Mental and Social Health Commons^™

Measurement Models Matter: How Retrospective Calendar Versus Global Reports Yield Different Estimates Of Treatment Outcome, Margaret L. Paul Bs, Maria E. Meinerding Ms, Jeremiah Weinstock Phd, Meredith K. Ginley, James P. Whelan Phd, Rory A. Pfund

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract: Retrospective reports are less accurate than objective measures of behavior and must be interpreted with consideration of the amount of distortion and error introduced by this methodology. The Gambling-Timeline Followback (G-TLFB) method is the gold standard retrospective assessment tool that is designed to minimize such error by asking for a specific recall of precise gambling behavior day-by-day using recall aids as compared to a global summation over time (e.g., how many gambling days in last month, how much money gambled in the last month). It remains an empirical question whether this difference in measurement format, G-TLFB versus global reports, …

High Illusion Of Control Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Analyses Of The Effects Of Forms Of Counterfactual Thinking And Gender In Problem Gambling And Gaming, Larry Okechukwu Awo Dr., George Nzeadi Duru Mr.

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract

Three studies (Study 1, N = 322 male adolescents, Study 2, N = 401 male and female adolescents, and Study 3, longitudinal, N = 56 male and female adolescents) analyzed the effects cognitive and psychographic variables in the relationships among illusion of control (IC), problem gambling and problem gaming. Moderated mediation analyses results using PROCESS macro in the three studies confirmed: (1) the positive mediating effect of upward CFT in the association between IC and problem gambling and problem gaming; (2) the negative mediating effect of downward CFT in the association between IC and problem gambling and problem gaming; …

At-Risk And Problem Gambling In Families - Finnish Population-Based Study With Register-Linkage, Tiina Latvala

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Families of problem gamblers experience harms, however, there are no population level estimates as to how many families in Finland are exposed to at-risk and problem gambling (ARPG) of a family member. The study analyzed data from Finnish Gambling 2019, a nationally representative study with register linkage, to derive how many families are exposed to ARPG of a family member. It also examined whether the exposing to ARPG of a family member would be more common among low-income families or in families that had received social assistance.

The results showed that 9% of families were exposed to at-risk gambling (ARG) …

Get Engaged: Results Of Ncpg 2018 National Survey Of Gambling Attitudes & Experiences, Keith Whyte, Don Feeney

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The National Survey of Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences (NGAGE) is the largest published survey of gambling participation and problems in the US. This unprecedented look into how Americans gamble, what they gamble, how they think about it in every state. Includes a special focus on sports gambling. Presenters will review the findings and implications for everyone involved in gambling issues.

Gender Differences In Non-Suicidal Self-Injury In A Sample Of Treatment-Seeking Gamblers, Megan Cowie

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Gambling Disorder (GD) is a public health concern with tremendous implications (Smith & Wynne, 2002). The disorder rarely occurs in isolation, often presenting with other conditions. Suicidal ideation and attempts are common among treatment-seeking gamblers (Maccallum & Blaszczynski, 2003). An important yet overlooked risk factor for suicidality is non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI; Klonsky et al., 2013). NSSI can serve many functions: relief of negative emotions; generation of positive states; escape from interpersonal obligations; attention or facilitation of resources (Nock & Prinstein, 2004). Previous research has found gender differences in NSSI. Despite NSSI’s relationship to suicidality and the noted gender differences, literature …

Interventions For Problem And Pathological Gambling: Status, Innovations, And Challenges, Matthew P. Martens

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The purpose of this presentation is to address research on the effectiveness of problem gambling interventions and offer insights for new directions. Dr. Martens has led two clinical trials over the past five years that have integrated technology into problem gambling interventions for young adults. In the first trial (Martens et al., 2015), he found that a computerized personalized feedback intervention reduced gambling problems among at-risk young adult gamblers. In the second trial (Martens et al., in preparation), he found that an intervention delivered via cell phone and text-message had an indirect effect on gambling-related problems. Although effect sizes for …

Research On Problem Gambling Websites, Chang Boon Patrick Lee

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

This is a continuation of a series of studies on problem gambling websites. It has been noted in prior studies that one avenue problem gamblers might look for help was to go online to perform a web search. Online help is practical as help can be located immediately and this can help to ease the gamblers’ concerns that they are left alone to handle their own problems. While there are some anecdotal evidences regarding the success of problem gambling websites, there have been few empirical studies that relate directly to the perceptions and usefulness of the websites for the problem …

A Public Health-Based Approach To German Gaming Regulation, Knut Walter, Gerhard Buehringer

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The current situation of the German gambling market can be characterized by an unrelated framework of different legal systems, different regulatory authorities and different control principles, and has led to (1) an increasing number of court decisions and information requests by European Commission questioning parts of that regulatory system, (2) public tolerance of illicit gambling, and consequently (3) a lack of consumer protection.

Taking RENO Model 1.0 and 2.0 seriously, a new and comprehensive regulatory framework based on common consumer protection standards for all types of gambling – land-based and online, state-owned and private operated – has been developed and …

Mandatory Pre-Commitment Loss Limits: Six Years’ Experience Shows It Works, Bjorn H. Hoffmann

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The Norwegian state owned company Norsk Tipping is a pioneer in the gambling indusrty with its secure player identification and mandatory registered play across all channels. Knowing who your player is and having a strong link between the player and his consumption of games across all channels (land based, EGM, web and mobile) is an important premise for having a credible responsible gaming platform.

Norsk Tipping introduced in 2009 EGM’s with both pre commitment tools and maximum loss limits. In 2014 we introduced our Internet casino with probably the best responsible gambling platform in the world, including mandatory loss limits. …

An Empirical Evaluation Of The Clubsnsw (Australia) Multi-Venue Self-Exclusion Program, Dylan A. Pickering, Alexander Blaszczynski, Sally Gainsbury, Rowan Cameron

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Few empirical studies have evaluated the effectiveness of self-exclusion programs. Research is required to identify factors contributing to decisions to enter and/or breach self-exclusion orders, or to self-excluded gamblers to seek additional treatment. Clinical characteristics of self-excluders remain relatively unknown in addition to factors that differentiate gamblers who do or do not breach. Limitations of current programs are that gamblers can self-exclude from only one or a limited number of venues. The Multi-venue Self-exclusion program, developed and implemented by ClubsNSW (Australia), is a centralised web-based system designed to help problem gamblers self exclude from up to 35 venues at a …

Monitoring Gambling Impacts In Massachusetts: Honing Strategies And Preventing Harm, Rachel A. Volberg, Amanda Houpt

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

In November 2011, an Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was signed into law (Chapter 194 of the Acts of 2011). This legislation permits casinos and slot parlors in Massachusetts under the regulatory auspices of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). Section 71 of the Expanded Gaming Act requires the MGC to establish an annual research agenda to assist in understanding the effects of casino gambling in Massachusetts and in minimizing the negative impacts. Research activities launched thus far include a comprehensive study of the social and economic impacts of casino gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA), a cohort study …

Best Practices For Self-Exclusion Reinstatement And Renewal, Alex Price

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

While many studies have examined self-exclusion few have focused on the processes through which gamblers return at the end of their agreements. In 2014, the RGC Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices examined voluntary self-exclusion reinstatement and renewal in an effort to develop evidence-informed best-practices for both land-based and online gambling operations. The presentation outlines the findings of the study and the recommended best practices for reintegration and ban renewal.

The study examined a range of practices around the world. In the end the study recommended an active reinstatement process in which all participants are required to apply to …

A Behavioural Account Of Mobile Gambling, Richard James, Richard Tunney, Claire O'Malley

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Mobile gambling is an emerging market in which there is evidence that some gamblers are introduced to gambling through their mobile device, and that mobile gambling does not ‘cannibalise’ participation with other forms of gambling. There is a concern that mobile gamblers face distinct risks from other forms of gambling, particularly for harmful behaviours. This paper presentation outlines a behavioural account of mobile gambling that combines both the learned characteristics of problem gambling with how individuals interact with their mobile devices. This hypothesizes that the extended gaps between plays or sessions potentially attracts extended play, even in the face of …

Ready, Set, And Go Back: The Role Of The Judiciary In Brazil’S Bingo Ban, Luiza Jobim Llm, Toni Williams

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Brazil, the host of the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Olympics, is known for strong competitive traditions in sports and games. It is also one of only three G-20 countries (together with Saudi Arabia and Indonesia) that currently bans non-state provision of gambling products. Bingo was a notable exception to this prohibition, after enabling legislation was enacted in 1993, with the intention that proceeds would help fund national sports development. The game quickly became very popular but there were persistent questions about, and contestations over, the capacity of the regulatory framework to control the dual risks of exploitation of …

Problem Gambling Prevalence And Risk Factors Among Older Adults, Nigel E. Turner Ph.D., John Mccready, Robert Mann Ph.D., Mark Van Der Maas, Hayley Hamilton, Tracy Schrans

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Reports on the results of a study that interview older adults at casinos and racetrack slot machine venues (racinos) in Ontario. The study used an intercept survey employing cluster sampling methods to obtain a random sample of 2,103 Ontario older adults (aged 55 and older) gambling at seven sites across the province. Older adults exiting the gaming floor were randomly selected to be invited to participate in an interview / survey, which required about 15-20 minutes of their time. Participants provided information about their own gambling behavior and gambling-related problems, attitudes toward gambling, gambling and gambling problems in their community, …

Profiling At-Risk Gamblers, Tapio Jaakkola, Kari Vuorinen, Mirka Smolej

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The majority of gambling research has been concentrating on problem gambling and on the association between gambling behavior, game design and gambling harm. Much less attention has been directed at recreational gambling or on players that do not suffer from any gambling related problems. However, when it comes to preventing gambling harm we should also target those at risk as well those who are gambling moderately.

As a part of a project on prevention of adult gambling harm we did a study of at-risk gamblers in order to recognize and to define the socio-economic background of our target group. Prior …

Measuring Market Saturation In The U.S. Casino Industry: An Analytical And Empirical Analysis, Clyde W. Barrow, Alan P. Meister, David R. Borges

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The national and regional economies in the U.S. remain on a slow growth trajectory, while the casino gaming industry has seen a rapid and ongoing expansion. Consequently, states, Native American tribes, and gaming operators have increasingly shifted their attention from gaming expansion to the problems of regional competition, cannibalization, market maturation, and market saturation. The question of “market saturation” has become a salient point of public policy debate and a topic that is now frequently raised in the industry and media. This paper analyzes the concept of saturation in the context of casino gaming markets and compares several metrics for …

Gambling Warning Messages: The Impact Of Winning And Losing On Message Reception Across A Gambling Episode, Rory A. Pfund, Meredith K. Ginley, Samuel C. Peter, James P. Whelan, Andrew W. Meyers

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Warning messages prevent and modify risk-taking behaviors. When controlling the outcome of each wager, studies suggest such messages can increase a player’s knowledge about gambling-specific risks, modify their gambling-related cognitive distortions, and even change play. The present study takes the next step by asking if the reception of the warning message is influenced by the player’s experience of winning or losing.

In a laboratory study, participants were randomly assigned to a winning or losing gambling experience where they either viewed periodic warning messages or not. Using a mixed model analysis, the influence of the warning messages was related to players’ …

Gambling-Related Problems Of Self-Excluders In Swiss Casinos, Suzanne Lischer

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

No abstract provided.

Interventions For Problem Gamblers In The Correctional System, Nigel E. Turner Ph.D., Flora Matheson

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The prevalence rates of problem gambling in the adult correctional population are 5 to 10 times higher than those found in the general population. The purpose of this study is to examine the type of interventions used to deal with this population. We conducted a combination of literature review and key informant study to examine the state of programming for problem gambling for clients who experience incarceration. The published literature on this topic is remarkably sparse. In fact only two peer reviewed published studies were identified that formally evaluated a treatment program for problem gambling for clients in these settings. …

Exploring The Utility Of An Extended Theory Of Planned Behaviour Framework For School-Based Gambling Prevention Programs, Renee A. St-Pierre Ph.D., Caroline E. Temcheff Ph.D., Jeffrey L. Derevensky Ph.D., Rina Gupta Ph.D.

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and the concept of negative anticipated emotions (NAE) have attracted research attention in the formulation of effective preventive interventions. This approach has identified several key constructs of the TPB (i.e., intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceptions of behavioural control) and NAE as valid predictors of gambling behaviours and problems among young people (Martin et al., 2010, 2011; St-Pierre et al., 2015). However, no empirical investigation has utilized all of these constructs in the design or evaluation of an adolescent problem gambling preventive intervention. The current research aimed to assess the efficacy of targeting NAE and …

Gamblerization Of Post-Communist Society In Central Europe, Zdeněk Szczyrba, David Fiedor, Irena Smolová

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Countries of Central European region (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary) joined a new stage of their development after 1989. In these countries, there was a building process of capitalism which went in parallel with far-reaching structural economic and social changes; such as the privatization of economies, de-industrialization but also gamblerization of society. Clarifying this term, gamblerization, it could be described as the process of a continuous penetration of gaming facilities in the area accompanied by an increased availability and accessibility of gaming machines in the society. It is important to say that this process was particularly allowed owing to …

Gambling Problems In The General Danish Population: Survey Evidence, Morten Lau, Don Ross

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

We develop surveys of gambling problems in the general Danish population. We compare several popular survey instruments of gambling behavior and gambling propensity to assess if they differ in their classification of individuals. We also examine correlations with standard survey instruments for alcohol use, anxiety, depression and impulsiveness. A feature of our design is that nobody was excluded on the basis of their response to a “trigger,” “gateway” or “diagnostic item” question about previous gambling history, allowing us to check for sample selection bias. Our sample consists of 8,405 adult Danes, which is 12.8% of the sample frame of 65,592 …

Generational Differences In Gambling Behavior And Attitudes, Don Feeney, Todd Maki

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The five generations that make up the adult population of North America and Europe differ greatly in their gambling behavior and their beliefs and attitudes towards gambling. This presentation will discuss data that demonstrate the extent of these differences as well as the cultural background and formative experiences that led to them. It will conclude with a discussion of implications for the gambling industry, responsible gambling, public policy, and for those concerned with the prevention and treatment of gambling problems.

Responsible Gambling Training: How Do We Know What’S Working?, Janine Robinson

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

No abstract provided.

Responsible Gambling Training In Ontario Canada, Janine Robinson

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

No abstract provided.

A Critical Conversation On Responsible Gaming In Canada And Beyond, Lena Quilty

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

No abstract provided.

Meeting The Unique Treatment Needs Of Female Gamblers: A Workbook And Webinar Effectiveness Pilot Study, Roberta R. Boughton, Farah Jindani, Nigel Turner

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

While past decades have seen a dramatic increase in the number of women who gamble and develop consequent problems, treatment services are being underutilized in Ontario, especially by women.

This pilot aimed to be responsive to this concern, circumventing barriers by inviting access to support through the use of two interventions. One was a mailed self-help workbook designed for women. The second utilized the workbook in a clinician facilitated group context using teleconferencing in conjunction with webinar technology. This small pragmatic pilot aimed to both get feedback on the helpfulness of the workbook and to explore the feasibility of using …

Etiology And Stability Of Problem Gambling, Robert Williams, Rachel A. Volberg

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Prevention of problem gambling hinges on having research that clearly identifies the variables that are etiologically involved, their temporal sequence, and their causal connections. Longitudinal research is the best way of disentangling the chronology and causal relationships between variables. The present research describes the results of the two major longitudinal studies of gambling in Canada: the Quinte Longitudinal Study (QLS) (n = 4,121) and the Leisure, Lifestyle, Lifecycle Project (LLLP) (n = 1,808). The first part of the presentation describes the stability of gambling classifications over a 5 year period. This is followed by an identification of the univariate and …

Early Initiation Into Gambling Among Boys And Girls With Conduct Problems: A Prospective Study, Renee A. St-Pierre Ph.D., Véronique Frenette, Caroline E. Temcheff Ph.D., Michèle Déry Ph.D., Jean-Pascal Lemelin Ph.D., Jean Toupin Ph.D., Pierrette Verlaan Ph.D.

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Context. Both early initiation into gambling (Rahman et al., 2012; Slutske et al., 2014) and conduct problems (Welte et al., 2009, 2011) have been identified as independent risk factors for later gambling problems. However, few longitudinal studies have examined the associations between these two risk factors, as well as their predictive relationship with gambling initiation among children and adolescents. Research Question. Are conduct problems a risk factor for early initiation into gambling, over and above other known risk factors?

Method. This study used data from an ongoing prospective, longitudinal study at the Université de Sherbrooke in order to examine gambling …