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Ghelfi M, Scattola P, Giudici G, Velasco V. Online Gambling: A Systematic Review of Risk and Protective Factors in the Adult Population. J Gambl Stud 2023:10.1007/s10899-023-10258-3. [PMID: 37964161 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10258-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, internet gambling has seen strong growth and diffusion due to intrinsic characteristics that make it particularly attractive to players (accessibility, anonymity, variety of games). This paper aims to present the current state of knowledge of the risk and protective factors of online gambling. A literature search conducted in the PubMed, PsychInfo, and Scopus databases found 42 articles, which were included in the review. Methodological aspects and risk and protective factors were analysed cross-sectionally. The results concerning risk and protective factors were distinguished by the level of analysis: individual, relational, and contextual. Two types of comparisons were considered: online vs. offline gamblers and online nonproblematic vs. problematic gamblers. The results of the two comparisons were juxtaposed to analyse their consistency and the different associations with factors. In general, the review showed that risk factors and variables at the individual level are investigated to a greater extent, while protective factors at the relational and contextual level need more in-depth study in future research. More specifically, this review found that even if online and offline gamblers shared most risk and protective factors, there are variables that they would not have in common. These factors could be important to consider in preventive interventions aimed at online gamblers and online problematic gamblers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Ghelfi
- Psychology Department, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paola Scattola
- Società Cooperativa Sociale Piccolo Principe, 24061, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Gilberto Giudici
- Società Cooperativa Sociale Piccolo Principe, 24061, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Veronica Velasco
- Psychology Department, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell Ateneo Nuovo 1, 20126, Milan, Italy
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2
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Valenciano-Mendoza E, Mora-Maltas B, Mestre-Bach G, Munguía L, Richard J, Derevensky JL, Potenza MN, Jiménez-Murcia S. Clinical Correlates of Sports Betting: A Systematic Review. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:579-624. [PMID: 37004597 PMCID: PMC10066997 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10196-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Sports betting is becoming increasingly widespread, and a growing number of individuals, both adolescents and adults, participate in this type of gambling. The main aim of this systematic review was to assess correlates of sports betting (sociodemographic features, gambling-related variables, co-occurring psychopathologies, and personality tendencies) through a systematic review conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were identified via searches of NCBI/PubMed and APA PsycInfo databases. Individuals from the general population and/or with a clinical diagnosis of gambling disorder (GD) were included, irrespective of gender and age. In addition, the studies needed to have administered at least one clinical interview/psychometric instrument to assess the presence of problematic gambling/GD, contain at least one group of participants with sports betting, and directly analyze the association between sports betting and any of the following features: sociodemographics, gambling-related variables, co-occurring psychopathologies, and/or personality tendencies. Fifty-four articles were included. Multiple sociodemographic variables have been studied in relation to sports betting. In general, males with high impulsivity have greater tendencies for sports betting. The co-occurrence of certain pathologies, especially substance use or other addictive disorders, was also suggested. Most studies were cross-sectional, assessed participants using self-administered instruments, recruited samples using non-probability online panels, included small samples, had unbalanced samples, and included samples from only one country. Impulsive males may be particularly prone to sports gambling and related problems. Future research should examine prevention strategies that may help prevent the development of sport-betting-related GD and other addictive behaviors in vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Valenciano-Mendoza
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital, c/ Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Mora-Maltas
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital, c/ Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Lucero Munguía
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital, c/ Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jérémie Richard
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec Canada
| | - Jeffrey L. Derevensky
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec Canada
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
- Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT USA
- Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital, c/ Feixa Llarga s/n, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
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Underlying Mechanisms Involved in Gambling Disorder Severity: A Pathway Analysis Considering Genetic, Psychosocial, and Clinical Variables. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020418. [PMID: 36678289 PMCID: PMC9864492 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020418] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Gambling Disorder (GD) has a complex etiology that involves biological and environmental aspects. From a genetic perspective, neurotrophic factors (NTFs) polymorphisms have been associated with the risk of developing GD. The aim of this study was to assess the underlying mechanisms implicated in GD severity by considering the direct and mediational relationship between different variables including genetic, psychological, socio-demographic, and clinical factors. To do so, we used genetic variants that were significantly associated with an increased risk for GD and evaluated its relationship with GD severity through pathway analysis. We found that the interaction between these genetic variants and other different biopsychological features predicted a higher severity of GD. On the one hand, the presence of haplotype block 2, interrelated with haplotype block 3, was linked to a more dysfunctional personality profile and a worse psychopathological state, which, in turn, had a direct link with GD severity. On the other hand, having rs3763614 predicted higher general psychopathology and therefore, higher GD severity. The current study described the presence of complex interactions between biopsychosocial variables previously associated with the etiopathogenesis and severity of GD, while also supporting the involvement of genetic variants from the NTF family.
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Mestre-Bach G, Granero R, Mora-Maltas B, Valenciano-Mendoza E, Munguía L, Potenza MN, Derevensky JL, Richard J, Fernández-Aranda F, Menchón JM, Jiménez-Murcia S. Sports-betting-related gambling disorder: Clinical features and correlates of cognitive behavioral therapy outcomes. Addict Behav 2022; 133:107371. [PMID: 35691124 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The number of patients with gambling disorder (GD) whose gambling preference is sports betting is increasing. However, their clinical profile and their responses to psychological treatments -compared to patients with other forms of gambling- have not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, the aims of this study were: (1) to compare the clinical characteristics of GD patients whose primary gambling activity was sports betting (SB+; n = 113) with GD patients with other primary gambling activities (SB-; n = 1,135); (2) to compare treatment outcomes (dropout and relapses) between SB + and SB- patients; and (3) to explore relationships between specific variables (GD severity, psychological distress and personality features) and treatment outcome in SB + and SB- GD patients, through correlation models and path-analysis. METHODS The cognitive behavioral treatment consisted of 16 weekly sessions. Personality features, psychopathology, and sociodemographic and clinical factors were assessed. RESULTS The SB + group included higher proportions of younger patients who were single and had higher educational levels, older ages of GD onset, and greater GD severities. Regarding treatment outcomes, the dropout rate was lower in the SB + group, and no between-group differences were found regarding relapse. Dropout within the SB + group was related to being unemployed, and relapse was related to being unmarried and experiencing more psychological distress. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The differences between SB + and SB- GD patients suggest that GD patients with sports-betting problems may benefit from tailored therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roser Granero
- Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Bernat Mora-Maltas
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Eduardo Valenciano-Mendoza
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Lucero Munguía
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marc N Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Mental Health Center, New Haven, CT, USA; Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Wethersfield, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Jeffrey L Derevensky
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Jérémie Richard
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Fernando Fernández-Aranda
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - José M Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, Neurosciences Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908, Barcelona, Spain.
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5
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Jiménez-Murcia S, Giménez M, Granero R, López-González H, Gómez-Peña M, Moragas L, Baenas I, Del Pino-Gutiérrez A, Codina E, Mena-Moreno T, Valenciano-Mendoza E, Mora-Maltas B, Valero-Solís S, Rivas-Pérez S, Guillén-Guzmán E, Menchón JM, Fernández-Aranda F. Psychopathogical status and personality correlates of problem gambling severity in sports bettors undergoing treatment for gambling disorder. J Behav Addict 2021; 10:422-434. [PMID: 33683220 PMCID: PMC8997230 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2020.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sports betting has been barely explored independently from other gambling behaviors. Little evidence is available regarding the factors affecting its severity in a clinical sample. The current study explores new determinants for sports betting severity in Spain by the inclusion of psychopathological distress and personality factors. METHODS A sample of 352 Spanish sports bettors undergoing treatment for gambling disorder was recruited. Multiple regression models were used to evaluate the effects of sociodemographic variables, the age of onset of gambling behavior, the global psychopathological distress (SCL-90R GSI) and the personality profile (TCI-R) on sports betting severity and their influence over frequency (bets per episode) and debts due to gambling. RESULTS We found that older age, higher psychopathological distress, lower self-directedness level, and higher novelty seeking level were predictors of gambling severity in Spanish sports bettors. The highest betting frequency was found in men, with the lowest education levels but the highest social status, the highest psychopathological distress, reward dependence score, and self-transcendence trait and the lowest persistence score. Debts were also associated to higher score in cooperativeness as well as older age. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Our findings call for further exploration of factors affecting sports betting severity regarded as a separate gambling entity subtype, as some of the traditional factors typically found in gamblers do not apply to sports bettors or apply inversely in our country. Consequently, sports bettors might deserve specific clinical approaches to tackle the singularities of their gambling behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Giménez
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Granero
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hibai López-González
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Gómez-Peña
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Moragas
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Baenas
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amparo Del Pino-Gutiérrez
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Public Health, Mental Health and Perinatal Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Codina
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Mena-Moreno
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Valenciano-Mendoza
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERSam), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bernat Mora-Maltas
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Valero-Solís
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Rivas-Pérez
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elías Guillén-Guzmán
- Departament of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M. Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERSam), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Fernández-Aranda
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Abstract
ZusammenfassungIn den letzten Jahren haben gravierende Veränderungen auf dem Sportwettmarkt zu einer deutlichen Erhöhung der Spielanreize geführt. Wettoptionen mit hoher Ereignisfrequenz, die Erschließung des Internets als Zugangsmodalität oder die massive Expansion der Werbetätigkeiten legen die Hypothese nahe, dass es sich bei den modernen Formen des Sportwettens nicht mehr nur um harmlose Freizeitangebote handelt. Übergeordnetes Ziel dieses Beitrages ist es, die mit diesem Entwicklungstrend verbundenen zentralen Risikopotenziale zu bestimmen. Die mittels eines narrativen Reviews zusammengestellten Befunde verweisen auf Produktebene primär auf ein hohes Suchtpotenzial von Live-Wetten (inkl. Mikrowetten). Auf personaler Ebene erhöhen insbesondere das männliche Geschlecht, ein junges Lebensalter, eine ausgeprägte Risikoneigung sowie das Vorliegen kognitiver Verzerrungen im Sinne von Kontrollillusionen die Wahrscheinlichkeit, von sportwettbezogenen Problemen betroffen zu sein. Zu den umgebungsbezogenen Risikofaktoren zählen in erster Linie das Setting „Sportverein“ und ein hohes Ausmaß an Werbeexposition. In der Gesamtschau verweisen diese Erkenntnisse somit auf die dringliche Notwendigkeit, diesem Entwicklungstrend präventiv wie regulativ entgegenzusteuern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Hayer
- Arbeitseinheit Glücksspielforschung, Universität Bremen
| | - Jens Kalke
- Institut für Interdisziplinäre Sucht- und Drogenforschung (ISD), Hamburg
- Zentrum für Interdisziplinäre Suchtforschung (ZIS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg
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López-Torres I, León-Quismondo L, Ibáñez A. Impulsivity, Lack of Premeditation, and Debts in Online Gambling Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:618148. [PMID: 33551878 PMCID: PMC7855030 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.618148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Gambling disorder (GD) is a recurrent and persistent problematic gambling behavior that impairs multiple areas of an individual's life. GD can persist through two modes: online or offline. This study aims to compare sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological characteristics between treatment-seeking online and offline gamblers and analyze the effect of the gambling mode (online or offline) on anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and debts. Methods: Seventy-nine treatment-seeking gamblers (96.2% males), who were simultaneously receiving treatment at a specialized Pathological Gambling and Behavioral Addictions Unit, participated in this study. The sample was divided into two subsamples: online (n = 29, 100% males) and offline (n = 50, 94% males); the characteristics of these two groups were compared and analyzed using Chi-Square test (χ2), t-Test or Mann-Whitney U-test (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the effects of gambling mode on significant variables (lack of premeditation and debts). Results: The online sample with a mean age of 29.4 years mainly chose to engage in sports betting (45%, p < 0.05) and showed a higher lack of premeditation levels (25.8 points, p < 0.05) than the offline sample. In addition, the online sample was younger with respect to their onset to gambling (20.2 years, p < 0.05) and the beginning of their gambling problems (25 years, p < 0.05) compared to the offline sample. Online gambling increased the levels of lack of premeditation by an average of 5.43 points compared to offline gambling (p < 0.05). Accumulated debts of the online sample were lower (€11,000) than those of the offline sample (€12,000). However, the interaction between age and gambling mode revealed that online gamblers increased their debt amounts with age at an average increase of €2,726.33 per year compared to offline gamblers (p < 0.05). No significant influence of gambling mode was found on GD severity, anxiety, and depression levels. Conclusions: Gambling mode has a significant relationship with lack of premeditation-a component of impulsivity-and accumulation of debts in treatment-seeking people with GD; however, no relationship was found with the rest of the variables analyzed. Future research with larger samples is needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel López-Torres
- Foundation for Biomedical Research, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (FIBioHRC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Angela Ibáñez
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain.,Ramón y Cajal Institute for Health Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Network Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Medicina y Especialidades Médicas, Universidad de Alcala, Madrid, Spain
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8
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Aragay N, Pijuan L, Cabestany À, Ramos-Grille I, Garrido G, Vallès V, Jovell-Fernández E. Current Addiction in Youth: Online Sports Betting. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:590554. [PMID: 33519547 PMCID: PMC7838454 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.590554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gambling landscape has changed in recent years with the emergence of online gambling (OG). Greater accessibility and availability of this betting modality can increase the risk of developing a gambling disorder (GD). Online sports betting (OSB) is currently the most common type of OG, but little is known about the clinical characteristics of OSB compared to slot-machine (SM) gamblers, the most common offline gambling disorder. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted between October 2005 and September 2019, and included outpatients diagnosed with GD seen in a Pathological Gambling and Behavioral Addictions referral unit. Only patients with OSB and SM disorders were included. The main objective was to assess the clinical profile of OSB compared to SM gamblers, and to define clinical predictors for developing OSB gambling disorder. Logistic regression was performed to determine the effects of variables on the likelihood of this disorder. Results: Among 1,186 patients attended in our Unit during the study period, 873 patients were included; 32 (3.7%) were OSB gamblers and 841 (96.3%) were SM gamblers. Overall, mean age was 45 ± 13 years and 94.3% were men. Compared to SM patients, OSB patients were younger (34.9 ± 9.5 vs. 45.3 ±13), more frequently single (43.8 vs. 20.6%) and had a university education level (43.8 vs. 4.5%); they were also more frequently non-smokers (18.7 vs. 66.7%) and had fewer psychiatric comorbidities (12.5 vs. 29.4%) than SM gamblers. GD duration before treatment initiation was shorter in OSB patients than in SM gamblers, most of them (81.3 vs. 42.4%) with ≤ 5 years of GD duration. OSB gamblers showed significant differences in weekly gambling expenditure, spending higher amounts than SM patients. Younger age (OR: 0.919; 95% CI: 0.874-0.966), university education level (OR: 10.658; 95% CI: 3.330-34.119), weekly expenditure >100€ (OR: 5.811; 95% CI:1.544-21.869), and being a non-smoker (OR:13.248; 95% CI:4.332-40.517) were associated with an increased likelihood of OSB gambling behavior. Conclusions: We identified different profiles for OSB and SM gamblers. Younger age, university education level, higher weekly expenditure, and non-smoking habit were associated with OSB compared to SM disorders. Prevention strategies should help young people become aware of the severe risks of OSB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Aragay
- Pathological Gambling Unit, Department of Mental Health, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Pijuan
- Department of Mental Health, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Àngela Cabestany
- Department of Mental Health, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Irene Ramos-Grille
- Pathological Gambling Unit, Department of Mental Health, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Garrido
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.,Community Mental Health Service, Department of Mental Health, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Vicenç Vallès
- Pathological Gambling Unit, Department of Mental Health, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Mental Health, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
| | - Esther Jovell-Fernández
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Epidemiology, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
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