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Tulloch C, Hing N, Browne M, Russell AMT, Rockloff M, Rawat V. Harm-to-self from gambling: A national study of Australian adults. J Behav Addict 2024; 13:635-649. [PMID: 38743487 PMCID: PMC11220818 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2024.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Aims Understanding how gambling harm is distributed is essential to inform effective harm reduction measures. This first national Australian study of gambling harm-to-self examined the extent, distribution, risk factors, and health related quality of life (HRQoL) impacts of this harm. Methods A Random Digit Dialling sample of 15,000 Australian adults was weighted to key population variables. Key measures included the Gambling Harms Scale-10 (GHS-10), PGSI, SF-6D, gambling behaviours, and demographics. Analyses included ordinal logistic regression. Results Amongst gamblers, 14.7% reported harm on the GHS-10, including 1.9% reporting high-level harm. While high-level harm occurred mainly in the problem gambling group (77.3%), other PGSI groups accounted for most of the more prevalent low (98.5%) and moderate (87.2%) harms reported. Proximal predictors of greater harm were use of online gambling and more frequent gambling on electronic gaming machines (EGMs), race betting sports betting, poker, skin gambling, scratchies, and loot box purchasing. Distal predictors were being younger, male, single, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and speaking a non-English language at home. At the population level, the greatest aggregate HRQoL impacts were amongst lower-risk gamblers, confirming the results of other studies regarding the 'prevention paradox'. Conclusions The distribution of harm across gambler risk groups indicates the need for preventive measures, not just interventions for problem gambling. Reducing harm requires modifying product features that amplify their risk, especially for EGMs, race betting and sports betting that are both inherently risky and widely used. Gambling harm exacerbates health disparities for disadvantaged and vulnerable groups, requiring targeted resources and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Tulloch
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Australia
| | - Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Australia
| | - Matthew Browne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Australia
| | - Alex M. T. Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Australia
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Australia
| | - Vijay Rawat
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Australia
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Tulloch C, Browne M, Hing N, Rockloff M, Hilbrecht M. How gambling harms others: The influence of relationship-type and closeness on harm, health, and wellbeing. J Behav Addict 2023; 12:697-710. [PMID: 37450370 PMCID: PMC10562824 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2023.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Concerned significant others (CSOs) can experience gambling-related harm, impacting their health and wellbeing. However, this harm varies depending on the type and closeness of the relationship with the person who gambles. We sought to determine the type and closeness of relationships that are more likely to experience harm from another person's gambling, and examine which aspects of health and wellbeing are related to this harm. Methods We examined survey data from 1,131 Australian adults who identified as being close to someone experiencing a gambling problem. The survey included information on relationship closeness, gambling-related harm (GHS-20-AO), and a broad range of health and wellbeing measures; including the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI), the 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form (PANAS-SF). Results CSOs in relationships where finances and responsibilities are shared were more likely to be harmed by another person's gambling problem, particularly partners (current and ex) and family members. This harm was most strongly associated with high levels of distress and negative emotions, impacting the CSO's ability to function properly at work or perform other responsibilities. Discussion and Conclusions Support and treatment services for CSOs should consider addressing the psychological distress and negative emotions commonly experienced by CSOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Tulloch
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew Browne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Margo Hilbrecht
- The Vanier Institute of the Family, ON, Canada
- The Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Rowlatt V, Wraith D, Doan TVM, Malatzky C. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Gamblers of East Asian Descent in Australia: A Comprehensive Review of Current Evidence. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:947-969. [PMID: 36973507 PMCID: PMC10175356 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10202-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
As a country with one of the highest per capita gambling losses per year in the world, and an evolving multicultural profile, Australia has become an important setting in which to examine the harms and benefits related to gambling. The Australian population includes people from East Asian cultural backgrounds who are a key demographic of interest for gambling operators planning to grow revenue. However, Australian gambling research has concentrated primarily on those belonging to the dominant cultural group. Most of the previous and limited number of studies to examine gambling among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) residents have focused on people of Chinese descent, and much of the literature is now becoming relatively old. This review examines the current evidence around cultural variations in gambling prevalence, motivations, beliefs, behaviours, and help service utilisation, focusing on gamblers with an East Asian cultural background. Numerous domains in which gambling motivations and behaviours vary across cultural groups are identified, and methodological considerations related to ethnographic gambling research are discussed. This review found that while barriers and predictors to help-seeking for CALD gamblers have been studied extensively, contemporary evidence of help service utilisation and effectiveness in Australia is lacking. Further research providing an accurate assessment of the impacts of gambling for CALD gamblers is needed to ensure that harm minimisation resources are effective for those most vulnerable to harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Rowlatt
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Darren Wraith
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Thuy-Vi Minh Doan
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Christina Malatzky
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Newall PWS, Rockloff M, Hing N, Thorne H, Russell AMT, Browne M, Armstrong T. Designing Improved Safer Gambling Messages for Race and Sports Betting: What can be Learned from Other Gambling Formats and the Broader Public Health Literature? J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:913-928. [PMID: 36961657 PMCID: PMC10175478 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10203-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Safer gambling messages are one potential input to a public health approach toward reducing gambling-related harm, and yet there is no strong evidence supporting current messages such as "gamble responsibly" or "keep the fun in the game". Furthermore, sports betting is increasing in popularity in multiple jurisdictions, such as Australia and the US, increasing the need to design effective messaging campaigns for race and sports betting. Compared to other gambling formats, such as electronic gambling machines, the level of potential skill involved in race and sports betting may raise unique issues regarding the design of effective messages. This review first highlights research from the related public health domains of alcohol and tobacco. Then, five potential areas for further messaging-based research in race and sports betting are discussed: teaching safer gambling practices, correcting gambling misperceptions, boosting conscious decision making, norm-based messages, and emotional messages. A broad approach to message design is encouraged, given the potential for individual differences in message receptivity, and for frequently-repeated messages to be ignored or cause negative psychological reactance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip W S Newall
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol, BS8 1TU, UK.
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, 400 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Human, Medical, and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Human, Medical, and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Hannah Thorne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Human, Medical, and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, 44 Greenhill Rd, Wayville, SA, 5034, Australia
| | - Alex M T Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, 400 Kent St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
| | - Matthew Browne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Human, Medical, and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, Bundaberg, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Tess Armstrong
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Human, Medical, and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, 44 Greenhill Rd, Wayville, SA, 5034, Australia
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How gambling problems relate to health and wellbeing in Australian households: Evidence from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics of Australia Survey. Addict Behav 2023; 137:107538. [PMID: 36368277 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107538] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Gambling harms can impact the health and wellbeing of both individuals who gamble and those close to them. While harms occur across a spectrum of gambling risk levels, most research is conducted on people close to those gamblers who have severe problems. This study examined the health and wellbeing of people living with gamblers across the entire spectrum of gambling risk levels, via secondary analysis of the nationally-representative Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey (HILDA). The subsample of interest comprised 13,698 respondents without a gambling problem of their own, aged between 15 and 84, and who lived in households where all residents completed the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Health and wellbeing were measured via the SF-6D, the SF-36, and subjective wellbeing measures. Compared to those living in non-problem gambling households, participants living in problem-gambling households reported significantly lower mean SF-6D scores, lower scores on the SF-36 mental health domain, and significantly less satisfaction with both their financial situation and with feeling part of their local community. Participants living in moderate-risk gambling households also reported less satisfaction with their financial situation than those in non-problem gambling households. Conclusions: The results indicate that measurable impacts to the health and wellbeing of those living with gamblers occur predominantly at the more severe end of the risk level spectrum, except for financial dissatisfaction, which is also evident in those residing with gamblers categorised as moderate-risk.
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Tulloch C, Browne M, Hing N, Rockloff M, Hilbrecht M. Trajectories of wellbeing in people who live with gamblers experiencing a gambling problem: An 18-year longitudinal analysis of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281099. [PMID: 36706129 PMCID: PMC9882902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In cross-sectional gambling studies, friends, family, and others close to those experiencing gambling problems (concerned significant others 'CSOs') tend to report detriments to their quality of life. To date, however, there have been no large, population-based longitudinal studies examining the health and wellbeing of CSOs. We analyse longitudinal data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey to examine the 18-year trajectories of general, social, health and financial wellbeing of household CSOs (n = 477) and compare these to those without a gambling problem in the household (n = 13,661). CSOs reported significantly worse long-term wellbeing than non-CSOs in their satisfaction with life, number of life stressors, and social, health and financial wellbeing. However, both social and financial wellbeing showed a temporal effect, declining significantly for CSOs at times closer to the exposure to the gambling problem. This finding suggests a causal link between living in a household with a person with a gambling problem and decreased CSO social and financial wellbeing. Policy responses, such as additional social and financial support, could be considered to assist CSOs impacted by another person's gambling problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Tulloch
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Matthew Browne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia
| | - Margo Hilbrecht
- The Vanier Institute of the Family, Ontario, Canada
- The Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Hing N, O’Mullan C, Mainey L, Greer N, Breen H. An integrative review of research on gambling and domestic and family violence: Fresh perspectives to guide future research. Front Psychol 2022; 13:987379. [PMID: 36312076 PMCID: PMC9606773 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.987379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents an integrative review of research on domestic and family violence (DFV), including intimate partner violence (IPV), experienced by victims and perpetrators with a gambling problem. It aims to review, critique, and synthesize research on this topic to generate fresh and alternative perspectives to guide future research. Based on a systematic search of the academic literature and a targeted search of gray literature, the paper summarizes findings from empirical studies pertaining to the prevalence of perpetration and victimization, characteristics of perpetrators and victims, and explanations for this violence. Based on this review, the paper suggests several potential improvements that can be considered in future studies. These include a shift from focusing on situational violence to also include coercive control; greater sensitivity in research design and interpretation to gender differences in experiences of violence; and the need to include economic abuse as a form of DFV/IPV. Adopting a public health lens is also recommended to broaden the research focus from victims and perpetrators to also consider contextual factors. In particular, gambling research should examine the contribution of gambling products, practices, environments, and marketing to DFV/IPV and how this might be ameliorated. While research to date has drawn much needed attention to the risks that gambling presents for DFV/IPV, this review provides some suggestions for future research so that it can provide more nuanced findings to inform policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerilee Hing
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Nerilee Hing,
| | - Cathy O’Mullan
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Lydia Mainey
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Central Queensland University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Nancy Greer
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | - Helen Breen
- Faculty of Business and Law and Arts, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW, Australia
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Hing N, Russell AMT, Browne M, Rockloff M, Tulloch C, Rawat V, Greer N, Dowling NA, Merkouris SS, King DL, Stevens M, Salonen AH, Breen H, Woo L. Gambling-related harms to concerned significant others: A national Australian prevalence study. J Behav Addict 2022; 11:361-372. [PMID: 35895474 PMCID: PMC9295213 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Gambling-related harm to concerned significant others (CSOs) is an important public health issue since it reduces CSOs' health and wellbeing in numerous life domains. This study aimed to 1) estimate the first national prevalence of CSOs harmed by gambling in Australia; 2) identify the characteristics of CSOs most at risk of harm from another person's gambling; 3) compare the types and number of harms experienced by CSOs based on their relationship to the person who gambles; and 4) compare the number of harms experienced by CSOs by self-identified gender. Methods Based on a national CATI survey weighted to population norms, 11,560 respondents reported whether they had been personally and negatively affected by another person's gambling in the past 12 months; and if so, answered detailed questions about the harms experienced from the person's gambling who had harmed them the most. Results Past-year prevalence of gambling-related harm to adult Australian CSOs was (6.0%; 95% CI 5.6%-6.5%). CSOs most commonly reported emotional harms, followed by relationship, financial, health and vocational harms, respectively. Former partners reported the most harm, followed by current partners, other family members and non-family members, respectively. Female CSOs were more likely to report more harm and being harmed by a partner or other family member, and male CSOs from a non-family member. Discussion and conclusions The findings provide new insights into the wider societal burden of gambling and inform measures aimed at reducing harm to CSOs from gambling and supporting them to seek help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, Australia
| | | | - Matthew Browne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, Australia
| | | | - Vijay Rawat
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Nancy Greer
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Nicki A. Dowling
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | | | - Daniel L. King
- College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University, Australia
| | - Matthew Stevens
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Australia
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