1
|
Catalano A, Milani L, Franco M, Buscema F, Giommarini I, Sodano B, Gilcrease W, Mondo L, Marra M, Di Girolamo C, Bena A, Ricceri F. The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on gambling: A systematic review. Addict Behav 2024; 155:108037. [PMID: 38613856 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108037] [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: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Since the COVID-19 outbreak, people's habits changed radically. In fact, to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2, governments implemented restrictive measures that influenced the lives of individuals. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the impact of COVID-19 on gambling by examining three different outcomes: frequency, expenditure, and transition among possible types of gambling. METHODS All studies assessing the impact of restrictive measures implemented to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 on gambling were included. For the search, two different databases were used: Pubmed and CINAHL. Moreover, two different populations were analyzed: the general population, and subjects who used to gamble before SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. All qualitative studies, reports not based on peer-review, and papers in which the statistical unit was not the subject but the gambling or wagering operators were excluded. RESULTS From the search, 408 reports were identified. Of these, 28 were included in the systematic review. From the studies, a strong reduction in the frequency and expenditure of land-based gambling emerged, while the results about online gambling were different among the studies. However, a reduction was observed assessing sports betting, and an increase emerged considering online casino and skill games. Finally, a significant migration from land-based gambling to online platforms was identified. The main reasons for these findings were the physical closures of land-based gambling venues and the more time spent at home, the suspension or cancelation of sporting events on which subjects used to bet, and more mental health issues during this challenging period. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected subjects' habits, including gambling, by reducing land-based gambling and sports betting, and increasing gambling on online platforms. This shift poses significant challenges, requiring a comprehensive approach to monitor and mitigate the negative consequences of this increase in online gambling caused by the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Catalano
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy; Department of Translational Medicine, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Milani
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Franco
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Buscema
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Ilenia Giommarini
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Sodano
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy; Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Winston Gilcrease
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Luisa Mondo
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service ASL TO3, Grugliasco, (TO), Italy
| | - Michele Marra
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service ASL TO3, Grugliasco, (TO), Italy
| | - Chiara Di Girolamo
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonella Bena
- Unit of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service ASL TO3, Grugliasco, (TO), Italy
| | - Fulvio Ricceri
- Centre for Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Seel CJ, Jones M, Christensen DR, May R, Hoon AE, Dymond S. Treatment of harmful gambling: a scoping review of United Kingdom-based intervention research. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:392. [PMID: 38783231 PMCID: PMC11112764 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05843-8] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding and treating the harm caused by gambling is a growing international psychiatric and public health challenge. Treatment of gambling harm may involve psychological and pharmacological intervention, in conjunction with peer support. This scoping review was conducted to identify, for the first time, the characteristics and extent of United Kingdom (UK) based gambling treatment research. We reviewed studies conducted among people seeking treatment for disordered or harmful gambling in the UK, the settings, research designs, and outcome measures used, and to identify any treatment research gaps. METHODS Systematic searches of PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were carried out for gambling treatment research or evaluation studies conducted in the UK. Studies were included if they evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention or treatment designed to improve symptoms of harmful or problematic gambling, reported outcomes of interventions on treatment adherence, gambling symptoms, or behaviours using standardised measures, were conducted in the UK, and were published since 2000. RESULTS Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Four were retrospective chart reviews, two were single-participant case reports, one described a retrospective case series, and one employed a cross-sectional design. None used an experimental design. CONCLUSION The limited number of studies included in this review highlights a relative paucity of gambling treatment research conducted in UK settings. Further work should seek to identify potential barriers and obstacles to conducting gambling treatment research in the UK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Seel
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Matthew Jones
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | | | - Richard May
- School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF371DL, UK
| | - Alice E Hoon
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Simon Dymond
- School of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
- Department of Psychology, Reykjavík University, Menntavegur 1, Nauthólsvík, 101 Reykjavík, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Estévez A, Jauregui P, Momeñe J, Macía L, Etxaburu N. Mediating Role of Rumination Between Anger and Anxious-Depressive Symptomatology in Family Members of People with Gambling Disorder. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1225-1238. [PMID: 36572842 PMCID: PMC10397117 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10178-8] [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] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gambling disorder is characterized by a behavioural pattern of dysfunctional gambling that persists despite its negative implications in different areas of people's daily life. One of the most negatively affected areas is the one related to family members. This study aimed, firstly, to study the differences between family members of people with gambling disorder and a general population sample in anger (state, trait, expression-out, expression-in. control-out and control-in), rumination (brooding, reflection and total), and anxiety and depression. The second aim was to analyse the correlation between these variables in the family members of people with gambling disorder, and thirdly, to analyse the mediating role of rumination between anger, anxiety and depression. This study consisted of 170 people, of whom 87 were family members of people with a gambling disorder, and 83 were from the general population. Instruments measuring anger, anxiety, depression, and ruminative responses were administered. Results showed that family members had significantly higher scores in anger (state), depression, anxiety, rumination (total and brooding). Also, results showed that anger correlated positively and significantly with rumination, depression and anxiety, which also correlated positively and significantly with each other. Third, rumination mediated the relationship between the following variables: anger (state) and depression; anger (trait) and anxiety and depression; anger (external expression) and anxiety and depression. A complete mediating effect was found in the latter case and a partial mediating effect in the first two cases. In conclusion, it is found that having a family member with a gambling disorder may increase levels of anger, anxiety, depression and rumination. Furthermore, it is shown that working on rumination may reduce depression and anxiety in family members of gamblers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Estévez
- Psychology Department, University of Deusto, Apartado 1, 48080, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - P Jauregui
- Psychology Department, University of Deusto, Apartado 1, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| | - J Momeñe
- Psychology Department, University of Deusto, Apartado 1, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| | - L Macía
- Psychology Department, University of Deusto, Apartado 1, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| | - N Etxaburu
- Psychology Department, University of Deusto, Apartado 1, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Azemi F, Avdyli M, Bytyqi V. Understanding gambling in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study on the experiences of gamblers' families. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1009923. [PMID: 36949903 PMCID: PMC10026345 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1009923] [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: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study focuses on understanding the experiences of family members of problem gamblers in the United Kingdom and the gambling consequences in their lives. Family members of problem gamblers, even though they suffer from gambling consequences, the impacts of gambling are under-researched. Qualitative research through in-depth interviews was employed. Thematic analysis was used to gain a deeper insight into gambling. Nine female participants were interviewed based on a semi-structured questionnaire. The results of this study indicated that close family members of problem gamblers had suffered not only financial devastation but also harsh psychological and mental health damages. Furthermore, family members suffer from gamblers' abusive and violent behaviors. Addiction was a key factor of gamblers' habit; fear, anxiety, and depression were some of the health issues derived from gambling. Overall, gambling addiction leads to further addiction, crime, and severe, family-relation sufferings. The study results suggest that the London Gambling Commission and regulating authority should change gambling policy, reduce gambling points, and limit gambling slot machines in food markets and community areas. More support is needed for family members affected by gamblers' addictive gambling behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferid Azemi
- Kosovo Academy for Public Safety, Vushtrri, Kosovo, Albania
| | | | - Vilard Bytyqi
- Kosovo Academy for Public Safety, Vushtrri, Kosovo, Albania
- *Correspondence: Vilard Bytyqi,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Smith LR, Sharman S, Roberts A. Gambling and crime: An exploration of gambling availability and culture in an English prison. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH : CBMH 2022; 32:389-403. [PMID: 36397285 PMCID: PMC10100076 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.2266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence that prisoners have the highest rate of problem gambling in any population, but little is known about the nature of in-prison gambling, the motives for it or how it relates to prior gambling behaviour. AIMS To investigate the prevalence and type of gambling prior to prison and the prevalence, type, and reasons for gambling in prison. METHODS Two hundred and eighty-two male volunteers in a Category B male prison in England completed a questionnaire which included the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). RESULTS One hundred and twenty-six (45%) reported gambling in prison, with eighty-one (30%) of participants reporting that gambling was a normal part of prison life. Pre-prison behaviour, whether type of index offence or prior gambling, had little relationship to in-prison gambling. Frequency of gambling in prison increased with increasing PGSI risk category. The most common types of gambling in prison were card/dice games, sports and ball games, while the most common motives were entertainment, excitement or sense of challenge and to win prizes, with significant differences in motive between PGSI risk categories. Prison canteen items formed the most common currency gambled. People within the higher PGSI risk category were more likely to have borrowed items from other prisoners. CONCLUSIONS Our research has added to existing literature by identifying high rates of gambling in prison and showing that prisoners' perceptions of gambling are as a normal part of prison life. Findings suggest that screening and support should be available to manage gambling in prison, including support to reduce gambling-related debt, particularly given associations between debt and violence in prison. Relief from boredom and need for excitement were among the most common reasons for gambling in prison, indicating that there is a need to provide a more appropriately stimulating prison environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve Sharman
- National Addiction CentreInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKings CollegeLondonUK
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Torrance J, Roderique-Davies G, Thomas SL, Davies N, John B. 'It's basically everywhere': young adults' perceptions of gambling advertising in the UK. Health Promot Int 2021; 36:976-988. [PMID: 33270845 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daaa126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In comparison to jurisdictions, such as Australia, limited research has focused upon the perceptions and reported effects of gambling advertising within the unique gambling environment of the UK. An online qualitative survey was conducted with 62 young adult gamblers in the UK. The survey investigated the place, meaning and influence of gambling advertising within the lives of the participants. Demographic data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, with qualitative data interpreted using inductive thematic analysis techniques. Three themes were identified. Firstly, young adults were highly cognizant of UK gambling advertising strategies. Second, young adults were able to describe the influence of gambling advertising including its normalizing effect and proliferation of misleading messages. Finally, young adults perceived that current harm minimization strategies, including responsible gambling messages, were ineffective. Many were supportive of increased regulation of gambling advertising. The findings indicate that young adults are aware of the potential risks associated with gambling advertising and are supportive of regulatory reform. It is important that the views and perspectives of young adults are fully considered by regulators and policy makers in the UK, particularly as they are a potential target demographic for the industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Torrance
- 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
| | - Samantha L Thomas
- Addictions Research Group, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd CF37 1DL, UK.,Faculty of Health, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nyle Davies
- 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
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Peate I. Gambling: a public health concern? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 30:459. [PMID: 33876686 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2021.30.8.459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ian Peate
- Editor in Chief, British Journal of Nursing
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chow CF, Cheung CHW, So LMY. Factors Influencing Gambling Behavior Among Employees in Macau Gambling Industry. J Gambl Stud 2021; 38:87-121. [PMID: 34031783 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-021-10034-1] [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: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Casino staff of the gambling industry seem to have a higher risk of pathological gambling than the general public because they share many previously identified risk factors, such as easy access to gambling activities. The studies in western countries reported casino staff have a higher prevalence of problematic gambling than the general public. However, some studies in Macau revealed gambling behavior among casino staff is not more common than among other residents there. A quantitative study was conducted with employees of Macau's casinos (N = 714) to understand gambling behavior among casino staff. Structural equation modeling was developed with time spent on gambling as a dependent variable, and awareness of responsible gambling, sensation-seeking tendency, psychological distress, demographic factors, peer/family pressure against gambling, and perception of expected rewards as independent variables. T-test, ANOVA, and correlations were computed for analyzing the obtained data. The structural equation modelling with the time spent on gambling as a dependent variable showed an acceptable model fit (The Chi-square = 5.567, Probability level = .696, CMIN/DF 0.696; NFI = 0.976; NNFI = 1.072; CFI = 1.000; RMSEA = 0.000). Psychological distress, sensation-seeking tendency, peer/family pressure against gambling all have significant effects on time spent on gambling. Perception of expected rewards showed the highest R square in the structural equation modeling and accounted for 77.9% cases of variance for the time spent on gambling. It is predicted that protective factors against pathological gambling include prohibition of gambling in the working venue, a satisfactory salary, and exposure to negative impacts of gambling via their job duties. Given that a high proportion of staff share most risk factors and less than 30% of respondents participated in gambling in the past year, further exploration of the protective factors from casino employees' point of view and further research on casino workers' "expected rewards" are recommended to generate ideas for improving the effectiveness of responsible gambling campaigns in future.
Collapse
|
10
|
Roderique-Davies G, Torrance J, Bhairon T, Cousins A, John B. Embedded Gambling Promotion in Football: An Explorative Study of Cue-Exposure and Urge to Gamble. J Gambl Stud 2020; 36:1013-1025. [PMID: 32323052 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-020-09949-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Limited research has evaluated the psychological effect of sports-betting advertising (such as embedded promotion) upon consumers considered 'higher-risk'. Students are often considered a higher-risk group given the numerous gambling-related risk factors associated with their lifestyle. Furthermore, students studying sports-related subjects may possess a bespoke vulnerability to sports-betting risk, due to contextual factors such as (mis)perceptions regarding advantages of sports-related knowledge. The pilot study investigated whether exposure to embedded gambling promotions during televised football, elicits urges to gamble amongst students, and whether the severity of reported gambling varies between those who study sports-related and non-sports subjects. An experimental methodology was employed. Sixty students from the University of South Wales were shown one of three videos: (a) televised football match highlights containing a high density of embedded promotion; (b) amateur football match highlights containing no gambling-related cues or embedded promotion; (c) a neutral control video containing footage of a live concert. Urge to gamble and risk of gambling problems were measured following video exposure. Sports-students reported significantly higher risk of gambling problem scores than non-sports students. Correspondingly, sport-students who were exposed to embedded gambling promotion reported significantly higher urges to gamble compared to all other conditions. This effect was also observed amongst sports-students who were exposed to an amateur match containing no gambling-related material. These findings provide evidence for the cue-induced urge effect of sports-embedded gambling promotion, amongst vulnerable audiences. Public health interventions and harm reduction strategies should look to counteract these pervasive forms of gambling advertising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Roderique-Davies
- Addictions Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK.
| | - Jamie Torrance
- Addictions Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK
| | - Trisha Bhairon
- Addictions Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK
| | - Alecia Cousins
- Addictions Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK
| | - Bev John
- Addictions Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Melendez-Torres GJ, Anthony RE, Hewitt G, Murphy S, Moore GF. Prevalence of gambling behaviours and their associations with socioemotional harm among 11-16 year olds in Wales: findings from the School Health Research Network survey. Eur J Public Health 2020; 30:432-438. [PMID: 31580438 PMCID: PMC7292341 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling opportunities are increasingly available and acceptable to many adolescents. Adolescent problem gambling has been associated with poor outcomes, such as lower reported physical and mental health. While much research has focussed on 'problem' gambling, analysing the distribution and determinants of experimentation with gambling is important in order to understand its normalization and population level consequences. This study describes the distribution of inequalities and socioemotional harms associated with adolescent gambling. METHODS Data were drawn from a subsample of students (N = 37 363) who completed gambling questions as part of the 2017 School Health Research Network Student Health and Wellbeing Survey, representing 193 secondary schools in Wales. Using imputations, we estimated a series of single-predictor and multi-predictor regressions for count of gambling behaviours, any gambling in the past 12 months and socioemotional harms of gambling. RESULTS Approximately two-fifths (41.0%) of respondents reported gambling in the past 12 months, of whom 16.2% reported feeling bad as a result of their own gambling. We found significant sex differences in gambling, with boys gambling more frequently than girls. Adolescents from more affluent families reported a higher count of gambling behaviours and socioemotional harms, although paradoxically, increasing affluence was also associated with lower prevalence of gambling in the last year. Non-White British ethnicities and students who felt less connected to school were more likely to engage in gambling and experience socioemotional harms. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide important new insights regarding risk factors in adolescence associated with gambling behaviours and socioemotional harms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G J Melendez-Torres
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Rebecca E Anthony
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Gillian Hewitt
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Simon Murphy
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Graham F Moore
- Centre for the Development and Evaluation of Complex Interventions for Public Health Improvement, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| |
Collapse
|