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Di Censo G, Delfabbro P, King DL. Examining the Role of Sports Betting Marketing in Youth Problem Gambling. J Gambl Stud 2024:10.1007/s10899-024-10347-x. [PMID: 39046580 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10347-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sports betting is becoming increasingly common among young people in the UK and Australia. There is a need to understand how the marketing of sports betting may influence risky and pathological gambling to inform policies aimed at reducing harm. This study examines whether sports betting advertising may predict problem gambling scores among young people, while accounting for non-marketing variables. METHODS We recruited 567 participants (53.1% male) aged 18-24 years from an online research panel. Participants were eligible if they had an active betting account and regularly bet on sports. We conducted a hierarchical regression analysis to examine whether four marketing-related measures (exposure to advertising, ad-driven betting decisions, use of betting inducements, and perceived susceptibility to betting inducements) could predict PGSI scores. We controlled for several demographic, psychological, and behavioural variables, including gender, gambling participation, spend per session, participation in in-play betting, normative beliefs about sports betting, and impulsivity. RESULTS The study revealed that sports betting marketing was positively associated with PGSI scores after controlling for non-marketing variables. Significant marketing predictors included ad-driven betting decisions and perceived influence from betting inducements. Other significant predictors included participation in non-sports betting gambling activities, spend per session, involvement in in-play betting, and the impulsivity trait of negative urgency. CONCLUSION Sports betting marketing appears to be implicated in young people's gambling problems. Specifically, young people who have gambling problems may be more likely to bet in response to advertising, and betting incentives may contribute to an intensification of their gambling behaviour. This study supports the implementation of regulations and restrictions on advertising as a measure to protect young problem gamblers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Di Censo
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | - Paul Delfabbro
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Daniel L King
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
- College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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Wirkus T, Czernecka R, Bühringer G, Kräplin A. Individual risk factors and prediction of gambling disorder in online sports bettors - the longitudinal RIGAB study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1320592. [PMID: 38476615 PMCID: PMC10929711 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1320592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction While research in online sports betting is dominated by studies using objective player tracking data from providers to identify risky gambling behavior, basicresearch has identified various putative individual risk factors assumed to underlie the development of gambling disorder across all types of gambling. This study aims to examine individual risk factors and their longitudinal clinical relevance in online sports bettors. Methods German online sports bettors (N = 607, Mage = 34, 92% male) from a provider based sample took part in an online survey. The study team randomly preselected customers to be invited. N = 325 (53,45%) of the participants also took part in an online follow-up survey one year later. Crosssectional and longitudinal associations of putative risk factors and DSM-5 gambling disorder in online sports bettors were analyzed. These risk factors include alcohol and tobacco use, impulsivity, difficulties in emotion identification, emotion regulation strategies, comorbid mental disorders and stress. Results We found more pronounced impulsivity, difficulties in emotion identification, emotion suppression, comorbid mental disorders and stress were cross-sectionally associated with gambling disorder, and longitudinally predicted gambling disorder in online sports bettors (with the exception of emotion suppression). In an overall model only lack of premeditation and perceived helplessness remained significant as predictors for gambling disorder. Online sports bettors with gambling disorder predominantly showed more pronounced risk factors, which were also confirmed longitudinally as relevant for the maintenance of gambling disorder. Discussion Risk factors such as impulsivity and stress and appropriate coping mechanisms should consequently be integrated not only into prevention efforts to identify individuals at risk early, but also into intervention efforts to tailor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Wirkus
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robert Czernecka
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institut für Therapieforschung IFT, Prävention und betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung GmbH, München, Germany
| | - Gerhard Bühringer
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institut für Therapieforschung IFT, Prävention und betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung GmbH, München, Germany
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anja Kräplin
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Shen Y. Determinants of problem sports betting among college students: moderating roles of betting frequency and impulsive betting tendency. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:352. [PMID: 37872630 PMCID: PMC10594762 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01387-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Given the risk and increased incidence of problem betting for young adults, the purpose of the current study was to understand what influences college students' problem sports betting behavior using the theory of planned behavior (TPB). METHODS An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected from 311 college students in the U.S. using a survey questionnaire and primarily analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to investigate the relationships between the study variables. In addition, multi-group SEM analyses were conducted to investigate the moderating roles of betting frequency and impulsive betting tendencies regarding sports betting. RESULTS The results suggested that college students' sports betting intentions (SBI) were associated with attitude towards sports betting, motivation to comply with others, and subjective norm, in this order, but not with perceived behavioral control (PBC). Problem sports betting (PSB) was significantly positively related to their SBI and negatively correlated with PBC. In addition, multigroup analyses found the moderating roles of betting frequency and impulsive betting tendency, especially in the relationship between SBI and PSB. The SBI-PSB relationship was stronger with the infrequent/low-betting group and low-impulse betting group, compared to the frequent/high-betting and high-impulse betting group. CONCLUSION Overall, the results highlighted the importance of peer influence and attitude formation concerning sports betting. Recognizing what influences PSB and the roles of habitual and impulse sports betting in this population are recommended in developing proper public health programs to mitigate PSB issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Shen
- Department of Physical Education, Zhongyuan University of Technology, No. 41 Zhongyuan Rd, 450007, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.
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4
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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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Hing N, Smith M, Rockloff M, Thorne H, Russell AMT, Dowling NA, Breen H. How structural changes in online gambling are shaping the contemporary experiences and behaviours of online gamblers: an interview study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1620. [PMID: 36028827 PMCID: PMC9414406 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14019-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last decade, the provision of online gambling has intensified with increased access, enhanced betting markets, a broader product range, and prolific marketing. However, little research has explored how this intensification is influencing contemporary gambling experiences. This study focused on two research questions: 1) What changes in online gambling have online gamblers observed over the past decade? 2) How have these changes influenced the online gambling experiences and behaviours reported by treatment-seeking and non-treatment-seeking gamblers? Methods Two samples of Australian adults were interviewed: 1) 19 people who had been gambling online for at least a decade and with no history of treatment-seeking for online gambling, and 2) 10 people who had recently sought professional help for an online gambling problem. Telephone interviews were semi-structured, with questions that encouraged participants to consider how their online gambling, including any harmful gambling, had been influenced by changes in operator practices and online gambling environments. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Both treatment- and non-treatment-seekers noted the increased speed and ease of online gambling, which now enables instant access from anywhere at any time and increased their gambling opportunities. Both groups highlighted the continued proliferation of advertising and inducements for online gambling, particularly during televised sports and racing events, in social media, and through targeted push marketing. Many treatment- and non-treatment-seekers were aware of the vast range of recently introduced bet types, particularly multi-bets. Treatment-seekers disproportionately reported negative effects from these changes, and described how and why they fostered their increased gambling, impulsive gambling, persistence and loss-chasing. They reported limited uptake and effectiveness of current harm minimisation tools. Conclusions Counter to stated policy and practice objectives to minimise gambling harm, industry changes that have made online gambling easier, faster, and more heavily incentivised, and increased the array of complex bets with poorer odds, unduly affect addicted and harmed individuals – who are also the most profitable customers. Further consideration is needed to ensure gambling policy, industry practices and public health measures more effectively reduce gambling harm in contemporary settings. Inducements and the poor pricing of complex bets such as multi-bets, and their outsized attraction to players with problems, should be a key focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia.
| | - Michele Smith
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Hannah Thorne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, 44 Greenhill Rd, Wayville, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Alex M T Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, 400 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Nicki A Dowling
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia.,Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, 234 Queensberry Street, Parkville, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - Helen Breen
- Southern Cross University, Military Rd, East Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
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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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Torrance J, Roderique-Davies G, Greville J, O’Hanrahan M, Davies N, Sabolova K, John B. Conceptualising emotional and cognitive dysregulation amongst sports bettors; an exploratory study of ‘tilting’ in a new context. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264000. [PMID: 35176068 PMCID: PMC8853566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tilting is a poker-related phenomenon that involves cognitive and emotional dysregulation in response to unfavourable gambling outcomes. Tilting is characterised by an increase in irrational, impulsive and strategically weak betting decisions. This study aimed to adapt and investigate the concept of tilting amongst sport bettors in order to provide preliminary insight regarding previously unexplored instances of maladaptive sports betting. The sample consisted of 225 sports bettors who completed an online questionnaire that investigated their reported tilting episodes, awareness of tilting, impulsivity, perceived skill, gambling severity, gambling frequency, and product preferences. Cluster analyses revealed three distinct groups of sports bettors based on their reported tilting episodes and their awareness of this phenomenon. The first group were labelled ‘Conscious tilters’ due to being cognizant of their own tilting occurrence which was significantly higher than the other two groups. These ‘Conscious tilters’ had the highest mean problem gambling severity that was indicative of the ‘problem gambler’ categorisation. The second group were labelled ‘Unconscious tilters’ due to their underestimation of their own tilting occurrence and were categorised as ‘moderate risk gamblers’. The third group were labelled ‘Non-tilters’ due to a relatively accurate perception of their low to non-existent tilting occurrence and were categorised as ‘low-risk gamblers’. Additionally, there were significant differences between these groups in relation to reported gambling frequency, impulsivity, and product preferences. There is evidence of various classifications of ‘tilters’ within sports betting. Specific sports betting product features may also facilitate tilting and therefore require further research in this context. It is important for this research area to develop in order to mitigate harms associated with the rapidly changing sport betting environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Torrance
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Gareth Roderique-Davies
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, United Kingdom
| | - James Greville
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, United Kingdom
| | - Marie O’Hanrahan
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, United Kingdom
| | - Nyle Davies
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, United Kingdom
| | - Klara Sabolova
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, United Kingdom
| | - Bev John
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, United Kingdom
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Russell AMT, Browne M, Hing N, Rockloff M, Newall P. Are any samples representative or unbiased? reply to Pickering and Blaszczynski. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2021.1973535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alex M. T. Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew Browne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Bundaberg, Australia
| | - Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Bundaberg, Australia
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Bundaberg, Australia
| | - Philip Newall
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Sydney, Australia
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Li E, Briley DA, Dixon MJ, Williams RJ. Cross-Cultural Studies Into Gambling Consumption Behavior: Eyeing Eye-Tracking Measures. Front Psychol 2021; 12:646007. [PMID: 34177700 PMCID: PMC8222542 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.646007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- En Li
- School of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Donnel A Briley
- The University of Sydney Business School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mike J Dixon
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Robert J Williams
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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What's the Message? A Content Analysis of Emails and Texts Received from Wagering Operators During Sports and Racing Events. J Gambl Stud 2021; 36:1107-1121. [PMID: 31559560 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-019-09896-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has established direct messages (such as emails and text messages) are a widely seen form of advertising and are highly influential on sports betting and race betting behaviour. Nevertheless, few studies have examined the specific content of these messages, and whether their content is related to account-holders' betting behaviour. The current study used an ecological momentary assessment design to examine direct messages received from wagering operators during the week around major Australian sports and racing events. Respondents completed a baseline survey followed by short daily surveys over a period of 1 week during peak betting periods, and provided the research team with the emails and text messages they received from wagering operators during this time. A sample of 102 sports and 110 race bettors provided a total of 931 messages. These messages subsequently underwent a content analysis to extract key features that were promoted, including inducements, incentives, and bet type. The analysis found the messages were saturated with inducements to bet, however no relationships were identified between the content of messages and the gambling risk status or betting frequency of participants. The most common types of incentives offered included bonus bets, rewards points, better odds/winnings, and reduced risk. Frequently promoted inducements included bonus or better winnings, refund/stake back offers, and match your stake/deposit. Given the influences of inducements on increasing betting expenditure and impulsive betting identified through previous research, taken together with the findings of the current study, direct messages may contribute to experiencing gambling-related harm. These findings have important implications for consumer education and the regulation of direct messages.
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Newall PWS, Russell AMT, Hing N. Structural characteristics of fixed-odds sports betting products. J Behav Addict 2021; 10:371-380. [PMID: 33835942 PMCID: PMC8997226 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2021.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS A literature exists on the structural characteristics of electronic gambling machines (EGMs), which are design innovations that can promote spending excessive time and money on these games. Fixed-odds sports betting products, where bettors place sports bets against a bookmaker, have also seen significant innovations in recent years. Despite some differences between these gambling products, similar structural characteristics could also be relevant to sports betting. The aim was to review previous research on contemporary fixed-odds sports betting products, and to identify whether structural characteristics from the EGM literature are also relevant to sports betting. METHODS Structural characteristics uncovered by two influential reviews of EGMs were identified, and their relevance to fixed-odds sports betting products discussed via a narrative review. RESULTS Structural characteristics of payout interval and potential betting frequency (in-play betting), multiplier potential (accumulators, complex bets, multis), win probability and payout ratio (all bets), bettor involvement (custom sports betting products, cash out), skill required (all bets), and near-misses (accumulators, complex bets, multis) were all identified in modern fixed-odds sports betting products. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Fixed-odds sports betting products have increasingly incorporated structural characteristics previously found in EGMs. Future research could further assess the extent to which these structural characteristics contribute to fixed-odds sports bettors spending excessive amounts of time and money while betting. These findings can help guide further sports betting research, contribute to an improved understanding of the potential universality of gambling product design, and inform policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip W. S. Newall
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex M. T. Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
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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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Pickering D, Blaszczynski A. Paid online convenience samples in gambling studies: questionable data quality. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2021.1884735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Pickering
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Alex Blaszczynski
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia
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Li E, Hing N, Russell AMT, Vitartas P. Impulsive Sports Betting: The Effects of Food or Substance Consumption. J Gambl Stud 2020; 36:539-554. [PMID: 32266648 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-020-09938-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to explore how food or substance consumption (e.g., experiencing hunger, or having consumed alcohol or recreational drugs) could shape consumer impulsive spending on sports betting products. Based on a large online sample of Australian sports bettors, we found that participants with higher hunger level, or having consumed more alcohol or recreational drugs, tended to have increased impulsive bet size. These impulsiveness effects had both direct and indirect effect components. The significant direct effects confirmed that positive relationships directly existed between hunger, alcohol consumption, or recreational drug consumption and impulsive bet size, even when all potential mediators and covariates were statistically controlled. Moreover, results regarding specific indirect effects demonstrated that hunger, alcohol consumption, or recreational drug consumption was also indirectly linked with impulsive bet size, via their relationships with both promotional and financial influences, rather than social influences. Furthermore, participants' Problem Gambling Severity Index score was positively associated with their impulsive bet size. These findings support and complement the literature on impulsivity as well as the research on strategies for staying in control of gambling, and have implications for consumers, regulators, and treatment/help providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- En Li
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Business and Law, CQUniversity, Rockhampton, QLD, Australia.
| | - Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex M T Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Vitartas
- Department of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Marketing, La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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Houghton S, Moss M. Comparing football bettors' response to social media marketing differing in bet complexity and account type - An experimental study. J Behav Addict 2020; 10:388-395. [PMID: 32980826 PMCID: PMC8997207 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2020.00056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The current study aimed to assess how sports bettors respond to advertised bets on social media and whether this differs dependent upon bet complexity and social media account type. METHODS Employing a 3 × 2 repeated measures design, 145 regular football bettors were recruited to take part in an online study requiring them to rate bets advertised upon social media, providing indications of their likelihood to bet, confidence in the bet and how much they would stake on the bet. Advertised bets differed in terms of complexity (low, medium and high) and each bet was presented separately on both an operator account and an affiliate account. RESULTS Data analysis highlighted a significant interaction between bet complexity and account type, with bettors rating themselves as being more likely to bet and more confident in bets which were presented on an affiliate account for medium complexity bets but not for low or high complexity bets. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This study provides initial evidence that affiliate marketing of sports betting increases bettor's confidence in certain types of bets. This heightens previously addressed concerns around affiliate marketing, given that affiliates are financially incentivised to attract custom toward gambling operators. Future research should explore risk factors for increased uptake of affiliate marketing, and the impact on gambling behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Houghton
- NB155, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Mark Moss
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
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Abstract
Studies examining risk factors for problem gambling amongst sports bettors have used screens that assess gambling problems in general. Because people experiencing gambling-related problems tend to gamble on multiple forms, it is unclear whether problems identified amongst sports bettors are due to sports betting itself. The present study examined a range of distal and proximal demographic, behavioural and psychological risk factors using a modified version of the Problem Gambling Severity Index which respondents answered only in relation to their sports betting. In general, those at risk were younger, spoke a language other than English, were more engaged sports bettors and gamblers, and tended not to watch the event they had bet on. They particularly endorsed money-oriented motivations, and had higher erroneous cognitions, gambling urges, and were more likely to experience alcohol issues. Higher-risk sports bettors were also more likely to apportion less responsibility for their gambling to themselves, and to have lower self control. A penalised model found that key predictors were money motivations, gambling urges and erroneous cognitions, alcohol issues and lower self-control, but not sports betting behaviour. These findings suggest that one's psychological relationship to sports betting is a primary driver of gambling-related problems, rather than just betting behaviour. As sports betting expands through new products and legalisation in additional jurisdictions, understanding who is most at risk from this form of gambling is important to inform legislation as well as harm reduction and treatment measures.
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Gainsbury SM, Abarbanel B, Blaszczynski A. The Relationship Between In-Play Betting and Gambling Problems in an Australian Context of Prohibited Online In-Play Betting. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:574884. [PMID: 33192709 PMCID: PMC7644858 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.574884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Internationally, Internet gambling is increasingly permitted under regulated licensing conditions; however, the specific products that are legal varies between jurisdictions. Online sports and race wagering are now legal in many jurisdictions, but in-play betting (also referred to as "live action" or "in-the-run" betting) is often restricted. In-play betting enables bets to be placed on an event after it has commenced. Prohibitionist policies often cite the potential for this type of betting to increase risk of gambling problems. This study aimed to identify which online bettors are most likely to engage in in-play betting, and to investigate the relationship between in-play betting and gambling problems. Online survey responses were collected from 501 Australian past-month online sports bettors in the context of in-play betting only being available on offshore gambling sites or via telephone betting. Thirty-four percent of participants had placed a bet in-play in the past month. Participants placing in-play bets differed from those who had not in terms of education, employment status, ethnicity, age, and gambling involvement. Those who bet in-play had higher problem gambling severity scores than those who did not bet in-play. Problem gambling severity significantly predicting in-play betting, holding other variables constant. Findings are consistent with previous research indicating that the relationship between in-play gambling and problems holds across jurisdictions which have prohibited and legalized in-play betting. The findings suggest that in-play betting should warrant specific regulatory attention and interventions to minimize gambling harms among individuals that engage with this activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Melissa Gainsbury
- Brain and Mind Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Abarbanel
- Brain and Mind Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia.,International Gaming Institute, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Alex Blaszczynski
- Brain and Mind Centre, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Darlington, NSW, Australia
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Parke A, Parke J. Transformation of Sports Betting into a Rapid and Continuous Gambling Activity: a Grounded Theoretical Investigation of Problem Sports Betting in Online Settings. Int J Ment Health Addict 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-018-0049-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Russell AMT, Hing N, Browne M, Rawat V. Are direct messages (texts and emails) from wagering operators associated with betting intention and behavior? An ecological momentary assessment study. J Behav Addict 2018; 7:1079-1090. [PMID: 30352520 PMCID: PMC6376386 DOI: 10.1556/2006.7.2018.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Direct messaging via text messages (texts) and emails is a widely used method to advertise sports and race-betting offers. However, they have attracted little research, as this advertising is not in the public domain. This study aimed to determine whether betting expenditure is related to receiving direct wagering messages, and the specific inducements they promote. We hypothesized that receiving direct messages, particularly texts, would be related to betting expenditure within 24 hr. METHODS In this ecological momentary assessment study, regular sports (n = 98) and race (n = 104) bettors from Australia completed short daily surveys over 1 week that captured exposure to direct messages, betting behavior in the previous 24 hr, and betting intention for the next 24 hr. Respondents were asked to forward any texts and emails received to the researchers, who coded them for inducement content. RESULTS Longitudinal analyses found that receiving emails was positively associated with betting intention, whereas texts were positively associated with higher likelihood of betting and betting expenditure. These effects persisted when controlling for problem gambling status and signature betting events. Refund stake and bonus odds inducements were positively associated with likelihood of race betting (although not in multivariate models), as were bonus winnings inducements for sports betting. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Direct messages, particularly texts, are powerful marketing tools, encouraging a nearly immediate, and arguably impulsive, betting response, which may increase gambling-related problems. Overseeing this private form of advertising presents challenges to regulators, and to public health efforts that aim to reduce gambling harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M. T. Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew Browne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Vijay Rawat
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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22
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Facing temptation: The neural correlates of gambling availability during sports picture exposure. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2018; 18:718-729. [PMID: 29700724 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-018-0599-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, sports betting has become increasingly available and easy to engage in. Here we examined the neural responses to stimuli that represent sporting events available for betting as compared to sporting events without a gambling opportunity. We used a cue exposure task in which football (soccer) fans (N = 42) viewed cues depicting scheduled football games that would occur shortly after the scanning session. In the "betting" condition, participants were instructed to choose, at the end of each block, the game (and the team) they wanted to bet on. In the "watching" condition, participants chose the game they would prefer to watch. After the scanning session, participants completed posttask rating questionnaires assessing, for each cue, their level of confidence about the team they believed would win and how much they would enjoy watching the game. We found that stimuli representing sport events available for betting elicited higher fronto-striatal activation, as well as higher insular cortex activity and functional connectivity, than sport events without a gambling opportunity. Moreover, games rated with more confidence towards the winning team resulted in greater brain activations within regions involved in affective decision-making (ventromedial prefrontal cortex), cognitive inhibitory control (medial and superior frontal gyri) and reward processing (ventral and dorsal striatum). Altogether, these novel findings offer a sensible simulation of how the high availability of sports betting in today's environment impacts on the reward and cognitive control systems. Future studies are needed to extend the present findings to a sample of football fans that includes a samilar proportion of female and male participants.
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Hing N, Russell AMT, Li E, Vitartas P. Does the uptake of wagering inducements predict impulse betting on sport? J Behav Addict 2018; 7:146-157. [PMID: 29508623 PMCID: PMC6035013 DOI: 10.1556/2006.7.2018.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Marketing inducements for addictive products, such as wagering, can prompt impulse purchasing by triggering consumption reminders, urges, and cravings. Wagering inducements incentivize betting by providing bonus bets, money-back guarantees, deposits into betting accounts, and discounts. Their promotion during sporting events, push marketing efforts directed at consumers, and ease of uptake at the point-of-sale, may trigger betting on impulse. This study examined whether the uptake of wagering inducements predicted impulse betting on sport. Methods Australian sports bettors (N = 1,813) completed an online survey measuring their proportion of planned bets, impulse bets before match commencement, and impulse bets during play; frequency of using wagering inducements; and several psychological, behavioral, and demographic variables. Results More frequent users of wagering inducements had a greater tendency to place impulse in-play bets, which were also predicted by problem gambling, higher buying impulsiveness, higher frequency of watching sports, younger age, and higher educational status. Sports bettors with a greater tendency to place impulse bets before match commencement also tended to have higher buying impulsiveness and to be younger, but they used inducements less frequently, and tended to be female, less-educated and non-problem, moderate risk, or problem gamblers. Discussion and conclusions Uptake of wagering inducements appeared to be particularly effective in stimulating impulse in-play betting among problem gamblers and frequent sports viewers. These results suggest that a more cautious approach to the regulation of both in-play bets and wagering inducements may be required to better protect young adults from gambling problems and harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerilee Hing
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Alex M. T. Russell
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - En Li
- School of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, North Rockhampton, QLD, Australia
| | - Peter Vitartas
- La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
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