The impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on gambling in Australia: Preliminary results from Wave 1 cross-sectional survey [open access report]

Executive summary
Background: The COVID-19 shutdown substantially reduced gambling availability in Australia. Land-based gambling venues were closed (no EGMs, casino games, keno, retail wagering), and sporting events were cancelled (limiting sports betting options). ‘Stay at home’ orders reduced access to lottery retailers.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the shutdown on the gambling behaviour of a sample of Australian gamblers, particularly in relation to psychological distress, financial stress, and existing gambling problems.

Methodology: An online survey of 764 Australian adults (85% male, aged 18-82 years) who had gambled in the past 12 months was conducted in May 2020.

Preliminary results: Nearly three in four participants reported gambling less frequently during the shutdown, and most did not increase their online gambling frequency. Individuals at moderate-risk of gambling harms were more likely to report increases in gambling frequency, and higher problem gambling severity was associated with increases in gambling expenditure. However, the majority of participants reporting past-year gambling problems indicated that their gambling problems had decreased during the shutdown. Higher psychological distress and COVID-related financial difficulties appear to be linked with increases in gambling expenditure, but not increases in gambling frequency. Most participants reported expecting to resume their normal gambling patterns post-shutdown. Link to the report

Citation: Gainsbury, S., & Blaszczyk, A. (2020). The impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on gambling in Australia (Preliminary results from Wave 1 cross-sectional survey). University of Sydney. http://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/brain-and-mind-centre/usyd-covid-gambling-research-report-aug-2020.pdf

Suicidality among gambling helpline callers: A consideration of the role of financial stress and conflict [subscription access article]

Carr, M. M., Ellis, J. D. & Ledgerwood, D. M. (2018). The American Journal on Addictions, 27(6), 531-537. doi:10.1111/ajad.12787

Abstract: Background and Objectives
High rates of suicidal ideation and attempts secondary to gambling are well established among those with gambling disorders. The present study explores potential risk factors for suicidal ideation and/attempt among a sample of help‐line callers.

Methods
Participants (N = 202) completed measures assessing demographics; gambling behavior; and financial, family/social, employment, substance use, and legal difficulties related to gambling. Bivariate analyses, logistic regression, and mediation analyses were used to explore relationship between predictors and risk of suicidal ideation and attempt.

Results
Female gender, gambling severity (including engagement in illegal behaviors), a history of mental health problems, financial problems, and conflict related to gambling were associated with current suicidality in this sample. Mediation analyses revealed that financial problems were associated with increased familial conflict, which was in turn associated with increased suicidality.

Conclusions
Family and social conflict may be one important way in which financial problems confer risk for suicidality among problem gamblers. These results align with findings from the substance use disorder (SUD) literature and highlight one potential factor that may merit further assessment and/or intervention.

Scientific Significance
Researchers and clinicians may want to consider the overall level of conflict a patient is experiencing when assessing suicide risk among individuals with gambling problems. Professionals may also want to consider the suitability of interventions to address conflict within the context of gambling treatment. Article details and access conditions