McCormack. A. & Griffiths, M.D. (2011). The effects of problem gambling on quality of life and wellbeing. Gambling Research, 23(1), 63-81. (original) (raw)
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Journal of Gambling Studies
The current study examined the association between gambling problem severity and health risk behaviours, health and wellbeing. A cross-sectional survey (including representative population and supplementary convenience samples) was conducted with 2303 adult residents of a British Island. Gambling problem severity was assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The EQ-5D-5L, WEMWBS and AUDIT-C were used to measure general health, mental wellbeing and alcohol use, respectively. Other measures included diet, physical exercise and tobacco use. Differences between gambling severity levels for each measure were analysed using logistic regression adjusting for age, sex and income. Compared to non-problem gamblers, moderate/high severity gamblers had higher odds of a poor diet, low physical exercise and poor general health. Tobacco use was associated with both low and moderate/high severity gambling. Low severity, but not moderate/high severity gambling, was significantly associated...
McCormack Shorter Griffiths online gambling and problem gambling 2013
2013
Background and aims: Online gambling participation is increasing rapidly, with relatively little research about the possible effects of different gambling activities on problem gambling behaviour. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine the participation in online gambling activities and the relationship with problem gambling among an international sample of online gamblers. Methods: An online gambling survey was posted on 32 international gambling websites and resulted in 1,119 respondents over a four-month period. Results: Poker was the most popular gambling activity online. A number of online activities were associated with problem gambling, including: roulette, poker, horse race betting, sports betting, spread betting and fruit (slot) machines. Not surprisingly, those that gambled on these activities regularly (except poker) were more likely to be a problem gambler, however, what is interesting is that the reverse is true for poker players; those that gambled regularly on poker were less likely to be a problem gambler compared to the non-regular poker players. The majority of the players also gambled offline, but there was no relationship between problem gambling and whether or not a person also gambled offline. Discussion: Problem gambling is associated more with certain online gambling activities than others, and those gambling on two or more activities online were more likely to be a problem gambler. Conclusion: This paper can help explain the impact different online gambling activities may have on gambling behaviour. Consideration needs to be given to the gambling activity when developing and implementing treatment programmes.
Gambling Involvement and Increased Risk of Gambling Problems
Journal of Gambling Studies, 2013
The opportunity to gamble has undergone rapid expansion with technology allowing for access to gambling products 24 h a day. This increased online availability challenges governments' abilities to restrict access to gambling. Indeed, the ready access to multiple forms of gambling may potentially contribute to impaired control over urges for problem gamblers. The present study considered whether problem gamblers manifested a tendency to engage in multiple forms of gambling and identified forms of gambling which were more strongly related to problem gambling. In reanalyses of two surveys (Sample 1, N = 464, Sample 2, N = 1141), significant relationships accounting for between 11.3 and 13.5 % of the variance were found between the numbers of forms of gambling accessed and degree of problem. Participation in online poker, playing cards and sports wagering were linked to problem gambling. Access to multiple forms of gambling may pose difficulties for the tracking and control of gambling.
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2013
Numerous studies have reported higher rates of gambling problems among Internet compared with non-Internet gamblers. However, little research has examined those at risk of developing gambling problems or overall gambling involvement. This study aimed to examine differences between problem and moderate-risk gamblers among Internet and non-Internet gamblers to determine the mechanisms for how Internet gambling may contribute to gambling problems. Australian gamblers (N = 6,682) completed an online survey that included measures of gambling participation, problem gambling severity, and help seeking. Compared with non-Internet gamblers, Internet gamblers were younger, engaged in a greater number of gambling activities, and were more likely to bet on sports. These differences were significantly greater for problem than moderate-risk gamblers. Non-Internet gamblers were more likely to gamble on electronic gaming machines, and a significantly higher proportion of problem gamblers participated in this gambling activity. Non-Internet gamblers were more likely to report health and psychological impacts of problem gambling and having sought help for gambling problems. Internet gamblers who experience gambling-related harms appear to represent a somewhat different group from non-Internet problem and moderate-risk gamblers. This has implications for the development of treatment and prevention programs, which are often based on research that does not cater for differences between subgroups of gamblers.
Background and aims: Online gambling participation is increasing rapidly, with relatively little research about the possible effects of different gambling activities on problem gambling behaviour. The aim of this exploratory study was to examine the participation in online gambling activities and the relationship with problem gambling among an international sample of online gamblers. Methods: An online gambling survey was posted on 32 international gambling websites and resulted in 1,119 respondents over a four-month period. Results: Poker was the most popular gambling activity online. A number of activities were associated with problem gambling, including: online roulette, poker, horse race betting, sports betting, spread betting and fruit (slot) machines. Not surprisingly, those that gambled on these activities regularly were more likely to be a problem gambler, however, what's interesting is that the reverse is true for poker players; those that gambled regularly on poker were less likely to be a problem gambler compared to the non-regular poker players. The majority of the players also gambled offline, but there was no relationship between problem gambling and whether or not a person also gambled offline. Discussion: Problem gambling is associated more with certain online gambling activities than others, and those gambling on two or more activities online were more likely to be a problem gambler. Conclusion: This paper can help explain the impact different online gambling activities may have on gambling behaviour. Consideration needs to be given to the gambling activity when developing and implementing treatment programmes.
Mental health and online, land-based and mixed gamblers
2016
Although high rates of problem gambling have been identified among Internet gamblers, most studies have failed to identify the relative contribution of multiple forms of gambling as opposed to the exclusive participation in online forms. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in mental health status in exclusive online, exclusive land-based, and mixed Internet and land-based samples of gamblers drawn from the general population. A sample of 4,594 respondents completing an online survey were categorised as exclusive online, land-based and mixed form gamblers. Participants completed a questionnaire eliciting demographic details, participation on all forms of gambling, use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs, help-seeking, and personal problems experienced due to gambling, as well as measures of problem gambling and psychological distress. Findings indicated that mixed gamblers exhibited higher problem gambling scores, level of gambling involvement, and consumption of alcohol during gambling than exclusive online gamblers. Land-based gamblers experienced higher levels of psychological distress, self-acknowledged need for treatment, and help-seeking behaviour. These findings suggest that exclusive online gamblers represent a different subpopulation at lower risk of harm compared to gamblers engaging in multiple forms. Understanding the characteristics of different problem gambling subpopulations may inform the development of more effective targeted interventions.
International Gambling Studies, 2011
The purpose of this study was to compare online pathological gamblers (OPG) to non-online pathological gamblers (non-OPG) in terms of gambling behaviour, socio-demographic features, psychopathology and personality characteristics. A large sample of 1015 pathological gambling (PG) patients consecutively admitted to our Pathological Gambling Unit participated in the study. There were very few differences between OPGs and non-OPGs, limited to OPGs exhibiting slightly higher educational levels, higher socio-economic status and larger amounts of money spent on gambling and gambling debts. There were no differences in clinical, psychopathological and personality characteristics.Although some research has been conducted in the general population, the current paper is one of the few attempts to analyse this topic in clinical samples who seek treatment for their gambling problem. The lack of differences between OPGs and non-OPGs found in our study may encourage further studies to analyse whether similar therapy responses might be obtained in both groups.
African Journal of Business Management, 2012
The main objective of this study is to determine the extents to which gambling affects individuals who frequently indulge in gambling, in order to understand their attitudes and experiences. To achieve this objective, a qualitative interview was undertaken. This required face-to-face interaction with the interviewees. Responses were tape recorded for the purposes of authenticity, credibility, transcription and analysis. The interviews were conducted in an environment most suitable and comfortable for both the researchers and the respondents. 5 participants, all of which are frequent gamblers' participated in the study. The participants displayed different personalities but one characteristic that they all had in common was a secured lifestyle, however, they are still oblivious to the dangers inherent in gambling. Some of them are of the view that they are not yet addicted and as such not at risk of becoming compulsive gamblers. Some of them are wealthy and therefore, their responsibilities are not an issue. Majority of them claimed to be seasoned gamblers based on the experiences that unfolded during the interview. The personalities of the gamblers suggest that majority of them are extroverts, however some gamblers are more mature than others and display more responsible behaviour than others. It is proposed in this treatise that gamblers should be educated more about the dangers of gambling. Casinos should perhaps monitor the behaviours of their frequent gamblers and endeavour to help them if their gambling becomes a menace. Compulsive or pathological gamblers should limit their access to cash, admit to their problem and seek help through family and professional counsellors.
2017
Gambling has a long pedigree, going back millennia and pervading many cultures and societies. Since the mid-1980s there has been unprecedented growth in commercial gambling and annual global gambling losses were estimated to total $400 billion in 2016 (Bogart, 2011; The data team, 2017). This growth is driven by increasing acceptance of legal gambling, the intersection of gambling and financial technologies, impacts of internet and mobile devices, the spread of gambling to traditionally non-gambling settings and other globalisation forces (Abbott & Volberg, 1999). The interest of governments in increasing revenue played a significant part (Hodgins & Petry, 2016). Although gambling expenditure has levelled off or declined in some jurisdictions, there is strong growth in others, including some of the world’s largest nations. There is also strong growth, globally, in on-line gambling. While now widespread, some societies previously had limited experience of gambling and it remains lega...
Over the past decade, gambling has become a very popular activity across Europe including the growth of Internet gambling. Portugal is one of the few European countries where little research has been carried out. Given the lack of studies, a Portuguese sample (N = 1,599) was surveyed concerning their online and offline gambling habits. More specifically, the aim of this study was to identify and compare from the total sample, online pathological gamblers (PGON) (n = 171) and offline pathological gamblers' (PGOF) (n = 171) characteristics , and eventual risk factors for the development of problem gambling. Results demonstrated that PGON had different profiles compared to PGOF, although there were also similarities. Situational characteristics were much more significant for PGON than PGOF (e.g., availability, accessibility, affordability), but PGOF had higher scores than PGON on factors concerning individual characteristics (e.g., intensity of feelings while gambling, depression, suicidal ideation, etc.). Findings also showed differences concerning attitudes toward responsible gambling measures. The fact that situational characteristics are more attractive to online gamblers confirms differences between PGON and PGOF and suggests that this preferred attractiveness may enhance problem gambling potential. Further research is needed to better understand the interaction between Internet situational characteristics and the individual characteristics of gamblers, as well as the profile of the growing population of gamblers that uses both online and offline modes to gamble.