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Grubbs JB, Tahk R, Chapman H, Milner LA, Kraus SW. Substance use disorders among armed forces veterans with gambling disorder: Insights from an inpatient treatment sample. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 177:82-89. [PMID: 38991268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Armed forces veterans are especially prone to experiencing a variety of addictive disorders, including gambling disorder. Even so, gambling disorder in veterans remains understudied generally, and there remain significant gaps in the research literature with regards to how gambling disorder relates to the experience and expression of comorbid substance use disorders. The present work examines the prevalence, presentation, and clinical associations of substance use disorders in U.S. Armed Forces veterans receiving inpatient treatment for gambling disorder. Participants (N = 664) were veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces receiving inpatient treatment for gambling disorder through the Department of Veteran Affairs Healthcare System. Clinical data from the time of intake was analyzed. A substantial portion of veterans (36.1%) met current criteria for an SUD, with another 16.5% reporting a history of SUD. Alcohol use disorder was the most commonly reported SUD (76.1% of those with a current SUD), with polysubstance use disorders and stimulant use disorders each occurring in at least 25% of those with SUDs. SUD status was related to greater levels of impulsivity, but there was no evidence that SUD status was related to gambling symptom severity, gambling preferences, or further psychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua B Grubbs
- Department of Psychology, Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions, University of New Mexico, United States.
| | - Regina Tahk
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, United States
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Lakew N, Jonsson J, Lindner P. Towards an Active Role of Financial Institutions in Preventing Problem Gambling: A Proposed Conceptual Framework and Taxonomy of Financial Wellbeing Indicators. J Gambl Stud 2024:10.1007/s10899-024-10312-8. [PMID: 38767773 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10312-8] [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: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The transformation of gambling into a largely digital commodity has created a need for online payment technologies to facilitate online gambling, thereby also raising the question of what role these actors can play in the promotion of Responsible Gambling (RG). With the means and access they maintain, financial institutions are in a unique position to alleviate financial pitfalls, yet their role in the gambling context has thus far received little scrutiny. The objective of this study was to conduct an extant literature review to develop an initial set of financial indicators tailored for financial institutions, enabling them to engage in the RG initiatives. We conducted a two-step narrative literature review to identify both general Financial Well-Being (FWB) indicators across financial research disciplines, and one specific to gambling. A literature search over the past 20 years was performed across the following academic databases: Medline (Ovid), Sociological Abstracts (ProQuest), Web of Science (Clarivate), and PsycInfo (EBSCO). Manifest content analysis was used in step one to review general financial well-being, yielding a general FWB conceptual framework. In step two, we applied latent content analysis to the gambling-specific literature, linking essential concepts of gambling-related financial harms to the broader FWB literature. This resulted in a tentative taxonomy of indicators applicable to financial institutions with gambling customers. In tandem with the FWB conceptual framework, the preliminary taxonomy could provide a foundation for financial institutions catering to gambling customers to engage in the duty of care agenda, potentially broadening player protection beyond the current operator-focused RG measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Lakew
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Jakob Jonsson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philip Lindner
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Floyd CG, Kraus SW, Grubbs JB. Gambling in a U.S. Census Matched Sample: Examining Interactions between Means and Motives in Predicting Problematic Outcomes. J Gambl Stud 2024:10.1007/s10899-024-10302-w. [PMID: 38592616 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10302-w] [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: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on risk of Problem Gambling (PG) is complex, particularly given recent evidence that SES should be understood in both objective and subjective terms. Likewise, financial gambling motives have been found to be predictive of PG; however, financial motives are less understood in comparison to other gambling motives. Preliminary findings on SES and gambling points towards a pattern of social inequality in which those with the least financial resources (e.g., income) or that feel financially deprived relative to others (e.g., perceived deprivation) experience greater harm and problems. In a weighted, census matched sample of adults in the U.S. (N = 1,348), the present study examined the interaction between financial gambling motives and income and financial gambling motives and perceived deprivation in predicting PG. Findings provided support for both financial gambling motives and perceived deprivation as robust predictors of PG. Further, results provided unique insights into the role subjective economic standing may play in the relationship between financial motives for gambling and risk of PG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Floyd
- Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, 822 E. Merry Ave, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA.
| | - Shane W Kraus
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV, CEB 320, 89154, USA
| | - Joshua B Grubbs
- Center on Alcohol, Substance Use, And Addictions (CASAA), University of New Mexico, 2650 Yale BLVD SE, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Marionneau VK, Lahtinen AE, Nikkinen JT. Gambling among indebted individuals: an analysis of bank transaction data. Eur J Public Health 2024; 34:342-346. [PMID: 37440708 PMCID: PMC10990542 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad117] [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] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling is connected to important financial harms, including debt. Most existing research has investigated the relationship between gambling and debt using self-reported data. Only a few studies have used objective data. The current study focuses on the gambling of indebted individuals. It investigates the amounts and types of gambling consumed by indebted individuals, and the amounts of unsecured debt among heavy gamblers. METHODS We use past-year banking data of Finnish individuals (N = 23 231) collected between 2018 and 2021 among applicants to a debt consolidation service. The transactions consist of deposits to, and winnings paid by gambling operators, distinguished by type of gambling (sports betting, casino, lottery) as well as active loans divided into secured and unsecured loans. RESULTS Gambling is widespread among indebted individuals in Finland. In terms of gambling types, casino-type gambling is the most popular among indebted individuals. Gambling spending is highly concentrated. Nearly half (49.5%) of all gambling deposits are concentrated among the highest spending 5% of indebted individuals. Individuals with unsecured loans have higher median losses than those without unsecured loans. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that gambling and indebtedness are strongly linked. The connection is stronger for individuals with unsecured debt. This has implications for prevention and treatment. Easy access to unsecured credit is likely to worsen gambling harms. Debt counselling services routinely encounter gambling-related harms and need to be equipped to manage these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virve K Marionneau
- University of Helsinki, Centre for Research on Addiction, Control, and Governance (CEACG), Finland
| | - Aino E Lahtinen
- University of Helsinki, Centre for Research on Addiction, Control, and Governance (CEACG), Finland
| | - Janne T Nikkinen
- University of Helsinki, Centre for Research on Addiction, Control, and Governance (CEACG), Finland
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Johannessen DA, Overå S, Arnevik EA. The role of contextual factors in avenues to recover from gambling disorder: a scoping review. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1247152. [PMID: 38410405 PMCID: PMC10894926 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1247152] [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] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recovery from complex conditions such as gambling disorders (GD) often entail considerable change and require a range of adaptable interventions in the health care system. Outcomes from such avenues to change are influenced by multifarious contextual factors, which are less frequently considered in treatment outcome studies. Accordingly, this scoping review aims to map the level of evidence and explore how contextual factors influence the provision and outcomes of GD interventions. Methods A systematic search in selected health and social science research databases yielded a total of 2.464 unique references. The results were screened in three selection steps-titles (n = 2.464), abstracts (n = 284) and full-text (n = 104). The scoping approach was applied to provide a narrative account of the final included references (n = 34). Results and discussion Findings suggest that the research on GD treatment is in the early stages of development. Additionally, studies on GD interventions are characterized by cultural biases (Region and ethnicity and Gender perspectives), while three key elements are described as successful avenues to recover from GD (Competence, Perception and Utilization). In line with these findings, proposals for future research and treatment designs are made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagny Adriaenssen Johannessen
- Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, OsloMet—Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Blue Cross East, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stian Overå
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Espen Ajo Arnevik
- Section for Clinical Addiction Research, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Grubbs JB, Chapman H, Milner LA, Floyd CG, Kraus SW. Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses and gaming preferences in US armed forces veterans receiving inpatient treatment for gambling disorder. Addict Behav 2023; 147:107840. [PMID: 37643505 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Armed Forces Veterans are uniquely vulnerable to problem gambling and gambling disorder. Even so, research regarding the full clinical profile of veterans with gambling problems lags. Gambling activities vary widely from each other, but most gambling activities can be understood as either strategic (i.e., involving some measure of skill and decision-making as a part of the gambling practice) or non-strategic (i.e., gambling activities that are entirely based on chance). Prior works have found that gamblers that prefer strategic gambling activities and those that prefer nonstrategic gambling activities often differ from each other in key ways, with the two preferences being linked to varying motivations for gambling, varying cognitions about gambling, and the course of gambling disorder. The present work sought to examine how preferences for strategic vs. nonstrategic gambling might be related to psychiatric comorbidities among U.S. Armed Forces Veterans receiving inpatient treatment for Gambling Disorder. Data from U.S. Armed Forces Veterans (N = 401) receiving residential treatment for GD between the years of 2010-2016 were analyzed. Results demonstrated that gamblers that preferred strategic gambling, as opposed to non-strategic gambling, were more likely to be younger, more likely to be men, less likely to have a nicotine use disorder, and less likely to have PTSD. Such findings suggest that gamblers with PTSD are likely to prefer nonstrategic games and may imply a unique vulnerability to gambling problems related to non-strategic gambling among armed forces veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua B Grubbs
- Department of Psychology, Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions, University of New Mexico, United States.
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Agbenorxevi CD, Hevi SS, Malcalm E, Akude J, Coleman RKN. Gamified Problem Gambling and Psychological Distress: The Mediated-Moderated Roles of Cognitive and Economic Motives. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1355-1370. [PMID: 37198349 PMCID: PMC10191817 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10219-w] [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: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Economic and non-economic motives for gambling may amplify anxiety and depression among young adults. On the grounds that online gambling is highly addictive, it is imperative to assess significant contributory factors in gambling that aggravate financial harm and psychological distress. The study examines gamified problem gambling and psychological distress among young adults in Ghanaian universities. The study further explores the mediating role of cognitive biases and heuristics as well as financial motive for gambling between gamified problem gambling and psychological distress. Through a cross-sectional design and convenience sampling technique, the study employed (n = 678) respondents who took part in different forms of gambling events in the last 2 years. Instruments for construct assessment include problem gambling severity, cognitive biases and heuristics, financial motive for gambling and psychological distress scales. Control variables include gender, age, income source and type of gambling patronized in the last 2 years. Using hierarchical regression, gamified problem gambling was found to have a positive effect on psychological distress. Also, cognitive biases & heuristics partially mediates between gamified problem gambling and psychological distress. Finally, financial motive for gambling moderates between gamified problem gambling and psychological distress. The outcomes bring to bear economic and non-economic motives that exacerbate psychological distress among young adults. Based on the vulnerability of problem gamblers in developing countries, the researchers recommend a need for stricter regulations to somewhat control online gambling frequency among young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stewart Selase Hevi
- Department of Management Studies, Ghana Communication Technology University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Malcalm
- Department of Management Studies, Ghana Communication Technology University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Jennifer Akude
- Ghana Communication Technology University- Academic Affairs Directorate, Accra, Ghana
| | - Ruth Kukua Ntumy Coleman
- Department of Business Leadership and Legal Studies, Regent University College of Science and Technology, Accra, Ghana
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Rockloff M, Armstrong T, Hing N, Browne M, Russell AMT, Bellringer M, du Preez KP, Lowe G. Legacy Gambling Harms: What Happens Once the Gambling Stops? CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-022-00434-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Legacy gambling harm refers to adverse consequences that extend past the period where people are actively gambling at harmful levels. These harms can affect the gambler, people close to them and the wider community. This article reviews current research that investigates legacy harms; the types of legacy harm, how long they last and whether evidence suggests these harms are real or instead imagined injuries or reflections on past regrets.
Recent Findings
Legacy harms to individuals can be broadly categorised as including financial, relationship, emotional/psychological, health, culture, work/study and criminal/deviance harms. In addition, legacy harms affect entire communities by drawing funds and social capital away from vulnerable communities, leaving them socially, culturally and materially impoverished. Most legacy harms that accrue to gamblers have a half-life of 4 years, although financial harms last somewhat longer at 5 years. Greater distance in time from a past gambling issue is reliably and positively related to health and well-being indicators, including the Health Utility Index and the Australian Unity Wellbeing Index, which suggests that legacy gambling harms are real and have a lasting impact on well-being, rather than just imagined hardship from prior gambling difficulties.
Summary
These findings suggest programme and policy development to support gamblers in reducing and managing their legacy harms, rather than focusing only on relapse prevention.
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Palomäki J, Heiskanen M, Castrén S. Online 8-week cognitive therapy for problem gamblers: The moderating effects of depression symptoms and perceived financial control. J Behav Addict 2022; 11:75-87. [PMID: 35133289 PMCID: PMC9109628 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2021.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Online interventions for problem gambling are increasingly popular, but not everyone benefits from them. We describe 12 years of real-world data from an online intervention for gambling problems and aim to find out the extent to which depression, alcohol use, and sense of financial control influence the effectiveness of the program. METHODS We analyzed treatment effectiveness and moderators in the Finnish "Peli Poikki" program (2007-2018)-an 8-week cognitive behavioral therapy and follow-up program for problem gambling. Participants were Finnish-speaking adults over 18 years of age (N = 2011, 66.9% males). We measured the self-reported level of problem gambling, depression, alcohol use, and sense of financial control across four treatment phases (baseline, post-treatment, 6-month follow-up, and 12-month follow-up), as well as the presence of gambling debt, psychological and physiological health, years suffered from gambling problems, and demographic variables. RESULTS Participation grew across years with retention rates of 55%, 30%, and 19% for post-treatment and the two follow-ups, respectively. The average problem gambling scores declined significantly following treatment and remained low throughout the follow-ups. However, this decline (the beneficial treatment effect) was reversed after the follow-ups for those with high depression scores and those who felt they had no control over their finances. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The Peli Poikki program is a well-functioning online intervention but less effective in the long term for participants with persisting symptoms of depression or without a sense of financial control. More attention is needed to screen and direct people with comorbidities to the appropriate services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Palomäki
- Gambling Clinic (Peliklinikka), Helsinki University Hospital, Siltasaarenkatu 12 A, 00530Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria Heiskanen
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Health and Well-Being Promotion Unit, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sari Castrén
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Health and Well-Being Promotion Unit, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Social Sciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Using “Markers of Harm” to Track Risky Gambling in Two Cohorts of Online Sports Bettors. J Gambl Stud 2022; 38:1337-1369. [DOI: 10.1007/s10899-021-10097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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11
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Lopez-Gonzalez H, Jimenez-Murcia S, Rius-Buitrago A, Griffiths MD. Do Online Gambling Products Require Traditional Therapy for Gambling Disorder to Change? Evidence from Focus Group Interviews with Mental Health Professionals Treating Online Gamblers. J Gambl Stud 2022; 38:681-697. [PMID: 34655397 PMCID: PMC8520338 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-021-10064-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Online gambling has significantly altered the situational and structural characteristics of gambling products, to the extent that online gamblers might be substantially different from traditional offline gamblers. A growing body of literature has identified the evolving features of online gambling and the individuals who engage in it. However, beyond understanding the individual characteristics of this subgroup, relatively less effort has been made to examine whether existing cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) approaches are still entirely relevant for online problem gamblers, or whether changes are needed to adapt according to gambling mode of access. To understand what kind of challenges online gambling poses to mental health professionals dealing with disordered gamblers, four focus groups comprising 28 Spanish participants were carried out. All the treatment providers had ongoing experience with online gamblers undergoing treatment, and included clinical psychologists, mental health social workers, and a medical doctor. The data were examined using thematic analysis. The analysis identified five main themes that characterised online gamblers: (1) being of younger age, (2) lack of conflicts at home and at work/educational centre, rarely presenting violent or aggressive behaviour, (3) gambling disorder only being identified by overdue debt, (4) co-occurring conditions with technology-related abuse rather than other substance-related addictions, and (5) skill-based gambling. The study highlights mental health workers' perceived insecurities about how to best treat online gamblers, and discusses the specific characteristics that CBT for gambling disorder might need to incorporate to adjust for this particular group of gamblers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hibai Lopez-Gonzalez
- Department of Library, Information Science, and Communication, University of Barcelona, Melcior de Palau 140, 08014 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Jimenez-Murcia
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatologia Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Mark D. Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
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12
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Rodda SN. A scoping review of hard systems and tools that restrict money and cash for gambling. J Behav Addict 2021; 10:587-600. [PMID: 34546970 PMCID: PMC8997216 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2021.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gamblers engage in a range of "soft" financial options to limit access to money or cash for gambling (e.g., family looks after cash). Such barriers are easily overturned, resulting in a demand for financial systems and tools that offer "hard" restrictions on access to money and cash in a gambling context. The aim of this scoping review was to determine the attitudes and preferences of gamblers and their families on systems or tools to restrict access to money and cash, as well as the effectiveness of systems and tools that can be used to accomplish that goal. METHODS A systematic search of articles related to financial restrictions and gambling was conducted. Eligibility criteria included samples of gamblers or affected others and interventions targeted at money or cash restrictions in a gambling context. Soft financial barriers such as family involvement were excluded, as were limit-setting systems which focused on gambling expenditure in gambling venues. RESULTS Nine studies met the eligibility criteria, with three focused on financial systems (e.g., ban on credit betting) and six focused on removal of cash machines from gambling venues. The included literature was generally of low quality, with just two pre-post studies and seven cross-sectional or qualitative ones. CONCLUSIONS The included studies provided strong support for financial mechanisms to support gamblers and their families. Future studies need to involve multiple stakeholders to provide this type of support as well as to evaluate the holistic impact that such hard barriers can have on gambling and gambling-related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone N Rodda
- School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand,School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia,Corresponding author. E-mail:
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13
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Verhaltenssüchte. PSYCHOTHERAPEUT 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00278-020-00477-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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14
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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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Håkansson A, Widinghoff C. Gender Differences in Problem Gamblers in an Online Gambling Setting. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2020; 13:681-691. [PMID: 32884371 PMCID: PMC7443450 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s248540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Problem gambling traditionally is markedly more common in men than in women. However, recent data in online gamblers have indicated at least a comparable risk of problem gambling in women in this sub-group. The present study aimed to compare the characteristics of male and female moderate-risk and problem gamblers in online gamblers in Sweden. Methods In a web survey addressing online gamblers (past-year online gambling on 10 or more occasions), women and men with moderate-risk or problem gambling (n=327) were compared with respect to gambling severity, financial consequences, comorbidity, socio-demographic characteristics, and fulfilled screening items. Results Female gender was associated with psychological distress, over-indebtedness, higher problem gambling severity and with screening items indicating financial consequences and guilt, with no gender difference for the self-reported need to seek treatment for substance use problems. In the sub-group of problem gamblers, female gender remained associated with psychological distress. Conclusion In a setting displaying high rates of online gambling and novel findings of a higher risk of problem gambling in women than previously seen, psychological distress appears to separate female and male problem gamblers. Given the higher level of severity and financial consequence, these findings call for screening and early intervention in female at-risk gamblers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Håkansson
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Lund, Sweden.,Malmö Addiction Center, Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Carolina Widinghoff
- Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Lund, Sweden.,Malmö Addiction Center, Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
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The Frantic Seeking of Credit during Poker Machine Problem Gambling: A Public Health Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17145216. [PMID: 32707743 PMCID: PMC7400526 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17145216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
(1) Background: Financial harms associated with problem gambling are substantial and result in suicidal ideation, depression, anxiety and relationship damage, causing distress for problem gamblers and their families. This paper examines Electronic Gaming Machine gamblers’ frantic use of credit during episodes of gambling as a substantial public health burden. (2) Methods: This qualitative study comprised 29 participants purposefully selected who participated in either focus groups or in-depth interviews, which were analysed using thematic, textual analysis. (3) Results: Ready access to credit in the gambling venues enabled problem gamblers to engage in desperate credit transactions to continue to gamble. Many showed frantic, repeated patterns of e-credit withdrawal, which may be typical of gambling while “in the zone”, when it is highly likely that the gamblers are not able to make informed decisions about the use of credit. This pattern of the electronic withdrawal of cash may well be recognisable electronically by financial institutions in real-time, as part of a duty of care potentially owed by banks to their customers. It would provide an opportunity for the identification of people at financial risk due to gambling and systemic intervention to limit the financial harm at a time when financial decision-making is impaired. (4) Conclusions: Although this finding needs further confirmation, there are significant implications for harm minimisation and early intervention for affected PGs. It also raises the issue of the ‘duty of care’ owed to PG customers by financial institutions.
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Håkansson A. Role of Gambling in Payback Failure in Consumer Credit-Data from a Large Body of Material Regarding Consumer Loan Recipients in Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17082907. [PMID: 32340111 PMCID: PMC7215412 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Indebtedness is associated with poor health outcomes, and problem gambling may contribute to indebtedness through consumer credits related to gambling expenses. The assessment of consumers’ applications for loans may be an opportunity to detect and prevent further problem gambling. The present study analyzed a number of variables including gambling-related transactions and their association with payback failure in 48,197 loans to 20,750 individuals in Sweden. Sums and frequency of gambling deposits or withdrawals generally did not predict failure to pay back loans. Instead, having a loan defaulted at some time was associated with a baseline pattern describing a theoretical loss-of-control gambling pattern (short-term intense gambling), with a higher ratio of gambling deposits or withdrawals per occasion, and with several instances of gambling in close association with a loan. While several group differences were modest, signs of rapid, short-term and intense gambling, rather than gambling itself, may identify risk of payback failure and risk of indebtedness. Implications for early problem-gambling detection and prevention, such as by gambling operators and financial institutes, are discussed and may promote better public health in relation to gambling indebtedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Håkansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 00 Lund, Sweden
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18
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Håkansson A, Widinghoff C. Over-Indebtedness and Problem Gambling in a General Population Sample of Online Gamblers. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:7. [PMID: 32116832 PMCID: PMC7016486 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online gambling has increased in recent years, including online casino games and live sports betting which constitute rapid gambling activities with significant potential for gambling-related harm. There is a paucity of research examining whether specific gambling patterns are related to problem gambling and over-indebtedness, when controlling for psychological distress, gender, and other risk factors. METHODS A general population-based web panel of 1,004 online gamblers were examined in an online survey addressing problem gambling symptoms (the PGSI), psychological distress (Kessler- 6), past 30-day gambling activities, past 30-day gambling losses, history of subjective over-indebtedness and expected over-indebtedness in the near future, as well as socio-demographic data. RESULTS In logistic regression analyses, problem gambling was associated with psychological distress, recent online casino gambling, and recent combined online casino gambling and live sports betting. History of over-indebtedness was associated with recent combined online casino gambling and live sports betting, and expected over-indebtedness was associated with online casino gambling. Problem gambling, and a history of having borrowed money for gambling, were markedly higher in online casino gamblers, compared to subjects not reporting this gambling activity. Problem gambling was markedly more common in women, but was not associated with gender in the adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS In online gamblers, high rates of problem gambling and over-indebtedness were seen, and online casino gambling (alone or in combination with live sports betting), was associated with remarkably increased risk. Gender distribution of problem gamblers was clearly in contrast to that found in previous problem gambling literature. These findingsa suggest regulations in the market of online casino gambling, and prevention of over-indebtedness in gambling-related borrowing, in consumer credit counselling and in mental health care. In particular, female gender may need to be addressed as a stronger risk factor than previously described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Håkansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Gambling disorder unit, Malmö Addiction Center, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Carolina Widinghoff
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Gambling disorder unit, Malmö Addiction Center, Malmö, Sweden
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Gainsbury SM, Black N, Blaszczynski A, Callaghan S, Clancey G, Starcevic V, Tymula A. Reducing Internet Gambling Harms Using Behavioral Science: A Stakeholder Framework. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:598589. [PMID: 33381059 PMCID: PMC7768631 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.598589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Internet gambling provides a unique environment with design mechanics and data-driven opportunities that can impact gambling-related harms. Some elements of Internet gambling including isolation, lack of interruption, and constant, easy access have been argued to pose specific risks. However, identifiable player accounts enable identification of behavioral risk markers and personalized private interfaces to push customized messages and interventions. The structural design of the Internet gambling environment (website or app) can have a strong influence on individual behavior. However, unlike land-based venues, Internet gambling has few specific policies outlining acceptable and unacceptable design practices. Harm minimization including responsible gambling frameworks typically include roles and responsibilities for multiple stakeholders including individual users, industry operators, government regulators, and community organizations. This paper presents a framework for how behavioral science principles can inform appropriate stakeholder actions to minimize Internet gambling-related harms. A customer journey through internet gambling demonstrates how a multidisciplinary nexus of collaborative effort may facilitate a reduction in harms associated with Internet gambling for consumers at all stages of risk. Collaborative efforts between stakeholders could result in the implementation of appropriate design strategies to assist individuals to make decisions and engage in healthy, sustainable behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally M Gainsbury
- Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic, Brain and Mind Centre & School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Technology Addiction Team, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicola Black
- Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic, Brain and Mind Centre & School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Technology Addiction Team, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex Blaszczynski
- Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic, Brain and Mind Centre & School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Technology Addiction Team, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sascha Callaghan
- Technology Addiction Team, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Law School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Garner Clancey
- Technology Addiction Team, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Brain and Mind Centre & Sydney Law School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vladan Starcevic
- Technology Addiction Team, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Nepean Clinical School, Brain and Mind Centre & Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Agnieszka Tymula
- Technology Addiction Team, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Economics, Brain and Mind Centre, Charles Perkins Centre & Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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