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Ningsih AP. Regulatory considerations for gambling advertisements. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024:fdae241. [PMID: 39234993 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andi Pramesti Ningsih
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Sport Science and Public Health, Manado State University, Tondano, North Sulawesi 95618, Indonesia
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Houghton S, Moss M. Exploring the Impact of Safer Sports Betting Promotion on Social Media: An Experimental Study. J Gambl Stud 2024; 40:1085-1102. [PMID: 38240938 PMCID: PMC11390894 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10280-z] [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] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
The current study assessed the effectiveness of delivering safer gambling messaging to regular sport bettors on social media. It also assessed whether the content of the message impacted message effectiveness. A 3 × 2 mixed factorial design was employed, with 281 participants randomly assigned to follow one of three Twitter accounts. The accounts either sent out informational messages, self-appraisal messages or emotional self-efficacy messages. Participants reported betting behaviour from the two weeks prior to following the accounts, in addition to during the two-week intervention period, using information from their online gambling accounts. Participants reported readiness to change gambling behaviour pre and post the two-week intervention period. A significant main effect of intervention stage highlighted reductions in betting behaviour and increased readiness to change behaviour. However, there was no significant main effect of condition and no significant interaction between intervention stage and condition upon betting behaviour or readiness to change. The findings suggest receiving safer gambling messages on social media may lead to a reduction in betting behaviour. However, similar reductions in behaviour were observed in the experimental and control conditions. Further research is needed to clarify whether changes in behaviour observed in the current study would extend over a longer period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Houghton
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Mark Moss
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
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Torrance J, Heath C, O'Hanrahan M, Newall P. The feasibility and acceptability of an inoculative intervention video for gambling advertising: a focus group study of academics and experts-by-experience. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024:fdae167. [PMID: 39101514 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae167] [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] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling advertising employs a range of persuasive strategies. We therefore aimed to evaluate a counter-advertising intervention video to increase resilience to gambling advertising persuasion. METHODS Three in-depth focus groups were conducted, and each group contained a mixture of gambling-related academics (N = 12) and experts with lived experience of gambling-related harm (N = 10). Participants were given access to the intervention video and provided feedback during the focus groups. Qualitative data were audio recorded and thematically analysed by the research team. RESULTS Three main themes were identified. First, participants recommended a shorter video that had a simplified and digestible structure. Second, frequent real-world examples of gambling advertisements within the video were discouraged, and the inclusion of a relatable human voiceover was considered imperative to the receptiveness of the video. Finally, participants deemed it important to deliver psychologically grounded yet jargon-free content via a conversational style. An overall narrative framed by consumer-protection was also preferred in order to increase acceptance of the video content, rather than a more didactic framing. CONCLUSIONS Evaluating the acceptability of a counter advertising intervention video provided valuable insight from both an academic and lived-experience perspective. Such insight is instrumental to the meaningful co-design of counter-advertising interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Torrance
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Chester, Chester CH1 4BJ UK
| | - Conor Heath
- Faculty of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B4 7AP UK
| | | | - Philip Newall
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TU UK
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Critchlow N, Hunt K, Wardle H, Stead M. Expenditure on Paid-for Gambling Advertising During the National COVID-19 'Lockdowns': An Observational Study of Media Monitoring Data from the United Kingdom. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1451-1465. [PMID: 36031649 PMCID: PMC9420675 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10153-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Changes in gambling advertising during national COVID-19 'lockdowns', when stay-at-home rules restricted participation in certain gambling activities, provides important context to variance in gambling behaviour during these periods. This study describes expenditure on paid-for gambling advertising during three national lockdowns, compares expenditure to pre-pandemic estimates, and compares changes in expenditure by subsector. Data come from an observational study of weekly expenditure on paid-for gambling advertising in the United Kingdom (n = 135 weeks; beginning 2019 to mid-2021), focusing on three COVID-19 lockdowns: (1) March-May 2020; (2) November-December 2020; and (3) January-March 2021. We descriptively analysed how total advertising expenditure in each lockdown (£GBP, inflation-adjusted) compared to the same time points in 2019, both overall and by subsector (bookmakers, lotteries, online bingo, online casino and poker, gaming, pools, mobile content). Gambling advertising expenditure during lockdown one was 38.5% lower than 2019 (£43.5 million[m] vs. £70.7 m, respectively), with decreases across all subsectors (range: -81.7% [bookmakers] to -2.8% [online bingo]). Total advertising expenditure in lockdown two was 49.3% higher than 2019 (£51.7 m vs. £34.6 m), with increases for 5/7 subsectors (range: -31.6% [mobile content] to + 103.8% [bookmakers]). In lockdown three, advertising expenditure was 5.9% higher than 2019 (£91.2 m vs. £86.1 m), with increases for 4/7 subsectors (range: -92.4% [pools] to + 49.2% [mobile content]). Reductions in advertising expenditure in lockdown one are congruent with self-reported reductions in overall gambling also observed during this period. Further research is needed to determine whether increased advertising expenditure in lockdowns two and three correlates with increased gambling, overall and for specific subsectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Critchlow
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, Stirling, Scotland.
| | - Kate Hunt
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, Stirling, Scotland
| | - Heather Wardle
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Martine Stead
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA, Stirling, Scotland
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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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Sichali JM, Bunn C, McGee D, Marionneau VK, Yendork JS, Glozah F, Udedi M, Reith G. Regulation of gambling in Sub-Saharan Africa: findings from a comparative policy analysis. Public Health 2023; 214:140-145. [PMID: 36549023 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Commercial gambling markets have undergone unprecedented expansion and diversification in territories across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This gambling boom has popularised the uptake of gambling products in existing circuits of popular culture, sport and leisure and raised concerns about the extent to which state legislation is equipped to regulate the differentiated impacts of gambling on public health. STUDY DESIGN Comparative policy analysis. METHODS This article provides a systematic mapping of the regulatory environment pertaining to gambling across SSA. The review was conducted by obtaining and triangulating data from a desk review of online materials, consultation with regulatory bodies in each territory and the VIXIO Gambling Compliance database. RESULTS Gambling is legally regulated in 41 of 49 (83.6%) SSA countries, prohibited in 7 (14.3%) and is not legislated for in 1 (2.0%). Of those countries that regulate gambling, 25 (61.0%) countries had dedicated regulators and 16 (39.0%) countries regulated via a government department. Only 2 of 41 (4.9%) countries have published annual reports continuously since the formation of regulatory bodies, and 3 (7.3%) countries have published an incomplete series of reports since the formation. In 36 (87.8%) countries, no reports were published. Enforcement activities were documented by all five regulators that published reports. CONCLUSION The review uncovered a lack of coherence in regulatory measures and the need for more transparent public reporting across SSA territories. There are also variations in regulating online products and marketing, with most countries lacking apt guidelines for the digital age. Our findings suggest an urgent need to address the regulatory void surrounding online forms of gambling and the promotion of gambling products. This underlines the importance of a public health approach to protect against an increase in gambling-related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Sichali
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Malawi
| | - C Bunn
- Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit, Malawi; University of Glasgow, UK
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Wardle H, Critchlow N, Brown A, Donnachie C, Kolesnikov A, Hunt K. The association between gambling marketing and unplanned gambling spend: Synthesised findings from two online cross-sectional surveys. Addict Behav 2022; 135:107440. [DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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McCarthy S, Thomas S, Marko S, Pitt H, Randle M, Cowlishaw S. Women's perceptions of strategies to address the normalisation of gambling and gambling-related harm. Aust N Z J Public Health 2022; 46:821-828. [PMID: 35735793 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research has demonstrated that gambling is becoming increasingly normalised for women. As limited research has sought to understand women's perspectives on this issue, we sought women's opinions about the factors that may contribute to the normalisation of gambling for women, and the strategies that may counter this normalisation. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 41 women in young and middle adulthood, aged 20-40 years. RESULTS Participants suggested that gambling was normal for women because gambling environments had been designed to appeal to women, newer technologies had removed the stigma of attending physical venues, and the growing equality and independence of women. To de-normalise gambling, women suggested addressing the influential role of marketing, designing new public education strategies, addressing the availability and accessibility of gambling, and restricting engagement with gambling products. CONCLUSION This study highlighted women's perceptions of strategies to address the normalisation of gambling and the importance of providing risk information paired with broader policy reform and prevention initiatives to address the range of determinants that normalise gambling for women. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Involving women in advocacy and understanding their perspectives is important in developing relevant public health responses to the normalisation of gambling for women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone McCarthy
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria
| | - Sarah Marko
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria
| | - Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Victoria
| | - Melanie Randle
- Faculty of Business and Law, University of Wollongong, New South Wales
| | - Sean Cowlishaw
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Victoria
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Pitt H, Thomas SL, Randle M, Cowlishaw S, Arnot G, Kairouz S, Daube M. Young people in Australia discuss strategies for preventing the normalisation of gambling and reducing gambling harm. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:956. [PMID: 35549692 PMCID: PMC9098214 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13201-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The normalisation of gambling for young people has received considerable recent attention in the public health literature, particularly given the proliferation of gambling marketing aligned with sport. A range of studies and reports into the health and wellbeing of young people have recommended that they should be consulted and engaged in developing public health policy and prevention strategies. There are, however, very few opportunities for young people to have a say about gambling issues, with little consideration of their voices in public health recommendations related to gambling. This study aimed to address this gap by documenting young people’s perceptions about strategies that could be used to counter the normalisation of gambling and prevent gambling related harm. Methods This study took a critical qualitative inquiry approach, which acknowledges the role of power and social injustice in health issues. Qualitative interviews, using a constructivist approach, were conducted with 54 young people (11–17 years) in Australia. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Results Five overall strategies were constructed from the data. 1) Reducing the accessibility and availability of gambling products; 2) Changing gambling infrastructure to help reduce the risks associated with gambling engagement; 3) Untangling the relationship between gambling and sport; 4) Restrictions on advertising; and 5) Counter-framing in commercial messages about gambling. Conclusions This study demonstrates that young people have important insights and provide recommendations for addressing factors that may contribute to the normalisation of gambling, including strategies to prevent gambling related harm. Young people hold similar views to public health experts about strategies aimed at de-normalising gambling in their local communities and have strong opinions about the need for gambling to be removed from sport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pitt
- Faculty of Health, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Samantha L Thomas
- Faculty of Health, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Melanie Randle
- Faculty of Business and Law, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Sean Cowlishaw
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Grace Arnot
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Sylvia Kairouz
- Gambling Studies, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Torrance J, John B, Greville J, O'Hanrahan M, Davies N, Roderique-Davies G. Emergent gambling advertising; a rapid review of marketing content, delivery and structural features. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:718. [PMID: 33849493 PMCID: PMC8043759 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10805-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling advertising is well-funded and has become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. As the presence and pervasiveness of gambling advertising increases, there is a corresponding need for empirical understanding of the characteristics and trends associated with emergent gambling advertisements and marketing. However, there is limited data on this rapidly evolving phenomenon. METHODS A rapid review was undertaken of the empirical research (2015-2020) that focused upon the content, delivery and structural features incorporated within emerging gambling advertising. RESULTS Twenty-five studies were included in the review. The majority of these studies were conducted in either the UK or Australia; two jurisdictions that have unique and particularly liberal gambling environments. The literature suggests that emergent gambling advertising content is targeted, positively framed and in some instances, may overrepresent riskier bets. The sporting and social media spheres are densely populated with such advertisements that involve both direct and indirect marketing strategies. In relation to the online environment, there is evidence to suggest the emergence of more interactive advertisements that prompt user engagement. In addition, financial incentivisation has diversified and is often subject to strict and esoteric conditions. Despite these emergent trends, little provision is devoted to adequately displaying harm reductive or responsible gambling content within gambling advertising. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there is a paucity of research and lack of methodological diversity concerning the characteristics of advertising within the literature. The barriers to investigating emerging gambling advertising are discussed alongside future research priorities. It is important for this research area to expand in order to appropriately inform ethical industry marketing and effective harm-reduction strategies. [Pre-registered online via Prospero: CRD42020184349].
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Torrance
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK.
| | - Bev John
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK
| | - James Greville
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK
| | - Marie O'Hanrahan
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK
| | - Nyle Davies
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK
| | - Gareth Roderique-Davies
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK
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