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Clune S, Ratnaike D, White V, Donaldson A, Randle E, O'Halloran P, Lewis V. What is known about population level programs designed to address gambling-related harm: rapid review of the evidence. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:118. [PMID: 38890632 PMCID: PMC11184756 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-01032-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling and gambling-related harm attract significant researcher and policy attention. The liberalisation of gambling in most western countries is strongly associated with a marked rise in gambling activity and increases in gambling-related harm experienced at the population level. Programs to address gambling-related harm have traditionally focused on individuals who demonstrate problematic gambling behaviour, despite clear evidence of the effectiveness of a public health approach to high-risk activities like gambling. Little is known about the availability or efficacy of programs to address gambling-related harm at a population level. METHODS The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation commissioned a rapid evidence review of the available evidence on programs designed to reduce gambling-related harm at a population level. The review was conducted using a public health and harm reduction lens. MEDLINE, ProQuest Central and PsychInfo databases were searched systematically. Included studies were published in English between 2017 - 2023 from all countries with gambling policy contexts and public health systems comparable to Australia's; included primary data; and focused on primary and/or secondary prevention of gambling-related harm or problems. RESULTS One hundred and sixty-seven articles were eligible for inclusion. Themes identified in the literature included: risk and protective factors; primary prevention; secondary prevention; tertiary prevention; target population group; and public health approach. The evidence review revealed a gap in empirical evidence around effective interventions to reduce gambling-related harm at the population level, particularly from a public health perspective. CONCLUSIONS Addressing gambling-related harm requires a nuanced, multi-layered approach that acknowledges the complex social, environmental, and commercial nature of gambling and associated harms. Moreover, evidence demonstrates community programs to reduce gambling-related harm are more successful in reducing harm when based on sound theory of co-design and address the social aspects that contribute to harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Clune
- Australian Institute for Primary Care & Ageing (AIPCA), La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
| | - Deepika Ratnaike
- Australian Institute for Primary Care & Ageing (AIPCA), La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Vanessa White
- Australian Institute for Primary Care & Ageing (AIPCA), La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Alex Donaldson
- Centre for Sport and Social Impact (CSSI), La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Erica Randle
- Centre for Sport and Social Impact (CSSI), La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Paul O'Halloran
- Centre for Sport and Social Impact (CSSI), La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, 3086, Australia
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Virginia Lewis
- Australian Institute for Primary Care & Ageing (AIPCA), La Trobe University, Melbourne Campus, Victoria, 3086, Australia
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2
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He M, Tong KK. The Role of Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy in Responsible Gambling. J Gambl Stud 2024:10.1007/s10899-024-10309-3. [PMID: 38831238 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10309-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Responsible gambling (RG) refers to a set of protective strategies aiming at containing the negative consequences associated with gambling. To improve the effectiveness of RG, it is essential to understand factors influencing gamblers' adherence to RG. Past literatures on addictive behaviors have demonstrated that one's self-efficacy and self-esteem are associated with the adherence to protective behaviors of the specific addictive behaviors. The present study aims to test whether gamblers' self-esteem and RG self-efficacy can be applied to explain their adherence to protective gambling behaviors. Two hundred and thirty-six past-year gamblers were randomly selected to take part in a phone survey. Path analysis showed that both gamblers' RG self-efficacy and self-esteem were positively associated with gamblers' RG behaviors, while RG behaviors were negatively linked to the problem gambling tendency. The findings provided insight into potential promotion and intervention strategies based on self-esteem and self-efficacy and those strategies may be adopted in the primary prevention of gambling disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu He
- School of Educational Science, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou, China
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Kwok Kit Tong
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China.
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3
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Grubbs JB, Kraus SW. Binge Drinking Among Sports Gamblers. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e245473. [PMID: 38558143 PMCID: PMC10985549 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.5473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This survey study examines whether or not individuals who wager on sports are at greater risk of binge use of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua B. Grubbs
- Department of Psychology, Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque
| | - Shane W. Kraus
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
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4
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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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5
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Nedeljković B, Zubović J, Kilibarda B. Exploring Socioeconomic, Demographic and Psychological Predictors of At-risk Gambling and Participation in Specific Gambling Activities: A Comparative Approach. J Gambl Stud 2023:10.1007/s10899-023-10278-z. [PMID: 38103123 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10278-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In this research, we aimed to provide a comparative examination of at-risk gambling and four types of gambling activities from the standpoint of socioeconomic, demographic and psychological factors. Using data collected from 7,385 adults aged 18-64 from Serbia, we investigated how specific variables contribute to the likelihood of participation in lottery playing, sports betting, casino games, and slot games across the three time frames (lifetime, last year, and last month), and at-risk gambling. Logistic regressions revealed that male sex, ages 18 to 34, drug use, harmful alcohol use, and elevated levels of distress were significant predictors of participation in any point of life in sports betting, casino games, and slot games, and at-risk gambling. Secondary education, residing in an urban area, and harmful alcohol use predicted - across three time frames - the engagement in lottery playing, sports betting, and slot games playing, respectively. Smoking, and specifically heavy smoking, was shown to be predictive of lifetime participation in all types of gambling, while having single marital status and being unemployed emerged as the factors increasing the odds for the last-month slot games playing. Notably, the 18 to 24 age cohort turned out to be the most vulnerable part of the population, as they displayed the largest odds for at-risk gambling, and both lifetime and last-year involvement in sports betting, casino games, and slot games playing. This highlights the necessity of targeted public health interventions for the young adult population and people who experiment or already experience problems related to substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boban Nedeljković
- Welfare Economics Department, Institute of Economic Sciences, Zmaj Jovina str. 12, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Jovan Zubović
- Welfare Economics Department, Institute of Economic Sciences, Zmaj Jovina str. 12, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Biljana Kilibarda
- Institute of Public Health of Serbia "Dr. Milan Jovanović Batut", Belgrade, Serbia
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6
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Grubbs JB, Kraus SW. The relative risks of different forms of sports betting in a U.S. sample: A brief report. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 127:152420. [PMID: 37696095 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 21st century has brought substantial changes to the manners in which people gamble and the types of things on which people gamble. These changes are particularly stark in the United States, where, over the past five years, sports betting has gone from being legal in only one location to being legal throughout the majority of the country, often via mobile applications and online betting websites. METHOD In March of 2022, a sample of the U.S. population (n = 2806, Mage[SD] = 48.9[17.2]; 1365[48.6%] men; response rate = 87.6%) and an oversample of sports-wagering adults in the U.S. (n = 1557, Mage[SD] = 41.7[15.3]; 1043[67%] men; response rate = 78.7%) were recruited via YouGov. Participants completed measures of gambling activities, including various forms of sports betting, as well as measures of problem gambling activities. RESULTS In general, people who gamble on sports, when compared to people who do not bet on sports, reported greater frequency of gambling engagement (averaging between monthly and weekly play),a wider variety of gambling activities (with the majority reporting past year engagement in four or more gambling activities), and higher rates of problem gambling. Multinomial logistics regression revealed no distinct associations between any specific form of sports gambling and higher risk, instead demonstrating that breadth and depth of gambling engagement were the best predictors of high-risk gambling behaviors. CONCLUSIONS In general, sports gambling is broadly associated with greater engagement in both breadth of gambling activities and frequency of gambling play. Additionally, people who gamble on sports seem to be at higher risk of problem gambling than people who do not bet on sports. However, in analyses controlling for breadth and depth of gambling activities, these links are attenuated, suggesting that the risks associated with sports gambling behaviors are related to the greater degree of gambling engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua B Grubbs
- Department of Psychology, Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, and Addictions (CASAA), University of New Mexico, USA.
| | - Shane W Kraus
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, USA
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7
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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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8
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Newall PWS, Rockloff M, Hing N, Thorne H, Russell AMT, Browne M, Armstrong T. Designing Improved Safer Gambling Messages for Race and Sports Betting: What can be Learned from Other Gambling Formats and the Broader Public Health Literature? J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:913-928. [PMID: 36961657 PMCID: PMC10175478 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Safer gambling messages are one potential input to a public health approach toward reducing gambling-related harm, and yet there is no strong evidence supporting current messages such as "gamble responsibly" or "keep the fun in the game". Furthermore, sports betting is increasing in popularity in multiple jurisdictions, such as Australia and the US, increasing the need to design effective messaging campaigns for race and sports betting. Compared to other gambling formats, such as electronic gambling machines, the level of potential skill involved in race and sports betting may raise unique issues regarding the design of effective messages. This review first highlights research from the related public health domains of alcohol and tobacco. Then, five potential areas for further messaging-based research in race and sports betting are discussed: teaching safer gambling practices, correcting gambling misperceptions, boosting conscious decision making, norm-based messages, and emotional messages. A broad approach to message design is encouraged, given the potential for individual differences in message receptivity, and for frequently-repeated messages to be ignored or cause negative psychological reactance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip W S Newall
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK.
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, 400 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Human, Medical, and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Human, Medical, and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Hannah Thorne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Human, Medical, and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, 44 Greenhill Rd, Wayville, SA, 5034, Australia
| | - Alex M T Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, 400 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Matthew Browne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Human, Medical, and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Tess Armstrong
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Human, Medical, and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, 44 Greenhill Rd, Wayville, SA, 5034, Australia
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Meyer G, Kalke J, Buth S. Problem gambling in Germany: results of a mixed-mode population survey in 2021. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2023.2182337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jens Kalke
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research (ISD), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sven Buth
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Addiction and Drug Research (ISD), Hamburg, Germany
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10
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Motivations for Esports Betting and Skin Gambling and Their Association with Gambling Frequency, Problems, and Harm. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:339-362. [PMID: 35802281 PMCID: PMC9981487 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10137-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine gambling motivations for esports betting and skin gambling and their association with gambling frequency, problems, and harm. Data were collected via a cross-sectional online survey with 736 participants aged 18 + who engaged in esports cash betting (n = 567), esports skin betting (n = 180), or skin gambling on games of chance (n = 325). Respondents were asked to rate their motivations for the three activities across seven domains: social, financial, positive feelings or enhancement, internal regulation, skill building, competition/challenge, and skin acquisition. The results highlight both similarities and differences in gambling motivations across products. Financial gain and enhancement (i.e., excitement) were the main motivations endorsed for all activities, whereas skin acquisition was an additional motivation for esports skin betting and skin gambling. Across all three products, gambling to escape or improve mood was associated with higher levels of problem gambling and harm. Financial gain motivation was associated with problem gambling only for esports skin betting and skin gambling on games of chance. These findings underscore the importance of considering motivational influences on engagement with emerging gambling activities, especially since some motivations may be a contributing factor in harmful gambling outcomes.
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11
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Otis E, Kim AJ, Stewart SH, Sherry SB, Yakovenko I. Changes in sports gambling behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1018234. [PMID: 36440391 PMCID: PMC9682192 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1018234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sports betting is one of the most popular forms of gambling in Canada; recent prevalence estimates indicate that 7.9% of Canadian adults endorsed gambling on sports in the past year. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic led to the temporary closure of most major sports leagues worldwide beginning in March of 2020. These sudden closures created a dramatic decrease in the availability of sports betting opportunities in the early stages of the pandemic, followed by a subsequent increase in availability as most sport leagues returned during the summer of 2020. Using a retrospective self-report measure of gambling participation, the present study investigated how the gambling behaviors of N = 85 past-year sports gamblers changed over the course of the pandemic. It was hypothesized that sports gamblers would report an initial decrease in gambling behaviors from pre-pandemic baseline levels to the early stages of the pandemic in May of 2020 when the availability of sports gambling was heavily restricted, followed by an increase in gambling behaviors from May to August, in accordance with the re-emergence of live sporting events. The general pattern of results supported the hypotheses, though gambling behaviors did not completely return to baseline levels. Beyond quantifying the changes in gambling behaviors over the early stages of the pandemic in Canada, results may have implications regarding the utility of voluntary gambling exclusion programs as well as legislation concerning gambling access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah Otis
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Andy J. Kim
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sherry H. Stewart
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Simon B. Sherry
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Igor Yakovenko
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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12
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Etuk R, Xu T, Abarbanel B, Potenza MN, Kraus SW. Sports betting around the world: A systematic review. J Behav Addict 2022; 11:689-715. [PMID: 36067022 PMCID: PMC9872539 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims This systematic review examines whether sports betting behaviors differ among and between sports bettors in different countries, evaluates psychosocial problems related to sports betting behaviors and how problems may vary by country, and lastly, summarizes the current regulatory guidelines for sports betting. Methods We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and included peer-reviewed articles from PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Studies on sports betting behavior were included if they were published in English or Chinese between January 1, 2010 and March 28th, 2022. We gathered regulatory information from peer-reviewed articles, legal acts, and relevant websites. Of 2,450 articles screened, 65 were included in the final review. Results Marketing and promotion of sports betting were more prominent for sports betting in Australia and the United Kingdom. Interviews with sports bettors demonstrated that sports betting is persuasive and normalized. Psychosocial problems do not appear to differ greatly by country, and sports betting appears to be associated with elevated levels of problem gambling. Responsible gambling approaches have helped address risky sports betting behaviors. China and South Korea have imposed more strict regulations and restrictions on sports betting access in comparison to countries such as Australia or the United States. Discussion and conclusions Currently, sports betting is easy to access, normalized, and contains many attractive features for sports bettors. Psychoeducation about potential risks of sports betting and encouragement of responsible gambling strategies could help lessen risky sports-betting behaviors, though cross-cultural adaptations should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Repairer Etuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Tiange Xu
- William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- International Gaming Institute, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Brett Abarbanel
- William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- International Gaming Institute, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Gambling Treatment & Research Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Marc N. Potenza
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shane W. Kraus
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +702-895-0214. E-mail:
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13
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Opening Pandora’s Loot Box: Weak Links Between Gambling and Loot Box Expenditure in China, and Player Opinions on Probability Disclosures and Pity-Timers. J Gambl Stud 2022; 39:645-668. [PMID: 35933619 PMCID: PMC9358073 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10148-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AbstractLoot boxes are quasi-gambling virtual products in video games that provide randomised rewards of varying value. Previous studies in Western contexts have identified a positive correlation between loot box purchasing and problem gambling severity. A preregistered survey of People’s Republic of China (PRC) video game players (N = 879) failed to replicate this correlation. We observed statistically significant but weak positive correlations between loot box expenditure and past-year gambling participation, and between loot box expenditure and impulsiveness. This study cannot prove that loot boxes are not disproportionately purchased by people with problem gambling symptomatology in the PRC or that PRC players are not potentially at risk of loot box-related harms. Instead, the evidence suggests that the relationship between loot boxes and gambling might be weaker in the PRC than in Western countries. We identified multiple unique factors about the PRC that might be affecting this relationship. For example, the lotteries are the only legally permitted form of gambling. More gamified electronic gambling products are unavailable. The limited availability of gambling meant that a low level of gambling participation (n = 87) was observed, which is a limitation of this study. Additionally, the PRC is presently the only country to legally require loot box probability disclosures as a consumer protection measure. Most loot box purchasers (84.6%) reported seeing loot box probability disclosures, but only 19.3% of this group reported consequently spending less money. Most loot box purchasers (86.9%) thought that pity-timers, which increase the winning probabilities of obtaining rarer rewards, are appropriate for implementation. Future loot box research should give greater consideration to differing cultural contexts and novel consumer protection measures.
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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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15
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Noel JK, Rosenthal SR, Sammartino CJ. Correlates of gambling and gambling problems among Rhode Island young adults: a cross-sectional study. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022:6535707. [PMID: 35211749 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous states in the USA have legalized sports betting due to recent legal decisions by the US Supreme Court. Here, sociodemographic correlates of current gambling and specific gambling activities associated with symptoms of gambling problems were identified. METHODS Cross-sectional data were obtained from the 2020 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey (RIYAS). RIYAS participants (n = 540) were a convenience sample of 18 to 25 year olds who lived in Rhode Island for at least part of 2020. Data were collected from May to October 2020. Four gambling activities were assessed (i.e. sports betting; betting on races; gaming tables at a casino; poker machines at a casino). Logistic regression models assessed main effects. RESULTS 22.4% engaged in one or more gambling activities. 11.5% of participants had any gambling problems. Odds of gambling activities were higher among men; Black, Indigenous, People of Color; older young adults; and essential workers. Odds of gambling problems were 2.4 times higher among participants who engaged with sports betting. CONCLUSIONS Gambling activities are common among several population subgroups, and participation in sports betting may be a risk factor for the development of problem gambling. Comprehensive prevention policies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K Noel
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Samantha R Rosenthal
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI 02903, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Cara J Sammartino
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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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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17
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How to Develop Moral Skills in Sport by Using the Corruption Heritage? SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su14010400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper examines how the corruption heritage of South-Eastern European sport can be used as content for educational strategies designed to improve the ethics and integrity in today’s sport. Hidden or dark history is useful when considering an education for a sustainable development approach to improving athletes’ moral skills. In education, examining mistakes can be a useful tool for preventing their recurrence as they provide examples for study and content for evidence-based learning. At the same time, it is a useful process, aiming to develop critical thinking and the decision-making skills in the area of sports. This paper provides examples on how narratives can be used in the field of sport moral education and what patterns reflecting the lack of integrity in sport can be identified. Because it has perpetuated and altered the image and principles of sports competition, diminishing trust in sport sustainability, it is important to identify how this effect can be approached from the perspective of the education for sustainable development (ESD), as applied to the area of sports. However, it is essential that sports integrity be valued by society and that all sports actors (athletes, coaches, officials) promote ethics and fair play.
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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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Bush R, Russell AMT, Staiger PK, Waling A, Dowling NA. Risk and protective factors for the development of gambling-related harms and problems among Australian sexual minority men. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:102. [PMID: 34187562 PMCID: PMC8240316 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00597-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual minority men (SMM) often experience stressful social environments dominated by stigma and discrimination. SMM are typically more likely than heterosexual men to engage in certain risky behaviours such as problem gambling. This study aimed to compare gambling behaviour among SMM and examine potential risk factors (erroneous gambling cognitions, gambling outcome expectancies, hazardous alcohol use, impulsivity, and psychological distress; as well as perceived stigma and discrimination for the SMM participants) and potential protective factors (resilience, social support, and community connectedness) for problem gambling severity and gambling-related harms among SMM living in Australia. Methods An online survey, with an over-representation of SMM participants and problem, moderate-risk, and low-risk gamblers, was completed by 101 SMM (mean age = 28.5) and 207 heterosexual men (mean age = 26.4). Results SMM were found to have significantly lower levels of problem gambling severity compared with heterosexual men, and report significantly lower gambling participation, frequencies and expenditure on any gambling activity, casino table games, horse racing/greyhound betting, sports betting, and keno. However, in the SMM group, 38.3% were classified in the problem gambling category of the Problem Gambling Severity Index and 27.6% were classified in the moderate-risk gambling category. There were no significant differences between groups in gambling-related harms. Multiple regression analyses revealed that problem gambling severity and related harms were independently predicted by higher levels of impulsivity and erroneous gambling cognitions for both groups. Conclusions Lower frequency of gambling behaviours among SMM and similar risk factors predicting problem gambling severity/harms for both groups suggests that problem gambling is not pronounced among SMM. This study adds new evidence to the gambling literature which can be used as comparative benchmarks for future research. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-021-00597-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bush
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, BurwoodGeelong, 3125, Australia.
| | - Alex M T Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Level 6, 400 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Petra K Staiger
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, BurwoodGeelong, 3125, Australia.,Centre for Drug Use, Addictive and Anti-Social Behaviour Research (CEDAAR), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Andrea Waling
- Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, NR6, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Australia
| | - Nicki A Dowling
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, BurwoodGeelong, 3125, Australia.,Centre for Drug Use, Addictive and Anti-Social Behaviour Research (CEDAAR), Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.,Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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20
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Jones CM, Noël B. Skin in the game - Erroneous beliefs and emotional involvement as correlates of athletes' sports betting behavior and problems. J Behav Addict 2021; 10:412-421. [PMID: 34214048 PMCID: PMC8997229 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2021.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The sports betting market has been growing rapidly over the last years, as have reports of problematic gambling behavior associated with betting. Due to the well-documented gambling problems of famous athletes and the betting supportive nature of many sports-related environments, athletes have been highlighted as a potential group at-risk for problematic sports betting. However, there currently remains a lack of research on individual-level athlete-specific risk-factors or mechanisms that might contribute to the development and perpetuation of betting-related problems. Here, we examine the influence of two potential risk-factors on sports betting behavior and problems: erroneous beliefs and athletes' emotional involvement. METHODS 201 athletes with different levels of expertise completed a newly developed scale to assess both factors. Participants were sampled from the general German population, predominantly male (83.08%) and on average 29.52 (SD = 11.05) years old. We use principal components analysis to detect patterns of covariation, potentially due to the proposed underlying latent factors, and regression analyses to test associations of these factors with betting behavior and problems. RESULTS We find that athletes' emotional involvement was strongly associated with betting problems whereas erroneous beliefs were not. However, distorted cognitions/beliefs were associated with higher volumes and more frequent betting activities. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This might contribute to betting problems in the long run. These results highlight athletes' emotional involvement and erroneous beliefs as potential targets for future intervention and prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Jones
- Institute for Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen, Bremen, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Noël
- Institute of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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21
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22
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Predictors of Problem Gambling for Sports and Non-sports Gamblers: A Stochastic Search Variable Selection Analysis. J Gambl Stud 2021; 38:767-783. [PMID: 33813659 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-021-10025-2] [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: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Differences in the psychological characteristics and gambling behaviors of sports bettors and non-sports bettors were examined with a view to identifying predictors of problem gambling severity. A survey was completed by 1,280 participants, 596 of whom had placed bets on a sporting event in the last year. We found that sports bettors are at greater risk of problem gambling due to differences in attitudes towards gambling, personality traits, thinking styles, erroneous cognitions, and gambling motivations. Moreover, our findings suggest that the difference between individuals who bet on sports and those who do not is more quantitative than qualitative. A stratified stochastic search variable selection analysis by type of bettor revealed similar important predictors of problem gambling for both sports bettors and non-sports bettors; however, the association between the predictors and problem gambling was stronger for sports bettors. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that preventative methods and interventions for problem gambling should be targeted as a function of whether individuals bet on sports.
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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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Charting a path towards a public health approach for gambling harm prevention. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH-HEIDELBERG 2021; 29:37-53. [PMID: 33432287 PMCID: PMC7787930 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-020-01437-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Aim Gambling harm is a serious public health issue affecting the health, financial security, and social well-being of millions of people and their close relations around the world. Despite its population health implications, gambling harm is not typically viewed and treated as a public health policy issue. This paper critically reviews the evolution of the public health perspective on gambling harm. It also considers how gambling harm can be operationalized within a public health model. Methods A critical historical review of the emerging public health perspective on gambling harm was conducted. Key documents covering three decades of development were reviewed and appraised through a process of deliberation and debate over source impact in the fields of research, policy, and programming internationally. Results The first decade mainly focused on identifying gambling harm and framing the public health issue. The second decade featured the expansion of health assessment and emerging areas of policy and program development. The third decade saw an increased focus on public health frameworks that advanced understanding of harm mechanics and impact. As reflected by the essential functions of a general public health model, gambling harm prevention efforts emphasize health promotion over other key functions like health assessment and surveillance. Conclusion Gambling harm is a public health issue requiring greater attention to health assessment and surveillance data development.
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Abstract
ZusammenfassungIn den letzten Jahren haben gravierende Veränderungen auf dem Sportwettmarkt zu einer deutlichen Erhöhung der Spielanreize geführt. Wettoptionen mit hoher Ereignisfrequenz, die Erschließung des Internets als Zugangsmodalität oder die massive Expansion der Werbetätigkeiten legen die Hypothese nahe, dass es sich bei den modernen Formen des Sportwettens nicht mehr nur um harmlose Freizeitangebote handelt. Übergeordnetes Ziel dieses Beitrages ist es, die mit diesem Entwicklungstrend verbundenen zentralen Risikopotenziale zu bestimmen. Die mittels eines narrativen Reviews zusammengestellten Befunde verweisen auf Produktebene primär auf ein hohes Suchtpotenzial von Live-Wetten (inkl. Mikrowetten). Auf personaler Ebene erhöhen insbesondere das männliche Geschlecht, ein junges Lebensalter, eine ausgeprägte Risikoneigung sowie das Vorliegen kognitiver Verzerrungen im Sinne von Kontrollillusionen die Wahrscheinlichkeit, von sportwettbezogenen Problemen betroffen zu sein. Zu den umgebungsbezogenen Risikofaktoren zählen in erster Linie das Setting „Sportverein“ und ein hohes Ausmaß an Werbeexposition. In der Gesamtschau verweisen diese Erkenntnisse somit auf die dringliche Notwendigkeit, diesem Entwicklungstrend präventiv wie regulativ entgegenzusteuern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Hayer
- Arbeitseinheit Glücksspielforschung, Universität Bremen
| | - Jens Kalke
- Institut für Interdisziplinäre Sucht- und Drogenforschung (ISD), Hamburg
- Zentrum für Interdisziplinäre Suchtforschung (ZIS), Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg
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28
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Swanton TB, Gainsbury SM. Debt stress partly explains the relationship between problem gambling and comorbid mental health problems. Soc Sci Med 2020; 265:113476. [PMID: 33143953 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Easy access to consumer credit products, such as credit cards, overdrafts, and personal loans, may facilitate gambling beyond affordable levels, which can result in debt problems. Debt and mental health problems are both potential motivators and core consequences of problem gambling. Debt stress (i.e., worry regarding ability to repay debts) is one potential psychological mechanism underlying the relationship between debt and mental health problems. Few previous studies have investigated debt stress among gamblers. OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of debt stress between gambling frequency and mental health and wellbeing. METHODS & RESULTS A sample of 309 Australian past-month gamblers (83.8% male; mean age 41.5 years) completed an online survey. There was no evidence for the preregistered association between gambling frequency and debt stress, ruling out a predicted mediating effect for debt stress between gambling frequency and mental health and wellbeing. However, exploratory path analysis showed debt stress has statistically significant mediating effects between problem gambling and psychological distress, depression, wellbeing, and gambling-related family impacts, after controlling for sociodemographic factors and psychiatric history. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS Debt stress is a robust indicator of financial problems and may indicate underlying problem gambling and mental health issues, making debt stress a useful risk indicator. Clinical services should conduct screening for debt stress and address subjective worry about debts as a standard part of treatment plans as this may help to mitigate some of the impact of gambling and/or financial problems on poor mental health. Health practitioners should develop strong referral networks with gambling and financial counselling services. Government investment in making gambling and financial counselling services freely available and easily accessible is recommended to ensure appropriate support is received via effective care pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B Swanton
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Brain & Mind Centre, Gambling Treatment & Research Clinic, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
| | - Sally M Gainsbury
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Brain & Mind Centre, Gambling Treatment & Research Clinic, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia.
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Newall PW, Walasek L, Kiesel RV, Ludvig EA, Meyer C. Request-a-bet sports betting products indicate patterns of bettor preference and bookmaker profits. J Behav Addict 2020; 10:381-387. [PMID: 32903204 PMCID: PMC8997208 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2020.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Request-a-bet services are a modern gambling product delivered via the social network Twitter, which allow sports bettors to design custom bets. The public nature of Twitter data provided a unique opportunity to investigate patterns of bettor preference and the bookmaker profit margin in soccer, the UK's favorite sport. METHODS Two multi-method studies. Twitter users' engagement with request-a-bet services was monitored unobtrusively (n = 1,406), meaning that potential patterns across users' requests could be observed, and the bookmaker profit margin could be estimated. Twitter users were also surveyed directly (n = 55), providing self-report measures of request-a-bet usage. RESULTS Twitter users requested bets with an average potential payoff of £56.5 per £1 risked (median = £9). Overall, 9.7% of requested bets paid-off, but these were mostly bets at short odds. This meant that requests yielded a high bookmaker profit margin of 43.7% (roughly eight times higher than current margins in conventional soccer bets), which increased to 74.6% for bets at longer odds. Requested bets also tended to involve star players from the best teams. Finally, 92.7% of surveyed Twitter users reported placing at least one bet via request-a-bet services (mean = 44.4 bets). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Researchers can use request-a-bet products to increase their understanding of sports betting behavior. Sports bettors should be given information about how much higher the bookmaker profit margin can be in modern sports bets compared to the conventional sports bets that they may be more familiar with.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip W.S. Newall
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, 120 Spencer St, 3000, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Applied Psychology, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Lukasz Walasek
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elliot A. Ludvig
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Meyer
- Applied Psychology, WMG, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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Nweze T, Agu E, Lange F. Risky decision making and cognitive flexibility among online sports bettors in Nigeria. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 55:995-1002. [PMID: 32017062 PMCID: PMC7754305 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Online sports betting is a popular recreational activity in Nigeria. Like other forms of gambling, risk of pathological progression exists for gamblers who continue betting despite severe financial and psychosocial consequences. In the present study, we examined whether this population of gamblers shows deficits in decision making and cognitive flexibility that have been documented in Western gambling populations. Thirty‐six online sports bettors and 42 non‐gambling participants completed a version of the Iowa gambling task (IGT) and an established set‐shifting task for the assessment of cognitive flexibility. The two groups did not differ significantly in the selection of disadvantageous decks on the IGT. In contrast, sports bettors committed significantly more errors on the set‐shifting task than non‐gambling control participants. As this performance deficit was not specific to trials requiring a set shift, it most likely resulted from gambling‐related changes in general cognitive or motivational abilities that are required to successfully complete challenging mental tasks. While our results illustrate that findings from Western populations cannot automatically be generalised to other contexts, it should be noted that we focused on only one particular type of gambling and included mostly participants with mild gambling‐related problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tochukwu Nweze
- Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.,MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ethelbert Agu
- Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Florian Lange
- Behavioral Engineering Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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