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Manian W, Li X, Zeng Z, Wang X. Characteristics of Gambling Helpline Callers in Macao: A Regional Comparison. J Gambl Stud 2024; 40:1607-1622. [PMID: 38592618 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10300-y] [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] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Despite the continued focus on profiling gambling helpline callers, little is known about the characteristics of callers in Macao. To address this gap, this study aims to investigate the characteristics of problem gamblers calling the helpline in Macao and explore the regional differences between callers from Macao, mainland China, and Hong Kong. Specifically, the study examined their demographics, helpline usage, and gambling-related characteristics. The study used data collected by SKHSSCO between 2015 and 2021. The results showed that, at the aggregate level, the helpline callers in Macao were male, young, and full-time employees. The majority used the telephone and reported problems with casino table games. In addition, the referral rate was relatively low, while the rate of suicidal ideation was comparatively high. The results also revealed that callers from Macao, mainland China, and Hong Kong were notably distinct in these characteristics. The findings shed light on how to increase helpline accessibility and create tailored interventions and prevention efforts to better support individuals affected by problem gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wongkun Manian
- Centre for Gaming and Tourism Studies, Macao Polytechnic University, Avenida Padre Tomás Pereira, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Xiangping Li
- School of Tourism Management, Macao University of Tourism, Colina de Mong-Há, Macao, China
| | - Zhonglu Zeng
- Centre for Gaming and Tourism Studies, Macao Polytechnic University, Avenida Padre Tomás Pereira, Taipa, Macao, China.
| | - Xing Wang
- Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Sciola A, Marchica L, Richard J, Kruse J, Derevensky J. Exploring the Precipitating Events and Gambling-Related Activities that Prompt Problem Gamblers and Spouses/Cohabitants to Contact a Gambling Helpline. J Gambl Stud 2024; 40:349-366. [PMID: 37074619 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10207-0] [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] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
Gambling helplines have progressed to offer support and brief interventions for both the problem gambler (PG) and their spouse/cohabitant (S/C). S/Cs play an important role in assisting their partner with their recovery from a gambling disorder. However, few studies have investigated the concerns of both PGs and S/Cs who contact gambling helplines. The purpose of this study is to examine the reasons, gambling activities, and gambling locations/venues endorsed by PGs and S/Cs who contacted a state-wide gambling helpline. 938 individuals (809 PGs; 129 S/Cs) from the state of Florida contacted the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling helpline to discuss gambling-related concerns. Helpline contacts (calls, texts, e-mails, and live chat interactions) between the period of July 1st, 2019, to June 30th, 2020, were examined. Callers/contacts provided information related to their demographic characteristics, the precipitating event leading to contact, the PG's primary gambling activity, and venue most often used by the PG. Chi-square tests were utilized to examine relationships and gender differences between PGs and S/Cs. Significant differences were found between the precipitating events for contacting the helpline and primary gambling locations/venues identified by PGs and S/Cs. Furthermore, gender differences were observed in the primary gambling activities and gambling locations/venues endorsed by the PG and S/C. The results suggest that PGs and S/Cs held different reasons when contacting the helpline. Future research should delve deeper into these disparities in order to build intervention programs tailored to the needs of both PGs and their S/Cs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Sciola
- International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High‑Risk Behaviors, McGill University, 3724 McTavish Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 1Y2, Canada.
| | - Loredana Marchica
- International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High‑Risk Behaviors, McGill University, 3724 McTavish Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 1Y2, Canada
- Department of Psychology, The Montreal Children's Hospital, 1001 Boulevard Decarie, Montreal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Jérémie Richard
- International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High‑Risk Behaviors, McGill University, 3724 McTavish Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 1Y2, Canada
| | - Jennifer Kruse
- The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, 121 E 1st St, Sanford, FL, 32771, USA
| | - Jeffrey Derevensky
- International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High‑Risk Behaviors, McGill University, 3724 McTavish Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 1Y2, Canada
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To WM, Huang GH. Profiling of Gamblers and Problem Gamblers Among Casino Patrons in Macao SAR. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1111-1128. [PMID: 35960473 PMCID: PMC9372959 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10152-4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The study is one of the first prevalence studies of gambling and problem gambling among casino patrons in Macao. It aims to identify the demographic profile of gamblers and evaluate the extent of problem gambling among casino patrons. Using a convenience sampling approach, over 6,000 people were intercepted in the proximity of casinos and were invited to answer a structured questionnaire anonymously and voluntarily. Among these people 1,352 respondents indicated that they gambled in casinos at least once in the past 12 months. Over 90% (1,228) of the respondents reported that they gambled in Macao's casinos and slot lounges. The three most popular forms of casino gambling were baccarat, Sic Bo, and slot machines. The monthly median expenditure on gambling was HKD 1,845 with a range from HKD 2 to HKD 375,175. The prevalence rates for problem gambling and pathological gambling were 15.1% and 7.1%, respectively. Implications of the study's findings are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Ming To
- Faculty of Business, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao SAR, China
| | - Gui-Hai Huang
- Faculty of Business, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao SAR, China
- Center for Gaming and Tourism Studies, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao SAR, China
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Luquiens A, von Hammerstein C, Benyamina A, Perney P. Burden and Help-Seeking Behaviors Linked to Problem Gambling and Gaming: Observational Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e26521. [PMID: 34842562 PMCID: PMC8665394 DOI: 10.2196/26521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Models based on the uniqueness of addiction processes between behavioral addictions are highly contentious, and the inclusion of gaming disorder in the addiction nosography remains controversial. An exploratory approach could clarify a hypothesized common and subjectively identifiable process in addictive behaviors and the necessarily different expressions of the disorder due to behavior specificities, in particular the sociocultural characteristics and profiles of users. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe the nature of contacts to a help service by exploring commonality and specificities of burden and help-seeking for problem gambling or gaming. METHODS This was an observational quantitative-qualitative study. We included all contacts (ie, online questions and contacts by phone or chat when the helper completed a summary) to a helpline for gamers, gamblers, and relatives over a 7-year period. We constituted a text corpus with online questions and summaries of contacts by phone or chat. We collected basic sociodemographic data, including the device used to contact the service (phone or internet), contacting the service for oneself ("user") or being a relative of a user and type of relative, gambling (yes/no), gaming (yes/no), and age and sex of the gambler/gamer. We describe the corpus descriptively and report the computerized qualitative analysis of online questions, chat, and summary of phone calls. We performed a descendant hierarchical analysis on the data. RESULTS A total of 14,564 contacts were made to the helpline, including 10,017 users and 4547 relatives. The corpus was composed of six classes: (1) gaming specificities, (2) shared psychological distress and negative emotions, (3) the procedure for being banned from gambling, (4) the provided help, (5) gambling specificities, and (6) financial problems. CONCLUSIONS Negative emotions and shared distress linked to gambling and gaming support current scientific consensus that these behaviors can produce psychological distress in se; however, meaningful differences were observed in core symptoms of addiction between gamers and gamblers, beyond specificities related to the behavior itself: loss of control was elicited in the class corresponding to gambling specificities and not by gamers and their relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Luquiens
- Universitary Hospital of Nîmes, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France.,UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Paris-Saclay University, University of Paris-Sud, Villejuif, France
| | - Cora von Hammerstein
- Addictions Department, Paul Brousse Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France.,University Research Team EA4360 APEMAC (Health Adjustment, Measurement and Assessment, Interdisciplinary Approaches), University of Lorraine, Metz, France
| | - Amine Benyamina
- Addictions Department, Paul Brousse Hospital, APHP, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Pascal Perney
- Universitary Hospital of Nîmes, University of Montpellier, Nîmes, France.,UVSQ, CESP, INSERM, Paris-Saclay University, University of Paris-Sud, Villejuif, France
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Darbeda S, Aubin HJ, Lejoyeux M, Luquiens A. Characteristics of Gamblers Who Use the French National Problem Gambling Helpline and Real-Time Chat Facility: Longitudinal Observational Study. JMIR Form Res 2020; 4:e13388. [PMID: 32432554 PMCID: PMC7270843 DOI: 10.2196/13388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Problem gambling is a growing public health issue that is characterized by low rates of face-to-face help seeking. Helplines and real-time chat services could reduce shortfalls in treatment. Objective This study aimed to (1) describe the characteristics of gamblers contacting a government-funded help service, (2) study the evolution of their characteristics over time, (3) evaluate the differences between subgroups (ie, gender, media used for gambling, and media used to contact the service), and (4) explore factors influencing referral to care. Methods From January 2011 to December 2015, a government-funded gambling helpline and real-time chat website in France received 9474 contacts from gamblers. Counselors filled in a form for each contact, collecting demographics, gambling characteristics, and referrals. Time-series analyses were performed. Univariate logistic models were used to assess differences across subgroups. A multivariate analysis was conducted to determine the variables related to an actual referral. Results Gamblers were predominantly men (7017/9474, 74.07%); the average age was 41 years (SD 14). Compared with the men, the women were older (mean 50.7 years, SD 14.0 vs mean 37.9 years, SD 13.0, respectively; P<.001), were more often solely offline gamblers (1922/2457, 78.23% vs 4386/7017, 62.51%, respectively; P<.001), and had different gambling patterns. Compared with helpline contacts, real-time chat contacts were more often men (124/150, 82.7% vs 3643/4881, 74.64%, respectively; P=.04), younger (mean 32.8 years, SD 12.9 vs mean 41.3 years, SD 14.3, respectively; P<.001), more often poker gamblers (41/150, 27.3% vs 592/4881, 12.13%, respectively; P<.001), and more often web-based gamblers (83/150, 55.3% vs 1462/4881, 29.95%, respectively; P<.001). Referral was positively associated with betting (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.27-1.67; P<.001), casino gambling (aOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.21-1.57; P<.001), scratch cards (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.58-2.12; P<.001), poker gambling (aOR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14-1.61; P<.001), lottery (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.56; P=.03), weekly gambling (aOR 1.73, 95% CI 1.40-2.15; P<.001), request for referral (aOR 17.76, 95% CI 14.92-21.13; P<.001), and a history of suicide attempts (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.51-3.02; P<.001), and it was negatively associated with web-based gambling (aOR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75-0.98; P=.030) and refusal to be referred (aOR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26-0.49; P<.001). Conclusions The governmental helpline and chat contacts included a broad range of sociodemographic profiles. Compared with the helpline, real-time chat exchanges reached a younger population of web-based gamblers, which was the target population. The development of the gambling helpline and help online website is a considerable challenge for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Darbeda
- Addiction Science, Paris Sud University, CESP Inserm UMR-1018, Villejuif, France.,ED3C, University Pierre And Marie Curie, Paris, France.,Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Hospitals Paris Nord Val de Seine, Assitance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France
| | - Henri-Jean Aubin
- Department of Addiction Science, Paris Sud University, CESP-Inserm UMR-1018, Villejuif, France.,Department of Addiction Medicine, University Hospitals Paris Sud, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Villejuif, France
| | - Michel Lejoyeux
- Department of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Hospitals Paris Nord Val de Seine, Assitance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris Diderot University, Paris, France.,Department of Addiction Science, Paris Sud University, CESP-Inserm UMR-1018, Villejuif, France
| | - Amandine Luquiens
- Department of Addiction Science, Paris Sud University, CESP-Inserm UMR-1018, Villejuif, France.,Department of Addiction Medicine, University Hospitals Paris Sud, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Villejuif, France.,Centre de Mathématiques Appliquées, École Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France
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Rolando S, Scavarda A, Jarre P, Beccaria F. The social debate about gambling regulation in Italy: an analysis of stakeholders’ arguments. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2020.1737722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rolando
- Eclectica – Institute for Research and Training, Torino, Italy
| | - Alice Scavarda
- Eclectica – Institute for Research and Training, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Jarre
- , ASL TO3, Department Patologia delle Dipendenze, Torino, Italy
| | - Franca Beccaria
- Eclectica – Institute for Research and Training, Torino, Italy
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Asharani PVN, Amron S, Ng RSK, Varghese S, Cheok CCS. Utilisation patterns of helpline and Web chat services among gamblers in Singapore. Singapore Med J 2019; 60:164-167. [PMID: 31069397 DOI: 10.11622/smedj.2019033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the utilisation of a helpline and Web chat system by the public for gambling-related services in Singapore over a period of 12 months. The profile of callers, call characteristics and actions taken were descriptively analysed using aggregate data. The majority of helpline calls and Web chats were from gamblers aged 40-49 years (23.3%, n = 644). Gamblers made 85.4% (n = 8,010) of the calls to the helpline and 73.3% (n = 546) of the Web chats. About four-fifths of the gamblers were Chinese (79.5%, n = 6,381) and employed full time (79.9%, n = 4,125). Table games (67.6%, n = 2,605) were the most popular gambling activity reported by callers, 55.8% of which involved local casinos. Enquiries were mostly casino related (92.4%, n = 5,739). Approximately 1,827 calls were received per month during the study period and 185 referrals were made to the clinic, 80.5% of whom sought treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Syidda Amron
- National Addictions Management Service (NAMS), Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Raymond Swee Khoon Ng
- National Addictions Management Service (NAMS), Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
| | - Sunil Varghese
- National Addictions Management Service (NAMS), Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
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Rolando S, Beccaria F. ‘Got to gamble, but I’ve got no money.’ A qualitative analysis of gambling careers in South Italy. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2018.1517816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rolando
- Eclectica – Institute for Research and Training, Torino, Italy
| | - Franca Beccaria
- Eclectica – Institute for Research and Training, Torino, Italy
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Cavalera C, Bastiani L, Gusmeroli P, Fiocchi A, Pagnini F, Molinari E, Castelnuovo G, Molinaro S. Italian Adult Gambling Behavior: At Risk and Problem Gambler Profiles. J Gambl Stud 2017; 34:647-657. [PMID: 29134497 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-017-9729-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined adult gambling behaviours from a local perspective in order to assess the adult at risk and problem gambler's profile stratified by genre and by different forms of game. 4773 Italian adults from 18 to 94 years old were administered a survey to assess socio-cultural information related to gambling behaviour and the SOGS to evaluate gambling behaviour severity. Logistic regression evidenced that both at risk and problem gamblers are associated with male gender, players that use to play to more than one game, gambling with strategy-based games. People with a gambler father or both parents who used to gamble were significantly more associated with problem gambling behaviour than participants with non-gambler parents. These results present adult profiles of at risk and problem providing a more clear understanding about the relationships between gambling behavior severity and type of gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Cavalera
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Via Nirone 15, 20123, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Bastiani
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pamela Gusmeroli
- Atipica Cooperativa Sociale Onlus, Via Zappa 10, 20045, Besana in Brianza, Monza e Brianza, Italy
| | - Adelmo Fiocchi
- Atipica Cooperativa Sociale Onlus, Via Zappa 10, 20045, Besana in Brianza, Monza e Brianza, Italy
| | - Francesco Pagnini
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Via Nirone 15, 20123, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Molinari
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Via Nirone 15, 20123, Milan, Italy.,Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Cadorna, 90, 28824, Località Piancavallo, Oggebbio, Verbania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Via Nirone 15, 20123, Milan, Italy.,Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Cadorna, 90, 28824, Località Piancavallo, Oggebbio, Verbania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Molinaro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research, Via Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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