RGE). RESULTS Male gender, lower education level, higher gambling frequency and higher number of game types increased both WGE and RGE, while younger age decreased WGE but increased RGE. Furthermore, seven specific game types increased both WGE and RGE. Weekly horse race betting and non-monopoly gambling had the strongest increasing effect on expenditure. Betting games and online poker were associated with higher expenditure even when they were played less often than weekly. Among weekly gamblers the highest mean WGE was recorded for those who played non-monopoly games (146.84 €/week), online poker (59.61 €/week), scratch games (51.77 €/week) and horse race betting (48.67 €/week). Those who played only 1-2 game types a week had the highest mean WGE and RGE on horse race betting and other betting games. CONCLUSIONS It seems that overall gambling frequency is the strongest indicator of high gambling expenditure. Our results showed that different game types had different effect sizes on gambling expenditure. Weekly gambling on horse races and non-monopoly games had the greatest increasing effect on expenditure. However, different game types also varied based on their popularity. The extent of potential harms caused by high expenditure therefore also varies on the population level. Based on our results, future prevention and harm minimization efforts should be tailored to different game types for greater effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne H. Salonen
- Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Kontto
- Public Health Evaluation and Projection Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riku Perhoniemi
- Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Alho
- Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
- Abdominal Center, University and University Hospital of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sari Castrén
- Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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Khazaal Y, Chatton A, Achab S, Monney G, Thorens G, Dufour M, Zullino D, Rothen S. Internet Gamblers Differ on Social Variables: A Latent Class Analysis. J Gambl Stud 2018; 33:881-897. [PMID: 28028687 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-016-9664-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Online gambling has gained popularity in the last decade, leading to an important shift in how consumers engage in gambling and in the factors related to problem gambling and prevention. Indebtedness and loneliness have previously been associated with problem gambling. The current study aimed to characterize online gamblers in relation to indebtedness, loneliness, and several in-game social behaviors. The data set was obtained from 584 Internet gamblers recruited online through gambling websites and forums. Of these gamblers, 372 participants completed all study assessments and were included in the analyses. Questionnaires included those on sociodemographics and social variables (indebtedness, loneliness, in-game social behaviors), as well as the Gambling Motives Questionnaire, Gambling Related Cognitions Scale, Internet Addiction Test, Problem Gambling Severity Index, Short Depression-Happiness Scale, and UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale. Social variables were explored with a latent class model. The clusters obtained were compared for psychological measures and three clusters were found: lonely indebted gamblers (cluster 1: 6.5%), not lonely not indebted gamblers (cluster 2: 75.4%), and not lonely indebted gamblers (cluster 3: 18%). Participants in clusters 1 and 3 (particularly in cluster 1) were at higher risk of problem gambling than were those in cluster 2. The three groups differed on most assessed variables, including the Problem Gambling Severity Index, the Short Depression-Happiness Scale, and the UPPS-P subscales (except the sensation seeking subscore). Results highlight significant between-group differences, suggesting that Internet gamblers are not a homogeneous group. Specific intervention strategies could be implemented for groups at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser Khazaal
- Geneva University Hospitals, Grand Pré 70C, Geneva, 1206, Switzerland.
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland.
- Research Center, Montreal University Institute of Mental Health, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Anne Chatton
- Geneva University Hospitals, Grand Pré 70C, Geneva, 1206, Switzerland
| | - Sophia Achab
- Geneva University Hospitals, Grand Pré 70C, Geneva, 1206, Switzerland
| | - Gregoire Monney
- Geneva University Hospitals, Grand Pré 70C, Geneva, 1206, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Thorens
- Geneva University Hospitals, Grand Pré 70C, Geneva, 1206, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniele Zullino
- Geneva University Hospitals, Grand Pré 70C, Geneva, 1206, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephane Rothen
- Geneva University Hospitals, Grand Pré 70C, Geneva, 1206, Switzerland
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Castrén S, Perhoniemi R, Kontto J, Alho H, Salonen AH. Association between gambling harms and game types: Finnish population study. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2017.1388830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sari Castrén
- Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Riku Perhoniemi
- Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Kontto
- Health Monitoring Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Alho
- Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Abdominal Center, University and University Hospital of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne H. Salonen
- Alcohol, Drugs and Addictions Unit, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Forsström D, Hesser H, Carlbring P. Usage of a Responsible Gambling Tool: A Descriptive Analysis and Latent Class Analysis of User Behavior. J Gambl Stud 2017; 32:889-904. [PMID: 26753878 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-015-9590-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Gambling is a common pastime around the world. Most gamblers can engage in gambling activities without negative consequences, but some run the risk of developing an excessive gambling pattern. Excessive gambling has severe negative economic and psychological consequences, which makes the development of responsible gambling strategies vital to protecting individuals from these risks. One such strategy is responsible gambling (RG) tools. These tools track an individual's gambling history and supplies personalized feedback and might be one way to decrease excessive gambling behavior. However, research is lacking in this area and little is known about the usage of these tools. The aim of this article is to describe user behavior and to investigate if there are different subclasses of users by conducting a latent class analysis. The user behaviour of 9528 online gamblers who voluntarily used a RG tool was analysed. Number of visits to the site, self-tests made, and advice used were the observed variables included in the latent class analysis. Descriptive statistics show that overall the functions of the tool had a high initial usage and a low repeated usage. Latent class analysis yielded five distinct classes of users: self-testers, multi-function users, advice users, site visitors, and non-users. Multinomial regression revealed that classes were associated with different risk levels of excessive gambling. The self-testers and multi-function users used the tool to a higher extent and were found to have a greater risk of excessive gambling than the other classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Forsström
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Hugo Hesser
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
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Wood RTA, Wohl MJA, Tabri N, Philander K. Measuring Responsible Gambling amongst Players: Development of the Positive Play Scale. Front Psychol 2017; 8:227. [PMID: 28280472 PMCID: PMC5322204 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The modern gambling industry has, by-in-large, assumed a duty of care to minimize the risks associated with gambling, which has manifested in responsible gambling (RG) programming (e.g., educating players about the odds of success). The current study fills a void in gambling operators, regulators, and researchers ability to measure RG beliefs and behavior in their player-base, with the development and validation of the Positive Play Scale (PPS). In Study 1, we reviewed the literature and consulted 30 players as well as 10 RG experts to help generate a definition of RG beliefs and behavior that helped guide item generation. In Study 2, regular players (N = 1,551) of a Canadian provincial gambling operator completed a positive play survey. Four components from a principal components analysis (PCA) were extracted: Honesty and Control, Pre-commitment, Personal Responsibility, and Gambling Literacy. The PPS subscales were either not associated with gambling frequency or had small-to-moderate negative relationships with frequency of play for games most often associated with disordered gambling (e.g., electronic games). In Study 3 (N = 413), the factor structure of the PPS was confirmed and refined in a new sample of players. Moreover, a 1-month follow-up session demonstrated that the PPS has high test-retest reliability. The PPS is the first validated scale that reliably assesses the extent to which a consumer base has positive beliefs about gambling and gambles in a positive manner. The PPS can be used by the gambling industry to objectively assess the efficacy of their RG strategy, pinpoint specific areas for future focus, as well as examine the utility of new RG initiatives that aim to promote healthy patterns of gambling consumption. Furthermore, by examining the PPS scores for different player segments (e.g., sex, age, games played) it becomes possible to tailor RG strategy to the needs of specific players. In this way, RG strategy can be optimized by focusing resources where they will be most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nassim Tabri
- Gambling Lab, Psychology, Carleton UniversityOttawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kahlil Philander
- British Columbia Lottery Corporation, Responsible GamblingVancouver, BC, Canada
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Wood RTA, Griffiths MD. Understanding Positive Play: An Exploration of Playing Experiences and Responsible Gambling Practices. J Gambl Stud 2016; 31:1715-34. [PMID: 25209455 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-014-9489-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study is one of the first to explore in detail the behaviors, attitudes and motivations of players that show no signs of at-risk or problem gambling behavior (so-called 'positive players'). Via an online survey, 1484 positive players were compared with 209 problem players identified using the Lie/Bet screen. The study identified two distinct groups of positive players defined according to their motivations to play and their engagement with responsible gambling (RG) practices. Those positive players that played most frequently employed the most personal RG strategies. Reasons that positive players gave for gambling were focused on leisure (e.g., playing for fun, being entertained, and/or winning a prize). By contrast, problem gamblers were much more focused upon modifying mood states (e.g., excitement, relaxation, depression and playing when bored or upset). The present study also suggests that online gambling is not, by default, inherently riskier than gambling in more traditional ways, as online gambling was the most popular media by which positive players gambled. Furthermore, most positive players reported that it was easier to stick to their limits when playing the National Lottery online compared to traditional retail purchasing of tickets. Problem players were significantly more likely than positive players to gamble with family and friends, suggesting that, contrary to a popular RG message, social play may not be inherently safer than gambling alone. It is proposed that players (generally) may identify more with the term 'positive play' than the term 'RG' which is frequently interpreted as being aimed at people with gambling problems, rather than all players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard T A Wood
- GamRes Ltd, 198 Ch de la Prucheraie, Rigaud, QC, J0P 1P0, Canada.
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Nottingham Trent University, Burton Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU, UK.
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Abstract
One approach to minimizing the negative consequences of excessive gambling is staff training to reduce the rate of the development of new cases of harm or disorder within their customers. The primary goal of the present study was to assess suitable benchmark criteria for the training of gambling employees at casinos and lottery retailers. The study utilised the Delphi Method, a survey with one qualitative and two quantitative phases. A total of 21 invited international experts in the responsible gambling field participated in all three phases. A total of 75 performance indicators were outlined and assigned to six categories: (1) criteria of content, (2) modelling, (3) qualification of trainer, (4) framework conditions, (5) sustainability and (6) statistical indicators. Nine of the 75 indicators were rated as very important by 90 % or more of the experts. Unanimous support for importance was given to indicators such as (1) comprehensibility and (2) concrete action-guidance for handling with problem gamblers, Additionally, the study examined the implementation of benchmarking, when it should be conducted, and who should be responsible. Results indicated that benchmarking should be conducted every 1-2 years regularly and that one institution should be clearly defined and primarily responsible for benchmarking. The results of the present study provide the basis for developing a benchmarking for staff training in responsible gambling.
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Wood RT, Wohl MJ. Assessing the effectiveness of a responsible gambling behavioural feedback tool for reducing the gambling expenditure of at-risk players. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2015.1049191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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17
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Mackay TL, Petermann L, Hurrell C, Hodgins D. Knowledge translation in gambling research: a scoping review. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2014.1003575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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