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Romero P, Czakó A, van den Brink W, Demetrovics Z. Psychedelic-assisted therapy for people with gambling disorder? J Behav Addict 2024; 13:6-11. [PMID: 38421388 PMCID: PMC10988418 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2024.00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gambling disorder is a severe mental health and behavioural problem with harmful consequences, including financial, relationship and mental health problems. The present paper initiates discussion on the use of psychedelics combined with psychotherapeutic support as a potential treatment option for people living with a gambling disorder. Recent studies have shown promising results using psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) to treat anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and various substance use disorders. Considering the similarities in the underlying psychosocial and neurobiological mechanisms of gambling disorder and other addictive disorders, the authors suggest that psychedelic-assisted therapy could be effective in treating gambling disorder. The paper also underscores the need for further research into the viability and effectiveness of psychedelic-assisted therapy for gambling disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Romero
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Andrea Czakó
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Wim van den Brink
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Kádár BK, Péter L, Paksi B, Horváth Z, Felvinczi K, Eisinger A, Griffiths MD, Czakó A, Demetrovics Z, Andó B. Religious status and addictive behaviors: Exploring patterns of use and psychological proneness. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 127:152418. [PMID: 37699271 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have emphasized the role of religiosity as both a protective factor and a factor contributing to the success of recovery in the case of addictive beahaviors. However, the associations between religious status and the involvement in distinct addictive behaviors as well as the associations between religious status and psychological factors have not been comprehensively examined. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to extend the literature by examining the (i) relationship between religiosity and distinct addictive behaviors including substance use and behavioral addictions, and (ii) interactive effects of religious status and psychological factors on addictive behaviors. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data from two representative samples were analyzed (National Survey on Addiction Problems in Hungary [NSAPH]: N = 1385; 46.8% male; mean age = 41.77 years [SD = 13.08]; and Budapest Longitudinal Study [BLS]: N = 3890; 48.4% male; mean age = 27.06 years [SD = 4.76]). Distinct addictive behaviors and psychological factors related to the psychological proneness to addictive behaviors (impulsivity, sensation seeking, rumination, well-being, mentalization, and worry) were comprehensively examined in relation to religious status (religious, agnostic, and non-religious). Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney (MW) tests and multinomial logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS Religious individuals showed significantly lower involvement in addictive behaviors whereas agnostic individuals showed significantly higher involvement in addictive behaviors. With regards to psychological factors related to the proneness to addictive behaviors, agnostic individuals showed the highest level of psychological proneness. The results of multinomial regression models showed that religiosity was protective in the NSAPH sample. However, worry could overwrite the protective effect. In the BLS study, the protective role of religiosity was uncertain. It was not protective in itself, but through interaction with sensation seeking, rumination and uncertian mentalization, religiosity can also be protective. DISCUSSION The findings highlight the general protective role of religiosity in addictions. However, interaction with some psychological contructs can modify the protective role of religious status. The study also highlights the need to take into account agnostic religious status of individuals in future research. Consequently, further studies are needed to explore the causality and mediating roles between these variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Kata Kádár
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, 8-10 Korányi fasor, Szeged H-6720, Hungary
| | - Lea Péter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, 8-10 Korányi fasor, Szeged H-6720, Hungary
| | - Borbála Paksi
- Institute of Education, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 23-27 Kazinczy Street, Budapest H-1075, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Horváth
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary; Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Europa Point Campus, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
| | - Katalin Felvinczi
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary
| | - Andrea Eisinger
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary; Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, NG1 4FQ Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Czakó
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary; Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Europa Point Campus, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary; Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Europa Point Campus, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, Gibraltar.
| | - Bálint Andó
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, 8-10 Korányi fasor, Szeged H-6720, Hungary.
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Ngetich R, Burleigh TL, Czakó A, Vékony T, Németh D, Demetrovics Z. Working memory performance in disordered gambling and gaming: A systematic review. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 126:152408. [PMID: 37573802 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Converging evidence supports that gaming and gambling disorders are associated with executive dysfunction. The involvement of different components of executive functions (EF) in these forms of behavioural addiction is unclear. AIM In a systematic review, we aim to uncover the association between working memory (WM), a crucial component of EF, and disordered gaming and gambling. Note that, in the context of this review, gaming has been used synonymously with video gaming. METHODS Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we systematically searched for studies published from 2012 onwards. RESULTS The search yielded 6081 records after removing duplicates, from which 17 peer-reviewed journal articles were eligible for inclusion. The association between WM and problem or disordered gaming and gambling have been categorized separately to observe possible differences. Essentially, problem gaming or gambling, compared to disorder, presents lesser severity and clinical significance. The results demonstrate reduced auditory-verbal WM in individuals with gambling disorder. Decreased WM capacity was also associated with problem gambling, with a correlation between problem gambling severity and decreased WM capacity. Similarly, gaming disorder was associated with decreased WM. Specifically, gaming disorder patients had lower WM capacity than the healthy controls. CONCLUSION Working memory seems to be a significant predictor of gambling and gaming disorders. Therefore, holistic treatment approaches that incorporate cognitive techniques that could enhance working memory may significantly boost gambling and gaming disorders treatment success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Ngetich
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Tyrone L Burleigh
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Andrea Czakó
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar; Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Teodóra Vékony
- INSERM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon CRNL U1028 UMR5292, Bron, France
| | - Dezso Németh
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; INSERM, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon CRNL U1028 UMR5292, Bron, France; Brain, Memory and Language Research Group, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar; Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Mangat HS, Griffiths MD, Yu SM, Felvinczi K, Ngetich RK, Demetrovics Z, Czakó A. Understanding Esports-related Betting and Gambling: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Gambl Stud 2023:10.1007/s10899-023-10256-5. [PMID: 37740076 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10256-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Esports gambling has steadily grown in popularity alongside esports itself. While research has been increasing in the field of esports-related gambling, no study has yet reviewed the relevant literature on esports gambling. The present study aimed to comprehensively review all empirical research conducted in the wider field of esports gambling. A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was undertaken using PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Only empirical studies were included and were also assessed for potential biases using the ROBUST guidelines. A total of 30 studies from eight countries were included in the review. Esports gamblers were found more likely to be young males, likely to score high on problematic gambling scales, and likely to belong to households speaking a non-English language at home in English speaking countries. Esports gamblers are a unique type of gambling population, with rare characteristics and behaviors compared to other types of gamblers. Given the limited number of studies, there is a need for further research in this field to understand these populations, as well as the need for longitudinal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshdeep S Mangat
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Europa Point Campus, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Shu M Yu
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Europa Point Campus, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
| | - Katalin Felvinczi
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ronald K Ngetich
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Europa Point Campus, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Europa Point Campus, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar.
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Andrea Czakó
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Europa Point Campus, Gibraltar, GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Péter L, Paksi B, Magi A, Eisinger A, Kótyuk E, Czakó A, Griffiths MD, Demetrovics Z, Andó B. Severity of behavioral addiction symptoms among young adults using non-prescribed sedatives/hypnotics. Addict Behav Rep 2023; 17:100485. [PMID: 36941849 PMCID: PMC10024082 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Young adulthood is considered a critical period in terms of non-medical use of sedatives/hypnotics (NMUSH) as well as different types of behavioral addictions (BAs). However, the relationship between these behaviors has received scarce attention among young adult samples. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between NMUSH and symptoms of distinct BAs among young adults. Materials and methods Analyses were conducted based on the data of two large sample studies (including a representative sample) carried out with young adult samples. The following BAs were assessed: problematic internet use, problematic video gaming, problematic social media use, problem gambling, exercise addiction, eating disorders, compulsive buying behavior, problematic mobile phone use, work addiction, and hair pulling. Symptoms of distinct BAs were analyzed in three groups formed based on the NMUSH: non-users, lifetime users, and current users. Results The symptoms of problematic internet use, problematic social media use, problem gambling, exercise addiction, eating disorders, compulsive buying behavior and work addiction were significantly more severe among lifetime and/or current non-medical sedative and hypnotic users, compared to the non-user participants. The symptoms of problematic mobile phone use were the most severe in the non-user group. Conclusions The results suggest co-occurrence between NMUSH and distinct BAs among young adults. These findings draw attention to the need for preventive interventions for this high-risk population.
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Key Words
- BA, behavioral addiction
- BLS, Budapest Longitudinal Study
- BWAS, Bergen Work Addiction Scale
- Behavioral addictions
- CUs, current users
- DSM‐IV‐MR‐J, Diagnostic Statistical Manual‐IV‐Adapted for Juveniles
- EAI, Exercise Addiction Inventory
- Hypnotics
- IGD, internet gaming disorder
- IGDT-10, Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test
- LUs, lifetime users
- MGH-HPS, Massachusetts General Hospital Hairpulling Scale
- NMUSH, non-medical use of sedatives/hypnotics
- NUs, non-users
- Non-medical prescription drug use
- PGA, Psychological and Genetic Factors of Addictive Behaviors Study
- PGSI, Problem Gambling Severity Index
- PIUQ, Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire
- PMPUQ-SV, Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire
- POGQ, Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire
- RCBS, Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale
- Sedatives
- Young adults
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Péter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, 8-10 Korányi fasor, Szeged H-6720, Hungary
| | - Borbála Paksi
- Institute of Education, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 23-27 Kazinczy Street, Budapest H-1075, Hungary
| | - Anna Magi
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary
| | - Andrea Eisinger
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary
| | - Eszter Kótyuk
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary
| | - Andrea Czakó
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Europa Point Campus, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, NG1 4FQ Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 46 Izabella Street, Budapest H-1064, Hungary
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Europa Point Campus, Gibraltar GX11 1AA, Gibraltar
| | - Bálint Andó
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Szeged, 8-10 Korányi fasor, Szeged H-6720, Hungary
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Anyanwu MU, Demetrovics Z, Griffiths MD, Horváth Z, Czakó A, Bajunirwe F, Tamwesigire I. Problem Gambling Among Adolescents in Uganda: A Cross-sectional Survey Study. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:971-985. [PMID: 37029857 PMCID: PMC10175322 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, gambling has evolved and grown substantially with new gambling activities and facilities being introduced, making gambling products and opportunities more available than ever before in Uganda. While the growth of gambling industry is considered to have a beneficial impact on the economy, it is increasingly becoming a social and public health issue especially among a minority of young people who experience problem gambling, which can damage personal, family, vocational, and academic pursuits. The present study estimated the prevalence of problem gambling and identified the socio-demographic, school, environmental and health risks of problem gambling among secondary school students in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among secondary school students in Mbarara Municipality. A total of 921 students from 12 schools were recruited using cluster sampling. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to explore the relationship between problem gambling and the socio-demographic, academic, environmental and health variables. Of 905 participants, 362 reported having ever gambled (40%), and 160 were classified as problem gamblers (17.7%; 44.2% among those who had ever gambled). Problem gambling was significantly associated with being male, being non-religious, other religion (African traditional religion), having employment (outside of school), distance to nearest gambling venue, parental gambling, peer gambling, substance use, risky sexual behavior, and psychological distress. The present study found a very high prevalence of problem gambling among Ugandan secondary school students. Therefore, there is need to institute public health measures towards raising awareness, prevention and treatment of problem gambling among Ugandan adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael U Anyanwu
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Zsolt Horváth
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andrea Czakó
- Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Francis Bajunirwe
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Imelda Tamwesigire
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
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Czakó A, Király O, Koncz P, Yu SM, Mangat HS, Glynn JA, Romero P, Griffiths MD, Rumpf HJ, Demetrovics Z. Safer esports for players, spectators, and bettors: Issues, challenges, and policy recommendations. J Behav Addict 2023; 12:1-8. [PMID: 36961739 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2023.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The present paper provides an overview of the possible risks, harms, and challenges that might arise with the development of the esports field and pose a threat to professional esports players, spectators, bettors and videogame players, including underage players. These include physical and mental health issues, gambling and gambling-like elements associated with videogames and esports, the challenges arising from pursuing a career in esports, the unique difficulties women face, and a need for supporting professional esports players. It briefly discusses possible responses and suggestions regarding how to address and mitigate these negative consequences. It emphasizes the need for cooperation and collaboration between various stakeholders: researchers, policymakers, regulators, the gaming industry, esports organizations, healthcare and treatment providers, educational institutes and the need for further evidence-based information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Czakó
- 1Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
- 2Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Király
- 2Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Patrik Koncz
- 2Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- 3Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Shu M Yu
- 1Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Harshdeep S Mangat
- 1Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Judith A Glynn
- 1Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Pedro Romero
- 1Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- 4International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hans-Jürgen Rumpf
- 5Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Zsolt Demetrovics
- 1Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar, Gibraltar, Gibraltar
- 2Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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