Gambling Disorder and Minority Populations: Prevalence and Risk Factors

Gambling and Migration - The Role of Culture and Family

Problem gambling (PG) is a public health concern with severe repercussions for the individual, concerned significant others and the society. Foreign borns generally gamble less but are overrepresented among those with PG. Previous research has suggested that other factors, such as socio-economic status, might explain this, but also that cultural factors might play a role in the relationship to gambling and the development of PG. This qualitative study using content analysis investigates the experiences of and opinions about gambling and PG among 12 males living in Sweden with a migrant background in Afghanistan, the Middle East and North Africa. The results were show that the acculturation process could be a factor in developing PG, as well as a cultural values regarding money and wealth. PG was seen as more stigmatized in the origin country, and the family played a more important role in the rehabilitation of PG compared to the general population. The results of this study could be used to inform preventive and clinical programs to better reach people with a migrant background.

Individuals with a migratory background can offer valuable insight to improve the treatment and prevention of gambling harms

Migration is a risk factor for gambling-related harms. Little research has been conducted on gambling and gambling harms among migrant groups in Finland, but there are indications that gambling participation is high among migrants also in this context. Russian speakers constitute the largest migrant group in Finland. This study focuses on the experiences and views of Russian speakers in Finland on the Finnish gambling system and its relationship to gambling harms. The study is based on the results of qualitative data collected on gambling experiences among Russian-speaking residents of Finland. The data consist of an online survey directed at individuals who gamble (N = 26) and interviews conducted among family members of those gambling (N = 3). Russian speakers in Finland view gambling as highly normalised in the Finnish society. This normalisation reinforced by availability, accessibility, and state involvement. Russian speakers also have perspective on how to better prevent and treat gambling harms in Finland. Involving migrants with experience of different gambling systems can provide critical insight on established practices in gambling systems.

Behavioral Addiction from the Asian Americans Perspective: Exploration of Public and Help-Seeking Stigma

Asian Americans have been unlikely to seek mental health services despite their needs for treatment, particularly when experiencing significant gambling or Internet gaming problems. Stigma is often considered to be a barrier to seeking help. To understand how stigma impacts Asian Americans' willingness to seek mental health services, the present study used an online survey to investigate the public stigma associated with addictive behaviors and help-seeking stigma among Asian Americans. Participants (N = 431) who self-identified as Asian American, reside in the US. Using a between-groups vignette study design, it was found that the individual with a behavioral addiction received more stigma compared to the individual who experienced a financial crisis. In addition, participants were more likely to seek help if they experienced addictive behavioral problems rather than financial problems. Lastly, this study did not reveal a significant relation between public stigma attached to addictive behaviors and Asian Americans' willingness to seek help, but it found that participants' willingness to seek help was positively associated with public stigma of help seeking (β = 0.23) and negatively associated with self-stigma attached to help-seeking (β = - 0.09). Based on these findings, recommendations are provided to inform community outreach to reduce stigma and promote mental health service utilization among Asian Americans.

Ethnicity as a risk factor for gambling disorder: a large-scale study linking data from the Norwegian patient registry with the Norwegian social insurance database

BACKGROUND

The study investigated ethnicity as a risk factor for gambling disorder (GD), controlling for demographics, citizenship, and years of residency in Norway.

METHODS

The sample comprised 65,771 individuals from a national patient registry (n = 35,607, age range 18-88 years) and a national social insurance database in Norway (n = 30,164, age rage 18-98 years). The data covered the period from 2008 to 2018.

RESULTS

The results showed that when controlling for age and sex, ethnic minorities were overall less likely than those born in Norway to be diagnosed with GD (odds ratio [OR] ranging from 0.293 to 0.698). After controlling for citizenship and years of residency in Norway, the results were reversed and indicated that ethnic minorities were overall more likely to be diagnosed with GD (OR ranging from 1.179 to 3.208).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that citizenship and years of residency are important variables to account for when assessing the relationship between ethnicity and being diagnosed with GD. Our results may be explained by people from ethnic minority groups being more likely to experience gambling problems but less likely to seek contact with healthcare services for gambling problems.

Problem gambling severity in a nationally representative sample of the Israeli population: the moderating role of ethnonational affiliation

Introduction

Gambling is a public health concern. Problem gambling is related to a range of psycho-social risk factors including ethnonational affiliation. Israel is an insightful case to probe problem gambling, given the socio-economic marginalization of Israeli Arabs, the continued exposure of Israelis to stress and the conservative Israeli gambling market. This study aimed to estimate problem gambling severity in Israeli society, characterize the sociodemographic, environmental, mental health, and gambling-related risk factors associated with problem gambling severity, and examine the role of ethnonational affiliation (Israeli Jewish/Arab) as a moderating factor in the associations between these risk factors and problem gambling severity.

Methods

A cross-sectional study based on a representative sample of 3,244 Israelis was conducted in 2022, of whom 1,626 had gambled in the previous year. Measurements included Problem Gambling Severity Index, Gambling Behaviors, Perceived Neighborhood Cohesion, Stress, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, and sociodemographic variables.

Results

Low-risk, moderate-risk and problem gambling were reported by 16.7% of the total sample. The main risk factors for problem gambling were being an Israeli Arab, traditional, residing in a low socio-economic cluster, reporting anxiety symptoms, and higher gambling behaviors, specifically in legal/illegal online gambling. Ethnonational affiliation (Israeli Jewish/Arab) moderated the associations between gambling, illegal online gambling, and problem gambling severity. Higher neighborhood cohesion emerged as a risk factor for problem gambling solely for Israeli Arabs.

Discussion

As an excluded minority, Israeli Arabs may turn to gambling as a method to access the core republican community, thus, exposing themselves to a higher risk of developing problem gambling.

COVID-19 and resultant restrictions on gambling behaviour

Since the onset of COVID-19, studies suggest a significant increase in online gambling, potentially facilitated by increased time at home, social isolation and boredom. This study aimed to address what is known about the impact of the pandemic on gambling behaviour by conducting a mapping review. A systematic literature search was conducted using four online databases. Additional studies were identified using reference lists. Relevant studies were quality scored and their findings synthesised in terms of overall changes at the population level and potentially vulnerable groups. The weight of evidence from 35 relevant reports across 12 countries indicated reductions of gambling during the pandemic at the level of the general population. However, marked increases in gambling amongst vulnerable sub-populations including amongst young adults and people with pre-existing at-risk gambling were also noted. The impact of COVID-19 on gambling is highly contingent on context. If policy makers examine only population level data, this could overlook profound negative effects identified in those with at-risk gambling, gambling disorder, and amongst young adults.

Social Connectedness and Associations with Gambling Risk in New Zealand

Multiple factors are associated with disordered gambling, with some populations having a greater risk for developing disordered gambling than others. The present study, utilising data previously collected for a New Zealand (NZ) national gambling survey, explored the associations of social connectedness and leisure activities with risky gambling behaviour and quality of life. Poorer social connectedness and leisure activities were found to be associated with increased gambling risk and poorer quality of life, respectively. Social connectedness and leisure activities strongly predicted type of gambling activities and quality of life. Furthermore, Māori (NZ's indigenous population) had lower social connectedness and fewer leisure activities, and a greater gambling risk, as well as higher psychological distress, than the NZ European/Other population. These findings indicate that the risk of progressing from recreational gambling to risky gambling is relatively higher for Māori, and that social connectedness and leisure activities could be contributing factors for this increased risk. It is, therefore, important that social connectedness and leisure activities are seriously considered in public health and treatment efforts to reduce gambling harm for vulnerable populations.

Gambling disorder in minority ethnic groups

BACKGROUND

Although the data on racial/ethnic associations with gambling disorder are limited, studies suggest that ethnicity may have associations with both symptom severity and psychosocial impairment linked to gambling disorder. Based on the current literature, we hypothesized that there would be a difference in gambling symptom severity, and co-occurring disorders, as a function of racial-ethnic group.

METHODS

475 adults (mean age = 47.6 (±11.6) years; 54.3 % females) with gambling disorder who had participated in clinical trials on pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy were included. Participants were assessed for gambling severity, comorbidities, health issues, quality of life and psychosocial functioning. Participants who self-identified as Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) were compared to those who self-identified as white Caucasian (non-BAME). Significance was defined as p < 0.01.

RESULTS

The BAME group had significantly earlier age of first gambling. The two groups did not differ significantly in terms of age when gambling first became problematic, disability, current gambling disorder symptom severity, previous suicide attempt(s), quality of life, percent of salary in past year lost to gambling, or likelihood of having received treatment for gambling disorder in the past, nor in terms of having used Gamblers Anonymous.

CONCLUSIONS

These data show that having gambling disorder and being from a minority racial-ethnic group was associated with significantly earlier age at first gambling, in clinical trial settings. Future work should further examine differences in the clinical features of gambling disorder in different minority groups in larger sample sizes, ideally also longitudinally, across a range of settings. Identification of the reasons/mechanisms for differences in earlier age of first gambling may lead to new public health and treatment targets to minimize gambling harms.

Racial Associations Between Gambling and Suicidal Behaviors Among Black and White Adolescents and Young Adults

Purpose of Review

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Black youth ages 10-19 years. Between 1991 and 2017, rates of suicide among Black youth have been increasing faster than rates among any other race/ethnic group. There are many factors that may explain this increase, with gambling being suggested as one such potential risk factor. This review examines the association between gambling and suicide behaviors, and how these associations may vary between Black and White youth and young adults. The current review examines these associations using data from the Missouri Family Study (MOFAM).

Recent Findings

Recent findings have revealed distinct patterns of substance use initiation and gambling behaviors between Black youth and White youth. While strong links between gambling and suicide behaviors have also been reported, whether the associations were consistent across race/ethnicity groups was not investigated, nor in these cross-sectional analyses was it possible to determine whether the gambling behaviors preceded or followed suicidality. Thus, there is a need to investigate whether there are differences in the associations of gambling and suicide behaviors at the race/ethnicity level in tandem with data that examine the sequence of the behaviors. The current report focuses on racial/ethnic differences using data that allow for sequencing the occurrence of the behaviors via the age of first gambling experience, and of first suicidal symptom, to better distinguish the nature of the association.

Summary

The current findings revealed that gambling initiation predicted suicide ideation among Black youth, while no significant association was found among White youth. This is of major public health concern, given the rising rates of suicide among Black youth, and the increased availability of gambling. The report did not find a link between gambling and suicide attempts. Culturally tailored interventions should be considered among schools, families, and clinicians/providers, to highlight the risk of adolescent gambling, particularly among Black youth.

Correlates of gambling and gambling problems among Rhode Island young adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Numerous states in the USA have legalized sports betting due to recent legal decisions by the US Supreme Court. Here, sociodemographic correlates of current gambling and specific gambling activities associated with symptoms of gambling problems were identified.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were obtained from the 2020 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey (RIYAS). RIYAS participants (n = 540) were a convenience sample of 18 to 25 year olds who lived in Rhode Island for at least part of 2020. Data were collected from May to October 2020. Four gambling activities were assessed (i.e. sports betting; betting on races; gaming tables at a casino; poker machines at a casino). Logistic regression models assessed main effects.

RESULTS

22.4% engaged in one or more gambling activities. 11.5% of participants had any gambling problems. Odds of gambling activities were higher among men; Black, Indigenous, People of Color; older young adults; and essential workers. Odds of gambling problems were 2.4 times higher among participants who engaged with sports betting.

CONCLUSIONS

Gambling activities are common among several population subgroups, and participation in sports betting may be a risk factor for the development of problem gambling. Comprehensive prevention policies are needed.

Prevalence and Trends in Problem Gambling in Denmark with Special Focus on Country of Origin: Results from the Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys

Belonging to an ethnic minority has been described as a possible risk factor for problem gambling, but the literature is inconclusive whether this association is true or just a proxy for other underlying risk factors. Hence, the aims were to investigate: (1) past year prevalence of problem gambling in the adult Danish population and trends since 2005, (2) past year prevalence of problem gambling in 2017 and trends since 2010 by country of origin, and (3) whether a marginalisation by country of origin or problem gambling, respectively, is seen in various health-related indicators. Data were derived from the Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys in 2005, 2010, 2013, and 2017. The Lie/Bet Questionnaire was used to define problem gamblers. The overall prevalence of past year problem gambling has increased slightly from 2005 (1.0%) to 2017 (1.5%), but a more alarming increase was observed among men with non-western origin (3.1% in 2010 and 7.0% in 2017). A lower prevalence of good self-rated health and a higher prevalence of poor mental health was observed among individuals with a non-western origin compared to those with a Danish origin, although the differences became smaller between 2010 and 2017. The findings indicate a slightly increase in the prevalence of past year problem gambling and that particular attention should be paid to individuals with a non-western origin. The study also highlights the need for better differentiation of risk factors that may variously predispose different ethnic groups to develop gambling problems.

Subjective and Cardiovascular Responses to an Acute Laboratory Gambling Task in Men and Women

Men have previously been overrepresented in gambling for money but in recent years there has been an increase in recognition that women who gamble are "catching up" with their male counterparts. There have been few experimental studies investigating the subjective effects of gambling, and even less have explored the gender differences. As gender differences previously have been reported in the subjective effects of several drugs of abuse such as opioids, amphetamines and alcohol, we sought to investigate if the subjective effects of gambling also differed by gender. The present article analyzes if gender modulates the subjective and physiological effects of an acute laboratory gambling task in healthy men and women. Eighty-two men and women (n = 35 men, n = 47 women) were tested with an online slot machine gambling session and self-report questionnaires of mood and blood pressure were taken before and after gambling. Both men and women showed stimulatory effects of gambling i.e., feelings of high and euphoria and but no differences were found between genders. Findings suggest that both men and women equally experience a pattern of stimulatory effects of gambling from the gambling situation. Gambling therefore seems to have the same abuse potential in both men and women. Although the gap between men and women is narrowing, immediate subjective and physiologic responses do not explain gender differences in the epidemiology of pathological gambling. The contexts and factors that foster or hinder the evolution of gambling addiction in males and females should be further explored. This conclusion is interesting in light of that men are over three times more at risk to experience gambling related problems than women and this risk may depend on other factors involved in the development of addiction.

Point-of-care testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections reveals risky behavior among men at gambling centers in Uganda"

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), men are generally difficult to engage in healthcare programs. However, sports gambling centers in SSA can be used as avenues for male engagement in health programs. We offered point-of-care HIV and syphilis testing for men located at five gambling centers in Uganda and assessed HIV risky sexual behavior. Among 507 men, 0.8% were HIV-positive and 3.8% had syphilis. Risky sexual behavior included condomless sex with partner(s) of unknown HIV status (64.9%), having multiple sexual partners (47.8%), engaging in transactional sex (15.5%), and using illicit drugs (9.3%). The majority at 64.5% were nonalcohol consumers, 22.9% were moderate users, and 12.6% had hazardous consumption patterns. In 12 months of follow-up, the incidence rate of syphilis was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.82-1.06) among 178 men. Thus, men in SSA have a high prevalence of syphilis and risky sexual behavior which should be more effectively addressed to reduce the risk of HIV acquisition.

Setting Limits: Gambling, Science and Public Policy-summary of results

The gambling industry has grown into a global business in the 21st century. This has created the need for a new emphasis on problem prevention. This article highlights the core themes of the book Setting Limits: Gambling, Science and Public Policy, taking a broad view of the consequences of gambling for society as a burden on health, well-being and equality. The book covers the extent of gambling and gambling-related problems in different societies and presents a critical review of research on industry practices, policy objectives and preventive approaches, including services to people suffering from gambling and its consequences. It discusses the developments in game characteristics and gambling environments and provides evidence on how regulation can affect those. Effective measures to minimize gambling harm exist and many are well supported by scientific evidence. They include restrictions on general availability as well as selective measures to prevent gamblers from overspending. The revenue generated from gambling for the industry, governments, and providers of public services funded from gambling returns presents an obstacle to developing policies to implement harm-reduction measures. A public interest approach must weigh these interests against the suffering and losses of the victims of gambling.

Immigrant status and problem-gambling severity in adolescents: Evidence for moderation by sensation seeking

Despite the multidimensional/ecological integrative perspective that suggests that the risk for problem gambling in adolescents can be determined by an interactive effect of different risk factors, few studies have investigated how different individual factors may affect the risk for problem gambling in a multiplicative way. This study aimed at exploring the interaction between immigrant status (IS) and sensation seeking (SS) on adolescent problem-gambling severity. The study involved 994 Italian adolescents (64% boys, M_age = 16.57, SD = 1.62). Participants' IS, SS and problem-gambling severity were individually assessed through, respectively, a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS) and the South Oaks Gambling Screen - Revised for Adolescents (SOGS-RA). Results showed that, among immigrant adolescents, there were higher levels of problem-gambling severity and a higher distribution of at-risk and problem gamblers with respect to non-immigrant adolescents. Both IS and SS had significant direct effects on problem-gambling severity, with IS and higher levels of SS being predictors of greater severity. A moderation analysis - controlling for gender and age - showed that adolescents with high scores of SS were more prone to experience gambling problems if they were also immigrant. These results have important implications for practice as they emphasize that specific interventions aimed at preventing problem gambling would be required for adolescents from immigrant families. In particular, it would be important to consider the role of SS in this specific youth target.

Evaluating for Differences by Race/Ethnicity in the Association Between Income and Gambling Disorder

Multiple studies show an increased prevalence of gambling disorder among African Americans compared to whites. However, few studies take an analytic approach to understanding differences in risk factors by race/ethnicity. Income is inversely associated with gambling disorder; we hypothesized that this association would vary by race/ethnicity. The main objective was to evaluate whether the association between income and gambling disorder varies by race/ethnicity. With data from the baseline visit of a prospective cohort study, Prevention and Etiology of Gambling Addiction Study in the United States, we used multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine whether the association between income and gambling disorder varies by race/ethnicity. 1164 participants were included in the final analyses. Measures included: demographics (age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, employment, annual household income), veteran status, marital status, homelessness, smoking, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, marijuana use, and lifetime gambling disorder diagnosis as derived from Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule. There was no evidence of effect modification by race/ethnicity in the association between income and gambling disorder (global p value = 0.17). Income was associated with increased odds of gambling disorder, but only for those with low income (< $15,000; OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.46, 3.53). There was no evidence that the effect of income on gambling disorder varies by race/ethnicity. For all race/ethnicities combined, low income was associated with significantly increased odds of gambling disorder (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.46, 3.53). Further research is needed to better understand racial/ethnic differences in gambling disorder.

Racial-ethnic differences in impulsivity and compulsivity in recreational gambling

BACKGROUND

Prior data indicate high rates of problematic gambling in some racial-ethnic minority groups, yet research into mechanisms contributing to these associations is scant. The aim of the present study was to examine whether impulsivity and compulsivity differ across racial-ethnic groups in recreational gamblers.

METHODS

Young adult non-treatment seeking recreational gamblers were recruited from the general community. Presence of mental health diagnoses (including gambling disorder) was exclusionary. Participants completed clinical interviews, questionnaires, and cognitive tasks germane to impulsivity and compulsivity.

RESULTS

202 recreational gamblers (63.5% males) had mean (standard deviation) age 23.8 (2.7) years and identified using the following racial-ethnic identities: Caucasian (N = 145), African-American (N = 41), and Asian (N = 16). Groups did not differ on age, gender, education, or impulsivity measures. Compared to the Caucasian group, the African-American group reported significantly higher endorsement of sub-syndromal disordered gambling, higher compulsivity scores, and exhibited decision-making decrements on the Gambling Task. The Asian and Caucasian groups did not differ on any measure.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that young adult African-American recreational gamblers may experience greater levels of subsyndromal gambling compared to other racial-ethnic groups, and this appears linked with aspects of compulsivity. Future work should evaluate gambling longitudinally to better understand nuanced presentations across different groups, including in other age groups.

Variations in Gambling Disorder Symptomatology Across Sexual Identity Among College Student-Athletes

Gambling disorder has serious negative consequences for individual health and wellbeing, while being more prevalent among college student-athletes compared to the general college population. While previous research reports that sexual minority (i.e., gay, lesbian and bisexual) populations have higher rates of addictive behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse, no previous research has explored risk for gambling disorder symptomatology by sexual identity status. The aim of the current study is to identify differences in the severity of gambling disorder symptomatology between sexual minority and heterosexual student-athletes. A stratified random sample of 19,299 National Collegiate Athletic Association college student-athletes participated in an anonymous survey assessing gambling disorder symptomatology. Student-athletes completed measures assessing their past 12-month problem gambling as measured by the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder and provided information on their sexual identity. Gay and bisexual men had disordered gambling scores 3.42 times higher than heterosexual men (p < .01), when adjusting for race/ethnicity, and years in college. Gay/lesbian and bisexual women reported disordered gambling scores 2.57 higher than heterosexual women (p < .01) when adjusting for race/ethnicity and years in college. This is the first study to compare the prevalence of gambling disorder symptomatology across sexual identity status. The higher number of gambling disorder symptoms observed among sexual minorities in the current study underlines the need for more research on this topic, and supports the exploration of intervention efforts designed to better address problem gambling among sexual minority communities.

The longitudinal effect of early-life sensation seeking on gambling and gambling problems among Puerto Rican young adults

Sensation seeking has been proposed as a risk factor for gambling and gambling problems; however, existing evidence for a relationship between sensation seeking and gambling behaviors is inconclusive and data are lacking for emerging adults and racial and ethnic minorities. In this longitudinal study, we explored the association between developmental trajectories of sensation seeking in childhood and adolescence and gambling and gambling problems in early adulthood in individuals of Puerto Rican origin. Gambling data were collected during 2014-2018 from a subsample of participants in the Boricua Youth Study who were recruited in the South Bronx of New York City and in San Juan and Caguas, Puerto Rico. Sensation seeking was measured using a 10-item instrument modified from the scale created by Russo et al. for use in children as young as 5 years old. Developmental trajectories of age-adjusted sensation seeking were created using growth mixture models. Gambling and gambling problems were assessed based on the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Inventory (CAGI) Version 1.09. Data were analyzed using descriptive methods and multivariable logistic regression. Individuals in the high sensation-seeking class had lower adjusted odds of past-year gambling (OR = .36; 95% confidence interval [.14, .92]) than did those in the normative sensation-seeking class, whereas no differences were observed for individuals in the low and accelerated classes. No relationship was found between sensation seeking and past-year gambling problems. Given the severe consequences of early initiation of gambling and gambling problems, other early life risk factors and alternative hypotheses for the elevated prevalence of gambling problems in young adults and racial and ethnic minority populations should be explored. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Problem gambling and associated mental health concerns in elite athletes: a narrative review

Opportunities to participate in gambling have dramatically changed during the past 20 years. Casinos have proliferated as have electronic gambling machines, lotteries, sports betting, and most recently online gambling. Gambling among the general population has moved from being perceived negatively to a socially acceptable pastime. As over 80% of individuals have reported gambling for money during their lifetime, governments recognise that regulating gambling-a multibillion dollar industry-is a significant source of revenue. While the vast majority of individuals engaged in some form of gambling have no or few gambling-related problems, an identifiable proportion of both adolescents and adults experience significant gambling-related problems. Elite athletes have not been immune to the lure of gambling nor its concomitant problems. Prevalence studies suggest higher rates of gambling problems among athletes than the general population. In this narrative review, we examine several risk factors associated with gambling problems among elite athletes and new forms of gambling that may be problematic for this population. Given the potential serious mental health and performance consequences associated with a gambling disorder for athletes, we aim to increase coaches', athletic directors' and health professionals' knowledge concerning the importance of screening and treatment referrals.

Gambling habits, gambling norms, and problem gambling in foreign born and native populations in Denmark - A general population survey

Background

Being foreign born, i.e. not born in the reception country or belonging to an ethnic minority, has been described as a risk factor of problem gambling, although research so far has been inconclusive. Also, there is limited knowledge about whether this association is caused by differing gambling norms. The present study aimed to study whether foreign origin is associated with problem gambling, when controlling for several potential risk factors, gambling frequency and beliefs about peer gambling, i.e. gambling norms.

Methods

Cross-sectional web survey including 1970 adult individuals from the general population in Denmark (50% female), in April 2018. Binary analyses and hierarchical logistic regression with respect to associations between foreign origin, relevant co-factors and problem gambling.

Results

Problem gambling was more common in individuals with foreign origin (15 vs 10%, p = 0.01). In logistic regression, problem gambling was associated with male sex, gambling frequency, foreign origin, psychological distress, smoking, and number of gambling types used. Beliefs about peer gambling did not differ with respect to foreign origin, but were associated with problem gambling until one's own gambling frequency was entered into the model.

Conclusions

When controlling for a number of relevant risk factors, foreign origin still appears to predict problem gambling. Gambling patterns or gambling norms are unlikely to be the sole explanation of the increased prevalence. The findings have implications for preventive work in the foreign born population, and gambling norms may be targeted in screening for at-risk gamblers.

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In the population, problem gambling was more common in first or second generation immigrants.

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The association with problem gambling was not explained by increased gambling norms in the immigrant population instead demonstrated lower beliefs about peer gambling.

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Instead, immigrants demonstrated lower beliefs about peer gambling

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Beliefs about peer gambling were associated with own's problem gambling risk

Gambling involvement among Native Americans, Blacks, and Whites in the United States

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This paper examines risk factors of gambling and problem gambling among racial subgroups in the U.S. population, namely Native Americans and blacks, for whom research data are lacking.

METHODS

Findings are based on a large representative general population survey (n = 3,474) of gambling in the U.S. with an oversample of Native Americans (n = 549). Multiple domains were assessed including sociodemographic factors; ecological factors (census-defined neighborhood disadvantage, geocoded density of casinos within 30 miles of respondents' homes, and perceived gambling convenience); impulsivity; and alcohol abuse.

RESULTS

After controlling for all variables in the study, neighborhood disadvantage has a significantly greater effect on overall gambling, frequent gambling, and problem gambling for Native Americans than for the rest of the U.S.

POPULATION

In addition, the relationship between frequent gambling and heavier drinking is much stronger for blacks than for the rest of the U.S.

POPULATION

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of research on gambling involvement among minority groups in the U.S. Blacks and Native Americans are at a higher risk for problem gambling as compared with the rest of the population. Furthermore, social factors and alcohol abuse may show a stronger co-occurrence with gambling involvement among minority groups than among whites.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

This study is a large representative U.S. sample with sizeable numbers of Native Americans and blacks. Thus, prevalence rates and risk factors can be assessed for these important population subgroups. This will allow for targeted intervention programs for Native Americans and blacks with problem gambling and alcohol abuse. (Am J Addict 2017;26:713-721).

Gambling disorder: an integrative review of animal and human studies

Gambling disorder (GD), previously called pathological gambling and classified as an impulse control disorder in DSM-III and DSM-IV, has recently been reclassified as an addictive disorder in the DSM-5. It is widely recognized as an important public health problem associated with substantial personal and social costs, high rates of psychiatric comorbidity, poor physical health, and elevated suicide rates. A number of risk factors have been identified, including some genetic polymorphisms. Animal models have been developed in order to study the underlying neural basis of GD. Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the risk factors, disease course, and pathophysiology. A focus on a phenotype-based dissection of the disorder is included in which known neural correlates from animal and human studies are reviewed. Finally, current treatment approaches are discussed, as well as future directions for GD research.