scholarly journals Understanding Online Voluntary Self-Exclusion in Gambling: An Empirical Study Using Account-Based Behavioral Tracking Data

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 2000
Author(s):  
Maris Catania ◽  
Mark D. Griffiths
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behavior ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Addiction ◽  
Gambling Activity ◽  
Behavioral Tracking ◽  
Proxy Measure ◽  
Account Due ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Analyze Data

Online gambling has continued to grow alongside new ways to analyze data using behavioral tracking as a way to enhance consumer protection. A number of studies have analyzed consumers that have used voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) as a proxy measure for problem gambling. However, some scholars have argued that this is a poor proxy for problem gambling. Therefore, the present study examined this issue by analyzing customers (from the gambling operator Unibet) that have engaged in VSE. The participants comprised of costumers that chose to use the six-month VSE option (n = 7732), and customers that chose to close their Unibet account due to a specific self-reported gambling addiction (n = 141). Almost one-fifth of the customers that used six-month VSE only had gambling activity for less than 24 h (19.15%). Moreover, half of the customers had less than seven days of account registration prior to six-month VSE (50.39%). Customers who use VSE are too different to be treated as a homogenous group and therefore VSE is not a reliable proxy measure for problem gambling. The findings of this research are beneficial for operators, researchers, and policymakers because it provides insight into gambling behavior by analyzing real player behavior using tracking technologies, which is objective and unbiased.

scholarly journals Modeling Early Gambling Behavior Using Indicators from Online Lottery Gambling Tracking Data: Longitudinal Analysis

10.2196/17675 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. e17675
Author(s):  
Gaëlle Challet-Bouju ◽  
Jean-Benoit Hardouin ◽  
Elsa Thiabaud ◽  
Anaïs Saillard ◽  
Yann Donnio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Growth Mixture Modeling ◽  
Responsible Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behavior ◽  
Internet Gambling ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Gambling Activity ◽  
Lottery Gambling

Background Individuals who gamble online may be at risk of gambling excessively, but internet gambling also provides a unique opportunity to monitor gambling behavior in real environments which may allow intervention for those who encounter difficulties. Objective The objective of this study was to model the early gambling trajectories of individuals who play online lottery. Methods Anonymized gambling‐related records of the initial 6 months of 1152 clients of the French national lottery who created their internet gambling accounts between September 2015 and February 2016 were analyzed using a two-step approach that combined growth mixture modeling and latent class analysis. The analysis was based upon behavior indicators of gambling activity (money wagered and number of gambling days) and indicators of gambling problems (breadth of involvement and chasing). Profiles were described based upon the probabilities of following the trajectories that were identified for the four indicators, and upon several covariates (age, gender, deposits, type of play, net losses, voluntary self-exclusion, and Playscan classification—a responsible gambling tool that provides each player with a risk assessment: green for low risk, orange for medium risk and red for high risk). Net losses, voluntary self-exclusion, and Playscan classification were used as external verification of problem gambling. Results We identified 5 distinct profiles of online lottery gambling. Classes 1 (56.8%), 2 (14.8%) and 3 (13.9%) were characterized by low to medium gambling activity and low values for markers of problem gambling. They displayed low net losses, did not use the voluntary self-exclusion measure, and were classified predominantly with green Playscan tags (range 90%-98%). Class 4 (9.7%) was characterized by medium to high gambling activity, played a higher breadth of game types (range 1-6), and had zero to few chasing episodes. They had high net losses but were classified with green (66%) or orange (25%) Playscan tags and did not use the voluntary self-exclusion measure. Class 5 (4.8%) was characterized by medium to very high gambling activity, played a higher breadth of game types (range 1-17), and had a high number of chasing episodes (range 0-5). They experienced the highest net losses, the highest proportion of orange (32%) and red (39%) tags within the Playscan classification system and represented the only class in which voluntary self-exclusion was present. Conclusions Classes 1, 2, 3 may be considered to represent recreational gambling. Class 4 had higher gambling activity and higher breadth of involvement and may be representative of players at risk for future gambling problems. Class 5 stood out in terms of much higher gambling activity and breadth of involvement, and the presence of chasing behavior. Individuals in classes 4 and 5 may benefit from early preventive measures.

scholarly journals Juego online: tratamiento de un caso de adicción a apuestas deportivas

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. e339
Author(s):  
Marta Marcos ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Gambling Disorder ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Behavioral Therapy ◽  
Treatment Protocol ◽  
Gambling Behavior ◽  
Sports Betting ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Addiction ◽  
Symptom Severity Scale ◽  
Motivation And Learning

Background: online gambling (bets, casino games, poker, etc.) is an activity that is spreading worldwide, even in countries where it is not yet legalized. Although the situation in Latin America is very heterogeneous, it is possible that, as online gambling is developed and promoted, addiction problems arise. This has already happened in Spain since the legalization of online gambling in 2011. Thus, psychology should be developing intervention programs to face this new scenario. Goal: this paper describes the treatment protocol for a young man with sports betting addiction. Method: the treatment proposal consisted in a cognitive behavioral therapy which focused on deconditioning of gambling situations; training of skills needed to prevent relapses and overcome risky situations; information on gambling risks; change of attitude towards gambling; and promotion of a healthy lifestyle incompatible with gambling addiction. Results: both the treatment phases and the theoretical basis of the intervention proposal are described. The patient, diagnosed with a severe gambling disorder, showed improvements in the gambling disorder criteria and the Symptom Severity Scale Score. Conclusions: a treatment protocol for online gambling addiction, which is based on the principles of motivation and learning, has been developed. This protocol has demonstrated to be effective in reducing gambling behavior and promoting a new healthy lifestyle.

scholarly journals The Influence of Lockdown on the Gambling Pattern of Swiss Casinos Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 1973
Author(s):  
Suzanne Lischer ◽  
Angela Steffen ◽  
Jürg Schwarz ◽  
Jacqueline Mathys
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Gambling Behavior ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Activity ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Gambling Intensity

The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has had a major impact on most societies worldwide, including the closure of non-essential businesses in spring 2020. The present study considers its impact upon gambling behavior. Particularly, changes in self-reported gambling by Swiss, land-based casino players are examined. The main characteristics of respondents who played or did not play during lockdown are also investigated. This study is embedded in an ongoing longitudinal study that examines the gambling behavior of casino players at three points in time. All respondents who had participated in the first wave of the longitudinal study by the cut-off date (15th March 2020) were asked about their gambling behavior during lockdown in a supplementary online survey three weeks after the end of lockdown. A total of 55% of the 110 respondents reported having played during lockdown. Gambling intensity significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in our sample. Considering only those respondents (n = 66) who reported having gambled during lockdown, gambling intensity also decreased (p < 0.001), but online gambling significantly increased (p < 0.002). Those players who have increased their gambling activity require particular attention. It is important that casinos respond with appropriate player protection measures to those who have increased their gambling activity during the pandemic.

scholarly journals Modeling Early Gambling Behavior Using Indicators from Online Lottery Gambling Tracking Data: Longitudinal Analysis (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaëlle Challet-Bouju ◽  
Jean-Benoit Hardouin ◽  
Elsa Thiabaud ◽  
Anaïs Saillard ◽  
Yann Donnio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Growth Mixture Modeling ◽  
Responsible Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behavior ◽  
Internet Gambling ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Gambling Activity ◽  
Lottery Gambling

BACKGROUND Individuals who gamble online may be at risk of gambling excessively, but internet gambling also provides a unique opportunity to monitor gambling behavior in real environments which may allow intervention for those who encounter difficulties. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to model the early gambling trajectories of individuals who play online lottery. METHODS Anonymized gambling‐related records of the initial 6 months of 1152 clients of the French national lottery who created their internet gambling accounts between September 2015 and February 2016 were analyzed using a two-step approach that combined growth mixture modeling and latent class analysis. The analysis was based upon behavior indicators of gambling activity (money wagered and number of gambling days) and indicators of gambling problems (breadth of involvement and chasing). Profiles were described based upon the probabilities of following the trajectories that were identified for the four indicators, and upon several covariates (age, gender, deposits, type of play, net losses, voluntary self-exclusion, and Playscan classification—a responsible gambling tool that provides each player with a risk assessment: green for low risk, orange for medium risk and red for high risk). Net losses, voluntary self-exclusion, and Playscan classification were used as external verification of problem gambling. RESULTS We identified 5 distinct profiles of online lottery gambling. Classes 1 (56.8%), 2 (14.8%) and 3 (13.9%) were characterized by low to medium gambling activity and low values for markers of problem gambling. They displayed low net losses, did not use the voluntary self-exclusion measure, and were classified predominantly with green Playscan tags (range 90%-98%). Class 4 (9.7%) was characterized by medium to high gambling activity, played a higher breadth of game types (range 1-6), and had zero to few chasing episodes. They had high net losses but were classified with green (66%) or orange (25%) Playscan tags and did not use the voluntary self-exclusion measure. Class 5 (4.8%) was characterized by medium to very high gambling activity, played a higher breadth of game types (range 1-17), and had a high number of chasing episodes (range 0-5). They experienced the highest net losses, the highest proportion of orange (32%) and red (39%) tags within the Playscan classification system and represented the only class in which voluntary self-exclusion was present. CONCLUSIONS Classes 1, 2, 3 may be considered to represent recreational gambling. Class 4 had higher gambling activity and higher breadth of involvement and may be representative of players at risk for future gambling problems. Class 5 stood out in terms of much higher gambling activity and breadth of involvement, and the presence of chasing behavior. Individuals in classes 4 and 5 may benefit from early preventive measures.

scholarly journals Gamblers’ Perception of the Playscan Risk Assessment: A Mixed-Methods Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Forsström ◽  
Alexander Rozental ◽  
Emma Wiklund ◽  
Per Carlbring ◽  
Philip Lindner
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Responsible Gambling ◽  
Gambling Behavior ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
General View ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Qualitative Analyses

AbstractResponsible gambling (RG) tools are globally widespread; they aim to prevent or decrease the harm caused by gambling. However, existing research suggests that several included features do not decrease gambling or significantly reduce the subsequent harm. Most of the previous studies have used gambling data to understand the changes in gambling behavior. However, the literature lacks research regarding gamblers’ experience and perception of RG tools, which may provide insight into increasing the usage and effectiveness of RG tools. This mixed-methods study aimed to explore gamblers’ perception of their risk assessment in the RG tool Playscan regarding developing harmful gambling problems. Overall, 757 participants rated the perceived accuracy of their risk assessment and their perception of the overall RG tool that conducted the assessment. Participants were also allowed to leave a comment providing feedback, which was analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed using logistic regression and structural equation modeling. Qualitative analyses revealed that most of the participants were pleased with the risk assessment and found it helpful. Moderated mediation analysis showed that participants’ assessment agreement partially mediated the association between expressing a negative view and their general view of Playscan. These results highlight the need to decrease the level of disagreement for promoting a better general view of RG tools to potentially increase their usage and effectiveness.

scholarly journals Online Gambling Activity, Pay-to-Win Payments, Motivation to Gamble and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Gambling Disorder Among e-sports Bettors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadeta Lelonek-Kuleta ◽  
Rafał Piotr Bartczuk
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Predictive Model ◽  
Gambling Disorder ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Gambling Activity ◽  
Psychological Variables ◽  
Betting Behavior ◽  
Game Session ◽  
And Coping

AbstractResearch on esports activity usually captures it from the perspective of involvement in gaming. This study presents the results of the first research in Poland (N = 438) on esports betting (ESB). ESB is compared to other forms of e-gambling and involvement in pay-to-win games. The aim was to build a predictive model of gambling disorder among people betting on esports. A predictive model of gambling disorder based on ordinal regression was built, including sociodemographic variables, involvement in esports betting, involvement in other Internet activities connected to ESB, as well as psychological variables—motivation to gamble and coping strategies. The results showed that gambling disorder among esports bettors is associated with time spent on one game session, placing other forms of online gambling bets once a week or more often, and paying in pay-to-win games. Gambling disorder was also predicted by escape coping strategies and lower engaged strategies as well as financial and coping motivation to bet on esports results. The results show the crucial role of psychological factors (motivation, coping) in the development of esports betting addiction. Esports betting is an activity associated with both gambling and gaming—involvement in both activities explains the development of ESB addiction. There is a need for further research focused on the specificity of esports betting behavior to discover the direction of links among gaming, gambling, and esports gambling.

scholarly journals Being a Gambler during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study with Italian Patients and the Effects of Reduced Exposition

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 424
Author(s):  
Maria Anna Donati ◽  
Silvia Cabrini ◽  
Daniela Capitanucci ◽  
Caterina Primi ◽  
Roberta Smaniotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Gambling Behavior ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Problem Gamblers ◽  
Electronic Gambling Machines ◽  
Electronic Gambling ◽  
Gambling Market ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Gambling Activities

The COVID-19 pandemic, with the consequent lockdown of about 3 months, can be viewed as an experimental model to observe the impact of the depletion of environmental factors that stimulate gambling, particularly electronic gambling machines (EGMs) that were set to zero. The effects of some structural characteristics of gambling activities that increase gambling behavior were studied among disordered gamblers in treatment in this unique scenario. In fact, studies investigating the effects of the lockdown on problem gamblers (PGs) under treatment are missing. The aims of this study were to analyze patients’ gambling behavior and craving during the lockdown and to conduct a comparison between gambling disorder (GD) symptoms at the beginning of the treatment and during lockdown. The study was conducted in Italy, the European country with the largest gambling market and the first to be affected by the virus. Data were collected through a semi-structured telephone interview conducted by healthcare professionals. Participants were 135 PGs under treatment (109 males, mean age = 50.07). Results showed that most PGs achieved a significant improvement in their quality of life, with less gambling behavior, GD symptoms, and lower craving. No shift toward online gambling and very limited shift towards other potential addictive and excessive behaviors occurred. The longer the treatment, the more monitoring is present and the better the results in terms of symptoms reduction. Individual and environmental characteristics during the lockdown favored the reduction in symptoms. Consideration for prevention and treatment are discussed.

scholarly journals Gambling Problems Are Associated with Alcohol Misuse and Insomnia: Results from a Representative National Telephone Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 6683
Author(s):  
Hannah Briony Thorne ◽  
Matthew Justus Rockloff ◽  
Sally Anne Ferguson ◽  
Grace Elizabeth Vincent ◽  
Matthew Browne
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Problem Gambling ◽  
Alcohol Misuse ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Gambling Problems ◽  
Poor Sleep Quality

Gambling has significant costs to the community, with a health burden similar in scale to major depression. To reduce its impact, it is necessary to understand factors that may exacerbate harm from gambling. The gambling environment of late-night licensed venues and 24/7 online gambling has the potential to negatively impact sleep and increase alcohol consumption. This study explored gambling, alcohol, and sleep problems to understand whether there is a relationship between these three factors. Telephone interviews were conducted with a representative sample of Australian adults (n = 3760) combined across three waves of the National Social Survey. Participants completed screening measures for at-risk gambling, at-risk alcohol consumption, insomnia (2015 wave only), and sleep quality. There were small but significant positive correlations between problem gambling and alcohol misuse, problem gambling and insomnia, and problem gambling and poor sleep quality. A regression model showed that gambling problems and alcohol misuse were significant independent predictors of insomnia. A separate regression showed gambling problems (and not alcohol misuse) were a significant predictor of poor sleep quality, but only in one survey wave. Findings suggest that gambling, alcohol, and sleep problems are related within persons. Further research should examine the mechanisms through which this relationship exists.

scholarly journals And That is Where the Fun Ends – General Practitioners’ Conceptualisation of the Line between Recreational and Problem Gambling

2014 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Dieter Egerer ◽  
Virve Marionneau
Keyword(s):  
Problem Gambling ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
Medical Model ◽  
Online Gambling ◽  
Group Method ◽  
Gambling Behaviour ◽  
Cultural Variations ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Individual

AbstractAIMS – Problem gambling is normally identified by fixed criteria of harm adapted from those of substance abuse and by focusing on the individual gambler. However, rigid definitions neglect institutional variations of gambling practices within different legislative configurations. This study proposes analysing the line between recreational and problem gambling by focusing on gambling behaviour and looking at the corruption of the defining factors of play (Caillois, 1958) in three different institutional contexts. DESIGN – A stimulated focus-group method (Reception Analytical Group Interview) was applied to seven groups of Finnish and French general practitioners each and three groups of German ones to study the variations of conceptualising the defining factors of play as introduced by Caillois. RESULTS – Corruption of play was distinguished by participants from all three countries as the dividing line between recreational and problem gambling, but cultural variations were found: the French and German GPs emphasised the loss of the exceptionality of gambling, whereas the Finnish GPs highlighted the invasion of the home by online gambling. Furthermore, the Finnish and German participants were more concerned about the use of gambling as an emotional regulator, while French GPs echoed the French medical model in discussing the adrenaline rush of problem gamblers. CONCLUSIONS – Caillois’ defining factors of play can be used to distinguish recreational from problem gambling and to offer a more encompassing definition of problem gambling. The perception of the line between recreational and problem gambling also seems to depend on the institutional and cultural context.

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