1
|
Hing N, Russell AMT, Tulloch C, Lole L, Rockloff M, Browne M, Thorne H, Newall P. Feature preferences of sports betting platforms: A discrete choice experiment shows why young bettors prefer smartphones. J Behav Addict 2024; 13:134-145. [PMID: 38193920 PMCID: PMC10988403 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2023.00073] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Smartphone, computer and land-based betting platforms each have distinctive features. This study examined 1) preferred features of sports betting platforms amongst young adults and 2) whether feature preferences vary with gambling severity. Methods The study surveyed 616 Australians aged 18-29 years who bet at-least monthly on sports, esports and/or daily fantasy sports. Participants provided a simple rating of the importance of 24 features of betting platforms and then completed a discrete choice experiment to indicate their preferences amongst different groups of features. Results Smartphones were the only platform providing all preferred features. The most important feature was ability to bet instantly 24/7 from any location, followed by electronic financial transactions. Less important features were ability to access betting information online and to bet with multiple operators. Social and privacy features, and access to promotions, did not significantly predict platform choice. The experiment found no significant differences in preferred features by gambling severity group or by gender. The non-experimental descriptive data, however, indicated that participants in the moderate risk/problem gambling categories placed significantly more importance on privacy, ability to place in-play bets, bet with cash, bet with a credit card, see frequent promotions, and bet with multiple operators. Discussion and conclusions Most features that bettors prefer can intensify betting. Curtailment of betting promotions, in-play betting, and credit card betting are measures that can assist higher-risk gamblers without unduly affecting other gamblers. Consumer protection tools, including mandatory pre-commitment, need strengthening to help counter the unique risks of smartphone betting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Alex M. T. Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Catherine Tulloch
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Lisa Lole
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Matthew Browne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Hannah Thorne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Philip Newall
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Noel JK, Rosenthal SR, Jacob S. Internet, App-Based, and Casino Gambling: Associations Between Modality, Problem Gambling, and Substance Use. J Gambl Stud 2024:10.1007/s10899-024-10284-9. [PMID: 38311694 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10284-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Technology-based gambling prevalence is not well understood since relevant questions are not included in health and disease surveillance studies. The current study sought to estimate the prevalence of internet-based and smartphone app-based gambling, along with casino gambling, in a sample of U.S. young adults and determine if gambling modality was associated with problem gambling symptoms or substance use. The 2022 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey included N = 1,022 students between the ages of 18 to 25 years old who had lived in Rhode Island, with n = 414 lifetime gamblers (40.5%) included in this study. Odds of gambling via a smartphone app and on the internet, respectively, were greater in heterosexual cis-males compared to heterosexual cis-females (OR[95%CI] = 3.14 [1.25,7.91]; OR[95%CI] = 6.30 [2.05,19.3]). Internet gambling amongst employed students was less common than among those who were not a student and not employed (OR[95%CI] = 0.25 [0.06,1.00]). Odds of problem gambling symptoms were higher among those who gambled via a smartphone app (OR[95%CI] = 3.23 [1.21,8.60]). All forms of gambling were associated with alcohol consumption, although the strength of the association was stronger in app and internet gamblers. Casino gamblers were more likely to be high risk marijuana and illicit drug users. The rising availability of app gambling coupled with its social, psychological, and cultural context may presents an alternative pathway to problem gambling. Bans on internet gambling and/or strict guidelines on the frequency of wagers and cash placed per wager, should be considered as viable methods to mitigate associated consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan K Noel
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, 8 Abbott Park Place, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
- Center for Student Research & Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA.
| | - Samantha R Rosenthal
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, 8 Abbott Park Place, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Center for Student Research & Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Steve Jacob
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, 8 Abbott Park Place, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
- Center for Student Research & Interdisciplinary Collaboration, Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hing N, Browne M, Rockloff M, Russell AMT, Tulloch C, Lole L, Thorne H, Newall P. Situational features of smartphone betting are linked to sports betting harm: An ecological momentary assessment study. J Behav Addict 2023; 12:1006-1018. [PMID: 38015207 PMCID: PMC10786227 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2023.00065] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Smartphones extend the situational characteristics of sports betting beyond those available with land-based and computer platforms. This study examined 1) the role of situational features and betting platforms in harmful betting behaviours and short-term betting harm, and 2) whether people with more gambling problems have preferred situational features, engage more in harmful betting behaviours, and experience more severe short-term betting harm. Methods An ecological momentary assessment analysed 1,378 betting sessions on sports, esports or daily fantasy sports, reported by 267 respondents (18-29 years; 50.9% male) over 10 weeks. Results Factor analysis revealed five situational features of betting sessions: 1) quick, easy access from home, 2) ability to bet anywhere anytime, 3) privacy while betting, 4) greater access to promotions and betting options, and 5) ability to use electronic financial transactions. Regression models underpinned the analyses. Greater short-term betting harm was significantly associated with the ability to bet anywhere anytime, privacy when betting, and greater access to promotions and betting options. Betting sessions when these features were prioritised were more likely to involve impulsive betting, use of betting inducements, and betting with more operators. Respondents with more gambling problems were more likely to prioritise privacy and the ability to bet anywhere anytime; and to bet on in-game events, use promotional inducements, bet with more operators, and report greater betting harm. Discussion and conclusions Certain situational features of sports betting are empirically associated with engagement and subsequent harm. Only smartphone betting combines all three features associated with betting harm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Matthew Browne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Alex M. T. Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Catherine Tulloch
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Lisa Lole
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Hannah Thorne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Philip Newall
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pandey MK, Kumar K, Anand AA. Unravelling the Enigma: How Behavioural Addictions Alter the Developing Child Brain? Ann Neurosci 2023; 30:149-150. [PMID: 37779549 PMCID: PMC10540760 DOI: 10.1177/09727531231197513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Manoj K. Pandey
- Department of Clinical Psychology, JSS Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Krishan Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - and Akshay Anand
- 3Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
James RJE, Dixon G, Dragomir MG, Thirlwell E, Hitcham L. Understanding the construction of 'behavior' in smartphone addiction: A scoping review. Addict Behav 2023; 137:107503. [PMID: 36228362 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
It has been claimed that smartphone usage constitutes a behavioral addiction, characterised by compulsive, excessive use of one's phone and psychological withdrawal or distress when the phone is absent. However, there is uncertainty about key phenomenological and conceptual details of smartphone addiction. One of the central problems has been understanding the processes that link smartphone usage, and addiction. The question this paper aims to answer is straightforward: based on measures utilised in the literature, what does 'behavior' mean in the context of smartphone addiction? A scoping review of the smartphone addiction literature was undertaken. This identified 1305 studies collecting smartphone addiction data. Just under half (49.89%) of all published smartphone addiction papers did not report the collection of any smartphone specific behaviors. Those that did tended to focus on a small cluster of self-reported behaviors capturing volume of overall use: hours spent using a smartphone per day, number of pickups, duration of smartphone ownership, and types of app used. Approximately 10% of papers used logged behavioral data on phones. Although the theoretical literature places increasing focus on context and patterns of use, measurements of behavior tend to focus on broad, volumetric measures. The number of studies reporting behavior has decreased over time, suggesting smartphone addiction is becoming increasingly trait-like. Both major phone operating systems have proprietary apps that collected behavioral data by default, and research in the field should take advantage of these capabilities when measuring smartphone usage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J E James
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham. University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
| | - Grace Dixon
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham. University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Maria-Gabriela Dragomir
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham. University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Edie Thirlwell
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham. University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Hitcham
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham. University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hing N, Smith M, Rockloff M, Thorne H, Russell AMT, Dowling NA, Breen H. How structural changes in online gambling are shaping the contemporary experiences and behaviours of online gamblers: an interview study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1620. [PMID: 36028827 PMCID: PMC9414406 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14019-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last decade, the provision of online gambling has intensified with increased access, enhanced betting markets, a broader product range, and prolific marketing. However, little research has explored how this intensification is influencing contemporary gambling experiences. This study focused on two research questions: 1) What changes in online gambling have online gamblers observed over the past decade? 2) How have these changes influenced the online gambling experiences and behaviours reported by treatment-seeking and non-treatment-seeking gamblers? Methods Two samples of Australian adults were interviewed: 1) 19 people who had been gambling online for at least a decade and with no history of treatment-seeking for online gambling, and 2) 10 people who had recently sought professional help for an online gambling problem. Telephone interviews were semi-structured, with questions that encouraged participants to consider how their online gambling, including any harmful gambling, had been influenced by changes in operator practices and online gambling environments. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Both treatment- and non-treatment-seekers noted the increased speed and ease of online gambling, which now enables instant access from anywhere at any time and increased their gambling opportunities. Both groups highlighted the continued proliferation of advertising and inducements for online gambling, particularly during televised sports and racing events, in social media, and through targeted push marketing. Many treatment- and non-treatment-seekers were aware of the vast range of recently introduced bet types, particularly multi-bets. Treatment-seekers disproportionately reported negative effects from these changes, and described how and why they fostered their increased gambling, impulsive gambling, persistence and loss-chasing. They reported limited uptake and effectiveness of current harm minimisation tools. Conclusions Counter to stated policy and practice objectives to minimise gambling harm, industry changes that have made online gambling easier, faster, and more heavily incentivised, and increased the array of complex bets with poorer odds, unduly affect addicted and harmed individuals – who are also the most profitable customers. Further consideration is needed to ensure gambling policy, industry practices and public health measures more effectively reduce gambling harm in contemporary settings. Inducements and the poor pricing of complex bets such as multi-bets, and their outsized attraction to players with problems, should be a key focus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia.
| | - Michele Smith
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Hannah Thorne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, 44 Greenhill Rd, Wayville, South Australia, 5000, Australia
| | - Alex M T Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, 400 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Nicki A Dowling
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Rd, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia.,Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, 234 Queensberry Street, Parkville, VIC, 3053, Australia
| | - Helen Breen
- Southern Cross University, Military Rd, East Lismore, NSW, 2480, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Newall PWS, Weiss-Cohen L. The Gamblification of Investing: How a New Generation of Investors Is Being Born to Lose. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095391. [PMID: 35564790 PMCID: PMC9105963 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Investing and gambling share key features, in that both involve risk, the coming together of two or more people, and both are voluntary activities. However, investing is generally a much better way than gambling for the average person to make long-run profits. This paper reviews evidence on two types of “gamblified” investment products where this advantage does not hold for investing: high-frequency stock trading and high-risk derivatives. This review defines a gamblified investment product as one that leads most investors to lose, that attracts people at risk of experiencing gambling-related harm, and that utilizes product design principles from gambling (either by encouraging a high frequency of use or by providing the allure of big lottery-like wins). The gamblification of investing produces novel challenges for the regulation of both financial markets and gambling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip W. S. Newall
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TU, UK
- Correspondence:
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Absence of Objective Differences between Self-Identified Addicted and Healthy Smartphone Users? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073702. [PMID: 33916256 PMCID: PMC8037484 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Smartphones are used by billions of people worldwide. However, some psychologists have argued that use of this technology is addictive, even though little research utilises objective smartphone usage records to verify this claim. We conducted an exploratory study to identify whether behavioural differences exist between those who self-identify as addicted smartphone users and those who do not. We gathered retrospective smartphone usage data from 131 Android users and asked them about their past use to compare their perception of their usage against their actual usage. We could not identify any reliable differences between the smartphone activity of those self-identified as addicted smartphone users and other users. Furthermore, smartphone scales are generally good at identifying who believes themselves to be addicted, although they do not reflect objective smartphone use. This study questions the use of self-report measures to diagnosis behavioural addictions without relevant psychopathological constructs and emphasises the need for more rigorous study to conceptualise smartphone addiction.
Collapse
|
9
|
Whelan E, Laato S, Islam AKMN, Billieux J. A casino in my pocket: Gratifications associated with obsessive and harmonious passion for mobile gambling. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246432. [PMID: 33626100 PMCID: PMC7904185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mobile gambling differs from land-based and traditional forms of gambling in that the opportunity to place bets and engage with casinos is constantly present and easily accessible. Instead of going to a physical bookmaker or casino, mobile gambling is done quickly and swiftly, anytime, anywhere, with a few taps on a mobile device. Previous studies reveal mobile gambling has managed to reach new audiences especially amongst younger people. Gambling harms can have severe adverse effects on individuals, families and society. However, for a subgroup of highly involved individuals, gambling can be considered a harmonious passion that permits frequent gambling without elevating individual's risks of experience problem gambling manifestations. Combining the Uses and Gratifications (U&G) and Dualistic Model of Passion (DMP) frameworks, the present study aims to determine if and how the different gratifications sought from mobile gambling are susceptible to explaining non-problematic versus problematic patterns in highly involved gamblers. Data were collected over two waves from a global sample of mobile gamblers (N = 327). Results emphasize that the motivational underpinnings of mobile gambling (as measured by the U&G) differ in obsessive versus harmonious passion. Obsessive passion is associated with poor mood and problematic gambling. In contrast, harmonious passion for mobile gambling is associated with positive mood but is unrelated to problematic gambling. Based on these findings, and given that problematic gambling is an internationally relevant public health issue (the prevalence of problem gambling is estimated to range from 0.1% to 5.8% in different countries), we suggest interventions focusing on specific uses and gratifications associated with an obsessive passion for mobile gambling may be effective in reducing problematic usage patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eoin Whelan
- Business Information Systems, J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, NUI Galway, Ireland
| | - Samuli Laato
- Department of Future Technologies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Joël Billieux
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Centre for Excessive Gambling, Lausanne University Hospitals (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|