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Yokotani K, Abe N, Yamamoto T, Takamura M, Takahashi H. Effect of pachinko parlour openings and closings on neighbourhood income-generating crimes in Japan: 6.5 years of observations. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1905. [PMID: 39014397 PMCID: PMC11250958 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19373-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electronic gambling machines (EGMs) in gambling venues cause gambling-related harm and are a public health concern. This study focused on pachinko parlours as gambling venues and income-generating crimes as gambling-related harm. We aimed to verify whether income-generating crime rates increase in proximity to pachinko parlours and during the opening and post-closing periods of pachinko parlours relative to the pre-opening periods. METHODS We used crime records spanning 6.5 years, including data on the opening and closing days of pachinko parlours for 6.5 years. We also sampled the addresses of convenience stores, bowling alleys, and households with official land prices all over Japan. The dependent variable was the daily income-generating crime incidence rate. Areas within 0.5 km, 0.5-1 km, 1-5 km, and 5-10 km radii of the pachinko parlours were the independent variables. The pre-, opening-, and post-closing periods of the pachinko parlours were also independent variables. The covariates included the number of convenience stores and always open pachinko parlours near pachinko parlours. Data were analysed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and covariance (ANCOVA). We also used differences-in-differences analysis (DD) to reveal the increase in income-generating crime rates in neighbourhoods exposed to the opening or closing of pachinko parlours. RESULTS The daily income-generating crime incidence rate was significantly higher in areas within 0.5-1 km and 1-5 km radii of pachinko parlours than in those within 0.5 km and 5-10 km radii of them. The daily income-generating crime incidence rate was also significantly higher during the opening and post-closing periods than during the pre-opening period, even when controlling for the number of convenience stores and always open pachinko parlours. In particular, fraud crime rates increased with the opening and closing of pachinko parlours. CONCLUSIONS The highest income-generating crime incidence rate was observed within a 0.5-1 km and 1-5 km radius of pachinko parlours. The opening of pachinko parlours also increased income-generating crime incidence rates, which increased after closing. Pachinko parlours are considered to be creating public harm because the corporate activities of these parlours make the youth in their neighbourhood perpetrators of fraud and older adults its victims. Future research should examine the current findings using official crime records.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Yokotani
- Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-1, Minamijosanjimacho, Tokushima City, Tokushima, 770-0814, Japan.
| | - Nobuhito Abe
- Institute for the Future of Human Society, Kyoto University, Kyoto City, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, 1-1, Minamijosanjimacho, Tokushima City, Tokushima, 770-0814, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takamura
- Institutional Research Center, Fujita Health University, Toyoake City, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Takahashi
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka City, Japan
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Rimal R, Shepherd RM, Curley LE, Sundram F. Perspectives from gambling expert stakeholders in relation to electronic gaming machines in New Zealand. Health Policy 2023; 136:104897. [PMID: 37651971 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104897] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are one of the most addictive and harmful forms of gambling. Gaming machine characteristics, easy accessibility of EGMs and normalisation of gambling behaviour have exacerbated these effects. We conducted a pilot study investigating the perspectives of gambling expert stakeholders on gambling harm and effective harm-minimisation policies regarding EGMs. In-depth individual interviews were undertaken with 14 health professionals working in the addiction sector, academics in the field of gambling and individuals from a range of government and non-government organisations who have an impact on gambling policy making in New Zealand. Five major themes were identified: the need to shift focus from problematic people to the problematic product, the need for a holistic approach to gambling intervention, focus on creating an empowered population, and improving protective factors and refining public health initiatives to gambling harm. The results suggest the need to challenge current narratives of EGM-related gambling harm and have wide-ranging implications for EGM harm minimisation and health promotion policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Retina Rimal
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Robin-Marie Shepherd
- Community Health Centre in Waiheke Island, Piritahi Hau Ora, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Louise Elizabeth Curley
- Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Frederick Sundram
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Dam JL, Nagorka-Smith P, Waddell A, Wright A, Bos JJ, Bragge P. Research evidence use in local government-led public health interventions: a systematic review. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:67. [PMID: 37400905 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-01009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Local governments play an important role in improving public health outcomes globally, critical to this work is applying the best-available research evidence. Despite considerable exploration of research use in knowledge translation literature, how research is practically applied by local governments remains poorly understood. This systematic review examined research evidence use in local government-led public health interventions. It focused on how research was used and the type of intervention being actioned. METHODS Quantitative and qualitative literature published between 2000 and 2020 was searched for studies that described research evidence use by local governments in public health interventions. Studies reporting interventions developed outside of local government, including knowledge translation interventions, were excluded. Studies were categorised by intervention type and their level of description of research evidence use (where 'level 1' was the highest and 'level 3' was the lowest level of detail). FINDINGS The search identified 5922 articles for screening. A final 34 studies across ten countries were included. Experiences of research use varied across different types of interventions. However, common themes emerged including the demand for localised research evidence, the legitimising role of research in framing public health issues, and the need for integration of different evidence sources. CONCLUSIONS Differences in how research was used were observed across different local government public health interventions. Knowledge translation interventions aiming to increase research use in local government settings should consider known barriers and facilitators and consider contextual factors associated with different localities and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Dam
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton Campus, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.
| | - Phoebe Nagorka-Smith
- School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Alex Waddell
- Action Lab, Monash University, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton Campus, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Annemarie Wright
- Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, 50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie Street, VIC, 3053, Carlton, Australia
| | - Joannette J Bos
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton Campus, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Peter Bragge
- Monash Sustainable Development Institute, Monash University, 8 Scenic Boulevard, Clayton Campus, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
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Pitt H, McCarthy S, Thomas SL, Randle M, Marko S, Cowlishaw S, Kairouz S, Daube M. Older adults' perceptions of the risks associated with contemporary gambling environments: Implications for public health policy and practice. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2023; 8:1061872. [PMID: 37006633 PMCID: PMC10060892 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2023.1061872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid changes in the Australian gambling environment have amplified the risks for gamblers and pose significant threats to public health. Technological advances, saturation of marketing, and the embedding of gambling in sport have all contributed to significant changes in the gambling risk environment. Older adults have witnessed the changes to the way gambling is provided and promoted in public spaces, but little is known about how these changes have shaped the way they conceptualize the risks associated with gambling. METHOD Guided by critical qualitative inquiry, semi structured interviews were conducted with 40 Australian adults aged 55 years and older, who had gambled at least once in the last 12 months. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. RESULTS Participants discussed gambling environments in Australia and how they had changed through the proliferation of gambling products, environments, and opportunities; the risks posed through the embedding of gambling in community and media environments; the role of technology in gambling environments; and the role of marketing and promotions in the changing gambling environments. Participants recognized that these factors had contributed to gambling environments becoming increasingly risky over time. However, despite the perception of increased risk, many participants had engaged with new gambling technologies, products, and environments. DISCUSSION This research supports the adoption of public health responses that include consideration of the environmental, commercial, and political factors that may contribute to risky gambling environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Simone McCarthy
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Samantha L. Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Melanie Randle
- Faculty of Business and Law, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Marko
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Sean Cowlishaw
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sylvia Kairouz
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Marko S, Thomas S, Pitt H, Daube M. "Aussies love a bet": Gamblers discuss the social acceptance and cultural accommodation of gambling in Australia. Aust N Z J Public Health 2022; 46:829-834. [PMID: 36190196 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore regular gamblers' perceptions of the social acceptance and cultural accommodation of gambling in Australia, which are two dimensions of the normalisation of gambling. METHODS Qualitatively focused online survey with 363 adults in New South Wales and Victoria who gambled in a typical month. Open-text responses about the link between gambling and Australian culture were interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis to construct themes from the data. RESULTS Gambling was perceived to be a culturally significant part of Australian life due to existing traditions, the perception that gambling was central to the Australian identity, and perceived economic benefits. Participants considered that gambling was a common and socially accepted activity that was embedded in the activities of social networks. Participants also stated that gambling products, venues and marketing were embedded in everyday environments, although some believed that the embedding of gambling in society was harmful. Conclusion and public health implications: This study demonstrated that regular gamblers largely viewed gambling as being a socially accepted and culturally accommodated activity in Australia. There is scope for governments to develop comprehensive programs to denormalise gambling, including learning from research, evidence and experience in other areas of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Marko
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria
| | - Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria
| | - Mike Daube
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Western Australia
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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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