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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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Turner NE, Sinclair L, Matheson FI. Brief Report: The Rise of Online Betting in Ontario. J Gambl Stud 2024; 40:705-715. [PMID: 38087132 PMCID: PMC11272709 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10268-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2024]
Abstract
In this paper we examine the nature of calls for the Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline from June 2021 to Jan 2023 to determine if the increased marketing of online and sports gambling has changed the nature of calls to the helpline. An interrupted time series model comparing the monthly calls before and after the expansion of online gambling and advertising (April 2023), found a significant effect. Calls related to the other games examined did not have a significant interrupted time series effect of from the expansion and advertising of online gambling. The results of this analysis clearly indicate an association between the expansion of legalized gambling and gambling advertising with the number of people who call the helpline for problem related to online gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel E Turner
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Ursula Franklin Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada.
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, 6th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada.
| | - Lindsay Sinclair
- Problem Gambling and Technology Use Treatment Service, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Flora I Matheson
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Houghton S, Punton G, Casey E, McNeill A, Moss M. Frequent gamblers' perceptions of the role of gambling marketing in their behaviour: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287393. [PMID: 37327226 PMCID: PMC10275430 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explored how frequent gamblers perceive gambling marketing and the role they feel it has in their gambling behaviour. Ten frequent gamblers participated in semi-structured interviews oriented around their experiences of gambling marketing. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the data led to three overarching themes: exploiting gambling marketing for personal gain; gambling marketing as a test of self-control; and safer gambling messages marketing perceived as ineffective. These themes encapsulated participants' views of gambling marketing as something they could take advantage of to increase their own gambling success. Marketing was also perceived as a test of self-control among self-identified experienced gamblers, although identified as a risk to those who are considered more vulnerable. Finally, safer gambling messages included within marketing was considered ineffective due to perceived insincerity and being seen as an 'afterthought' by marketers. In support of previous research, the current investigation highlights concerning narratives around self-control and perceived risk, as encapsulated within gambling marketing, and these are evident in the perceptions of frequent gamblers. Given gamblers' perceived lack of effectiveness of current safer gambling messages within marketing, future research should explore new avenues for safer gambling promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Houghton
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University at Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Georgia Punton
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University at Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Casey
- Department of Sociology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew McNeill
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University at Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
- Psychology and Communication Technology (PaCT) Lab, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Moss
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University at Newcastle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, United Kingdom
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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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De Jans S. The effectiveness of betting odds in digital gambling advertising for sports betting. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2022.2079705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Steffi De Jans
- Department of Communication Studies, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Communication Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Hunt K, Critchlow N, Brown A, Bunn C, Dobbie F, Donnachie C, Gray CM, Purves R, Reith G, Stead M, Mitchell D, Wardle H. Protocol for a Mixed-Method Investigation of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Gambling Practices, Experiences and Marketing in the UK: The "Betting and Gaming COVID-19 Impact Study". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228449. [PMID: 33203076 PMCID: PMC7697159 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented restrictions on people’s movements and interactions, as well as the cancellation of major sports events and social activities, directly altering the gambling landscape. There is urgent need to provide regulators, policy makers and treatment providers with evidence on the patterns and context of gambling during COVID-19 and its aftermath. This protocol describes a study addressing the following three questions: (1) How has COVID-19 changed gambling practices and the risk factors for, and experience of, gambling harms? (2) What is the effect of COVID-19 on gambling marketing? (3) How has COVID-19 changed high risk groups’ gambling experiences and practices? This mixed-method study focuses on two groups, namely young adults and sports bettors. In workpackage-1, we will extend an existing longitudinal survey of gambling in young adults (aged 16–24 years) (first wave conducted June–August 2019), adding COVID-19-related questions to the second wave (July–August 2020) and extending to a third wave in 2021; and undertake a survey of sports bettors in the UK (baseline n = 4000, ~July–August 2020), with follow-ups in ~October–November 2020 and ~February-March 2021. In workpackage-2, we will examine changes in expenditure on paid-for gambling advertising from January 2019 to July 2021 and undertake a mixed-method content analysis of a random sample of paid-for gambling advertising (n ~ 200) and social media marketing (n ~ 100) during the initial COVID-19 “lockdown”. Workpackage-3 will involve qualitative interviews with a purposive sample of (a) young adults (aged 18–24 years) and (b) sports bettors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Hunt
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK; (N.C.); (A.B.); (R.P.); (M.S.); (D.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Nathan Critchlow
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK; (N.C.); (A.B.); (R.P.); (M.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Ashley Brown
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK; (N.C.); (A.B.); (R.P.); (M.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Christopher Bunn
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (C.B.); (C.D.); (C.M.G.); (G.R.); (H.W.)
| | - Fiona Dobbie
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK;
| | - Craig Donnachie
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (C.B.); (C.D.); (C.M.G.); (G.R.); (H.W.)
| | - Cindy M. Gray
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (C.B.); (C.D.); (C.M.G.); (G.R.); (H.W.)
| | - Richard Purves
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK; (N.C.); (A.B.); (R.P.); (M.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Gerda Reith
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (C.B.); (C.D.); (C.M.G.); (G.R.); (H.W.)
| | - Martine Stead
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK; (N.C.); (A.B.); (R.P.); (M.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Danielle Mitchell
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK; (N.C.); (A.B.); (R.P.); (M.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Heather Wardle
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (C.B.); (C.D.); (C.M.G.); (G.R.); (H.W.)
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