Funding of gambling studies and its impact on research

[Introduction]
Gambling is a lucrative source of revenue for governments, since it is capable of producing revenue outside “normal” taxation. The global gambling expansion that has occurred within last few decades has not always been in the best interests of the citizenry, but it has been more a result of government–industry partnerships to raise public income (Adams, 2008; Nelson & Mason, 2007; Orford, 2011). Social concern about gambling has been replaced with responsibility for personal choice (Panasitti & Schull, 1994; Nikkinen & Marionneau, 2014).

Much gambling consumption is, however, involuntary, and gambling is one of the “coercive commodities” (Young & Markham, 2017). Those who gamble excessively contribute to gambling taxes disproportionally. Up to 60% of the proceeds of gambling are collected from those categorised as “problem” gamblers (Schull, 2012). Decreasing gambling-related harm therefore also decreases profits, since the total consumption model (TCM) appears to apply to gambling (Rossow, 2019; Sulkunen et al., 2019). Link to the article

Citation: Nikkinen, J. (2019). Funding of gambling studies and its impact on research. Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. https://doi.org/10.1177/1455072519878127

Gambling symptoms, behaviors, and cognitive distortions in Japanese university students

Abstract
Background: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between symptoms of gambling problems, gambling behaviours, and cognitive distortions among a university student population in Japan ages 20 to 29 years. We aimed to address the gap in knowledge of gambling disorders and treatment for this population.

Methods: Data were obtained from 1471 Japanese undergraduate students from 19 universities in Japan. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical multivariate regression analysis were used to investigate whether the factors of gambling cognitive distortions would have predictive effects on gambling disorder symptoms.

Results: Results indicated that 5.1% of the participants are classifiable as probable disordered gamblers. The bias of the gambling type to pachinko and pachislot was unique to gamblers in Japan. Of the students sampled, 342 self reported gambling symptoms via the South Oaks Gambling Screen. Hierarchical multivariate regression analysis indicated that one domain of gambling cognitive distortions was associated significantly with gambling symptoms among the 342 symptomatic participants: gambling expectancy (β = 0.19, p < .05). The multivariate model explained 47% of the variance in the gambling symptoms.

Conclusion: This study successfully contributed to the sparse research on university student gambling in Japan. Specifically, our results indicated a statistically significant relationship between gambling cognitive distortions and gambling disorder symptoms. These results can inform the development of preventive education and treatment for university students with gambling disorder in Japan. The report also describes needs for future research of university students with gambling disorder. Link to the article

Citation: Yokomitsu, K., Sakai, T., Irie, T. et al. (2019). Gambling symptoms, behaviors, and cognitive distortions in Japanese university students. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy 14(51). doi:10.1186/s13011-019-0230-5

Pathways connecting socioeconomic variables, substance abuse and gambling behaviour: a cross-sectional study on a sample of Italian high-school students

Abstract
Objectives: The aim of this study was to elucidate the pathway of associations linking gambling, alcohol intake, smoking habit, cannabis consumption between each other and with demographic and socioeconomic variables.

Setting and participants: A survey was conducted in 2017 on a representative sample of 15 602 Italian 14-year-olds to 17-year-olds attending 201 secondary schools.

Outcome measures: Structural Equation Models analysis was used to assess the pathway between gambling, alcohol intake, smoking, cannabis consumption, demographics and socioeconomic factors.

Results: Irrespective of socioeconomic or demographic variables, gambling is positively associated with alcohol and cannabis consumption, while cannabis consumption is predicted by smoking and by alcohol intake, smoking is predicted by alcohol intake. Adolescents with a higher weekly income are more at risk of gambling, drinking alcohol and smoking, while the degree of economic dissatisfaction was positively associated with alcohol intake, cannabis consumption and smoking. Maternal employment appeared to be positively associated with adolescents’ smoking, alcohol intake and cannabis consumption.

Conclusions: This is one of the first studies to shed light on the pathways of associations connecting various health-risk behaviours among adolescents with demographic and socioeconomic factors. Link to the article

Citation: Buja, A., Mortali, C., Mastrobattista, L., et al. (2019). Pathways connecting socioeconomic variables, substance abuse and gambling behaviour: a cross-sectional study on a sample of Italian high-school students. BMJ Open, 9(e031737). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-031737

The role of emotion regulation in video gaming and gambling disorder: A systematic review

Abstract: Behavioral addictions are now recognized as a psychiatric condition. With this recognition came increased research interest, specifically within the video gaming and gambling fields, into the etiology and symptomology of these behavioral addictions. Emotion regulation (ER) has significant implications for mental health, with research highlighting the link between ER and the development of psychopathology. However, the relationship between ER and behavioral addictions remains relatively unknown.

Objectives: This review investigated the recent literature on this relationship.

Methods: Out of an initial sample of 2471 studies, 20 were eligible for inclusion. Data regarding outcome measures, sampling methods, results, and effect sizes of relationships were extracted and critically evaluated.

Results: Results indicated 90% of studies found lower ER to be associated with reports of greater video gaming or gambling disorder symptomology, with 13 studies (65%) reporting medium to large effect sizes.

Conclusion: The findings provide an in-depth analysis of the relationship  between ER and behavioral addictions and highlights the key role ER plays in these addictive behaviors. This review provides novel insights into the potential prevention and intervention practices for behavioral addictions as well as recommendations for future directions. Link to the article

Citation: Marchica, L., Mills, D., Derevensky, J., & Montreuil, T. (2019). The role of emotion regulation in video gaming and gambling disorder: A systematic review. 10.1097/CXA.0000000000000070.

Exposure to gambling and alcohol marketing in soccer matchday programmes [article]

Abstract
Background: The UK’s Premier League and Championship are two of the most well attended soccer leagues worldwide; however, little is known regarding exposure to gambling marketing through the matchday experience. The current study sought to quantify exposure to gambling and alcohol marketing, and responsible gambling messages within matchday programmes.
Methods: Programmes for each team in the English Premier League and Championship were analysed across consecutive matchday weekends, made available to 1,269,404 match-going fans. Direct adverts for, and incidental exposure to, gambling, alcohol, and responsible gambling marketing or messages were coded. Direct adverts were counted, as were absolute counts and percentage of pages with incidental exposure.
Results: Programmes averaged 2.3 direct gambling adverts and 37.8 instances of incidental gambling marketing exposure. Incidental gambling marketing was found on 22.2% of pages. There was more gambling marketing than either alcohol marketing or responsible gambling messages. This was observed across: number of direct adverts (p <.001), incidents of exposure (p <.001) and the percentage of pages with exposure (p <.001). Teams with gambling shirt sponsors had more incidental marketing exposure, in both absolute count (p <.001) and percentage of pages (p <.001) but did not have more direct gambling adverts (p = .63). Incidental exposure to gambling marketing was present in 59.0% of children’s specific sections of programmes.
Conclusions. There was greater exposure to gambling marketing in soccer matchday programmes. Gambling marketing was frequently evident in child specific sections of matchday programmes. Attending soccer matches and reading the matchday programme increases exposure to gambling. Link to the article 

Citation: Sharman, S., Ferreira, C.A., & Newall, P.W.S. (2019). Exposure to gambling and alcohol marketing in soccer matchday programmes. Journal of Gambling Studies. In Press.

 

 

The diagnostic accuracy of brief screening instruments for problem gambling: A systematic review and meta-analysis [article]

Abstract: Non-gambling specialist services, such as primary care, alcohol and other drug use, and mental health services, are well placed to enhance the identification of people with gambling problems and offer appropriate generalist first level interventions or referral. Given time and resource demands, many of these clinical services may only have the capacity to administer very short screening instruments. This systematic review was conducted to provide a resource for health service providers and researchers in identifying the most accurate brief (1-5 item) screening instruments to identify problem and at-risk gambling for their specific purposes and populations.
A systematic search of peer-reviewed and grey literature from 1990 to 2019 identified 25 articles for inclusion. Meta-analysis revealed five of the 20 available instruments met criteria for satisfactory diagnostic accuracy in detecting both problem and at-risk gambling: Brief Problem Gambling Screen (BPGS-2), NODS-CLiP, Problem Gambling Severity Index-Short Form (PGSI-SF), NODS-PERC, and NODS-CLiP2. Of these, the NODS-CLiP and NODS-PERC have the largest volume of diagnostic data. The Lie/Bet Questionnaire and One-Item Screen are also promising shorter options. Because these conclusions are drawn from a relatively limited evidence base, future studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of existing brief instruments across settings, age groups, and timeframes are needed. Link to the article

Citation: N.A. Dowling, S.S. Merkouris, S. Dias, et al., The diagnostic accuracy of brief screening instruments for problem gambling: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Clinical Psychology Review(2019), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2019.101784

Gambling-related consumer credit use and debt problems: a brief review [article]

[Introduction]
People experiencing problems with gambling may use consumer credit to cover expenses and/or continue gambling. This may contribute to debt problems and psychological distress, both of which may have pre-existed (and potentially motivated) their gambling. This review found little empirical investigation of patterns of consumer credit use by gamblers, despite borrowing money being a diagnostic criterion for gambling disorder and financial harms being one of the most commonly reported problems. Research suggests that consumer credit use and debt problems increase with problem gambling severity.
Gambling-related debt problems increase the likelihood of experiencing poor psychosocial functioning, including psychological distress, substance use, adverse family impacts, crime, and suicidality. Communities and governments are calling for more socially responsible conduct by financial institutions, which increasingly recognise the potentially harmful impacts of credit provision on the well-being of customers experiencing gambling problems. Policies and interventions are needed relating to consumer credit, debt, and gambling to enhance customers’ financial and psychosocial well-being. Link to the article

Citation: Swanton, T.B., & Gainsbury, S.M. (2019). Gambling-related consumer credit use and debt problems: a brief review. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 31, 21–31.

Gambling with your health: Associations between gambling problem severity and health risk behaviours, health and wellbeing [article]

Abstract
The current study examined the association between gambling problem severity and health risk behaviours, health and wellbeing. A cross-sectional survey (including representative population and supplementary convenience samples) was conducted with 2303 adult residents of a British Island. Gambling problem severity was assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The EQ-5D-5L, WEMWBS and AUDIT-C were used to measure general health, mental wellbeing and alcohol use, respectively. Other measures included diet, physical exercise and tobacco use. Differences between gambling severity levels for each measure were analysed using logistic regression adjusting for age, sex and income.
Compared to non-problem gamblers, moderate/high severity gamblers had higher odds of a poor diet, low physical exercise and poor general health. Tobacco use was associated with both low and moderate/high severity gambling. Low severity, but not moderate/high severity gambling, was signifcantly associated with binge and higher risk drinking behaviours. Health risk behaviours tended to cluster, with a graded relationship between gambling problem severity and odds of reporting at least two health risk behaviours. Compared to non-problem gamblers, low severity gamblers were approximately twice as likely and moderate/high severity gamblers were three times as likely, to have low mental wellbeing. Findings suggest associations between gambling problems and a range of health risk behaviours and health issues, and crucially that such issues are not limited to gamblers with the highest severity of problems. Addressing gambling across the whole continuum of risk should be a key public health priority.
Link to the article

Citation: Butler, N., Quigg, Z., Bates, R. et al. (2019). Gambling with your health: Associations between gambling problem severity and health risk behaviours, health and wellbeing. Journal of Gambling Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-019-09902-8

The winners and the losers: Tax incidence of gambling in Finland [article]

Abstract
Gambling markets have grown rapidly for the last few decades. As a result, gambling is also a very important and common source of tax income for many governments these days. This raises a question about the overall fairness of the gambling taxation systems. In this paper, we aim to study the tax incidence of gambling in Finland. First, we analyse who are the expected payers of the gambling taxes and second, who are expected to be the receivers of the gambling-tax based contributions. In the first part of the study, we analyse the demographic incidence of gambling taxation by using the Finnish gambling 2015 population survey combined with registry based variables. Our data contains 3776 individuals. In the second part of the study, we use data of county level gambling-taxation based contributions to different organisations to analyse how the gambling expenditures are distributed back to citizens in a form of public spending. This study shows that different socio-demographic factors have diverse association with the decisions whether or how much to gamble. The results also suggest that more disadvantaged, i.e. lower income, less educated and rural area living, individuals are expected to be the “losers” of the Finnish gambling taxation system. In other words, the Finnish gambling system is found to be regressive by nature.
Link to the article

APA Citation: Roukka, T. & Salonen, A.H. (2019). The winners and the losers: Tax incidence of gambling in Finland. Journal of Gambling Studies. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-019-09899-0

Loss-chasing in gambling behaviour: neurocognitive and behavioural economic perspectives [article]

Highlights

• Chasing is a sensitive symptom of disordered gambling with multiple expressions.
• Neurocognitive constructs of negative urgency and compulsivity may underlie chasing.
• Behavioral economic constructs of loss-aversion and re-referencing may also contribute.

Loss-chasing describes the tendency of a gambler to amplify their betting in an effort to recoup prior losses. It is widely regarded as a defining feature of disordered gambling, and a hallmark of the transition from recreational to disordered gambling. We consider the empirical evidence for this central role of loss-chasing in disordered gambling. We highlight multiple behavioural expressions of chasing, including between-session and within-session chasing. From a neurocognitive perspective, loss-chasing could arise from compromised executive functions including inhibitory control, mood-related impulsivity (urgency) and compulsivity, for which there is compelling evidence in disordered gambling. This view is contrasted with a behavioural economic perspective that emphasizes the subjective valuation of outcomes to the gambler, and may better account for nuances in gamblers’ complex response to loss, such as the significance of ‘breaking even’. Neuroimaging and psychopharmacological research on loss-chasing may help to arbitrate between these two perspectives.
Link to the article

APA Citation: Zhang, K., Clark, L. (2020). Loss-chasing in gambling behaviour: neurocognitive and behavioural economic perspectives. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 31(February), 1-7. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2019.10.006.