| Title: Masthead |
| File: Masthead_V55 |
| Title: Validation of a Sports Betting Adaptation to the Problem Gambling Severity Index in Young Adults |
| Abstract: Background. Sports betting is a rapidly growing addictive behavior, especially among young adults. As such, there is a need for measuring problem sports betting behaviors and consequences separately from established generalized gambling measures. The present study provides support for a sports betting adaptation of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI-SB). Methods. We recruited a sample (N=221) of young adults aged 18-29 (Mage=24.4; 22% female; 13.2% Hispanic; 68.6% college degree) from 36 different US states. Eligibility criteria included ≥2 sports betting days in the past month. Results. Confirmatory factor analyses showed support for both a single and two-factor model with subscales for problematic behavior (e.g., dependence) and negative consequences. The PGSI-SB was strongly correlated with the original PGSI in terms of scalelevel and item-level correlations (i.e., convergent validity). Aim 3 established predictive validity of the single-factor PGSI-SB via significant associations with three indices of past two-week sports betting: frequency, number of bets, and total amount wagered. Predictive validity for the twofactor model was impacted by multicollinearity, given high correlation between subscales. Conclusions. Findings establish the merits of a dedicated problem sports betting measure for young adults, which is a key step towards enhancing the quality and consistency of sports betting research |
| Keywords: Sports Wagering, Measurement, PGSI, Psychometrics. |
| Authors: Scott Graupensperger & Brian Calhoun |
| File: Graupensperger & Calhoun |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/ETNB6740 |
| Title: A Systematic Review of Gambling Amongst Elite Athletes With A Focus On Females |
| Abstract: Background and aims: Over the last decade, research interest has grown around the subject of gambling among elite athletes, with studies showing higher problem gambling rates among this cohort compared with the general population. However, there is little research focusing on elite female athletes and whether the factors that influence gambling differ between males and females. Taking into consideration the rapid growth of professionalisation of female sport, this systematic review aims to identify what is known about gambling amongst elite athletes, males and females, and what methodologies have been used to investigate this research topic. Method: This study followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and the search was conducted in three electronic databases: Scopus, PsycINFO and PubMed, and a further control search carried out on Google Scholar. Overall, 16 papers met the inclusion criteria. Results: The majority of studies captured data either only from or almost exclusively from male athletes. Only five papers had gender balanced samples, and they utilised a quantitative research design, guided by a psychological/pathological perspective. Male athletes were found to be more likely to develop a gambling problem compared with female athletes. Within the qualitative studies, gambling culture at sports clubs was identified as a key factor influencing male athletes to gamble, but it could not be concluded whether this is also the case for female athletes. Discussion and conclusions: More work is needed to determine whether sports related factors such as a gambling culture can contribute to gambling problems for female athletes. A lack of qualitative studies was identified and therefore, the review calls for more qualitative research to explore gambling in female sports clubs. Additionally, it is recommended that sporting organisations support researchers in conducting meaningful research to design policies and interventions to reduce gambling harms amongst athletes |
| Keywords: Gambling, Elite Athletes, Systematic Review, Gender, Professional Sports Clubs. |
| Authors: Anca-Maria Gherghel, Donna Woodhouse, Girish Ramchandani, & Beth Fielding-Lloyd |
| File: Gherghel et al. |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/FQQZ7208 |
Review
| Title: A Review of Buddhist Concentration, Ethics, and Wisdom-Based Meditation Practices for Prevention and Recovery from Gambling Harm |
| Abstract: This critical review assesses the use of Buddhist concentration-, ethics- and wisdom-based meditation practices in the context of prevention and recovery from gambling harm. It begins by exploring the core psychological mechanisms and processes involved in problem gambling and introduces a model that identifies psychological distress, a lack of values clarification, and a lack of identity as the main drivers of addictive gambling behaviour. The review then examines how the three types of meditation practices interact with these mechanisms to formulate a theoretical framework for using meditative interventions to reduce problem gambling. Additionally, the review analyses several empirical studies that have implemented the different meditation practices in efforts to reduce gambling behaviours, evaluating their effectiveness, and validating the proposed theoretical framework. The review findings indicate that specific meditation practices vary in their effectiveness in addressing the different core mechanisms of problem gambling and in breaking the cycle of addictive behaviour. Consequently, for meditation practices to be most effective as a therapeutic tool for problem gambling, clinicians are recommended to first determine the specific causes of an individual’s gambling behaviour and then tailor the meditation intervention to meet those specific needs. |
| Keywords: Buddhism, Concentration, Wisdom, Mediation, Gambling, Harm, Recovery. |
| Authors: Matthew Furnell, FHEA & William Van Gordon, Ph.D |
| File: Furnell & Van Gordon |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/CUQO1814 |
| Title: The complex relationship between return-to-player percentage and problem gambling: A literature review and analytical framework |
| Abstract: Some gambling companies, regulatory authorities, and researchers consider a high return to player (RTP) percentage to be a risk factor for problem gambling (PG). If this is true, regulating RTP level could play a crucial role for preventing PG. However, there are no empirical studies confirming this assumption. The aim of this article is to review the literature and on basis of that discuss in what ways and to what extent RTP percentage might relate to the risk of PG. The method used is inductive reasoning based on the synthesis of earlier research, consideration of general theories on gambling behavior, and observations regarding gambling markets. The discussion is facilitated by a proposed analytical framework for understanding and exploring the complex relationship between RTP and PG. The main result of the analysis is that high RTP forms of gambling are associated with PG primarily because of well-known PG risk factors that are commonly co-occurring with high RTP, such as rapid game frequency, high play continuity, and conspicuous sensory stimuli stimulating gambling. RTP in these forms of gambling cannot be significantly lowered because it would be commercially unviable. In forms of gambling in which RTP is relatively low but can be substantially increased, this may have effects that both heighten and lower the risk of PG. None of these effects are likely to be strong and might cancel each other out. The conclusion is that high RTP alone does not significantly contribute to the risk of PG. |
| Keywords: Gambling, Problem Gambling, Price of Gambling, Gambling Regulation, Return-to-Player, Risk |
| Authors: Per Binde |
| File: Binde |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/EDYF9015 |
| Title: Non-mathematical dimensions of randomness: Implications for problem gambling |
| Abstract: Randomness, a core concept of gambling, is seen in problem gambling as responsible for the formation of the math-related cognitive distortions, especially the Gambler’s Fallacy. In problem-gambling research, the concept of randomness was traditionally referred to as having a mathematical nature and categorized and approached as such. Randomness is not a mathematical concept and I argue that its weak mathematical dimension is not decisive at all for the randomness-related issues in gambling and problem gambling, including the correction of the misconceptions and fallacies about probability and statistical concepts applied in gambling. I distinguish between mathematical and nonmathematical dimensions of randomness (the epistemic, the theoreticalmethodological, the functional, and the ethical) falling within the general concept, and I argue that both the studies having as object the math-related cognitive distortions among gamblers and the educational programs aiming at correcting them should employ this distinction in their design and content. |
| Keywords: Randomness, Philosophy of Randomness, Gambling, Problem Gambling. |
| Authors: Catalin Barboianu |
| File: Barboianu |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/YHJT7003 |
| Title: Lived Experiences of Gaming and Gambling Related Harm and Implications for Healthcare Services |
| Abstract: Children and young people (CYP) are high consumers of loot boxes, raising concerns about the impact of a convergence of gaming and gambling related harms and their potential negative developmental outcomes in adulthood. Especially, given evidence that practitioners and parents/carers are lacking awareness of the risks of converging gaming-gambling environments. Addressing these risks necessitates understanding the experiences of gaming and gambling related harm within healthcare systems. This study aimed to gain insights from individuals with previous lived experience of gaming and/or gambling-related harm in the context of CYP and healthcare systems. A qualitative design was adopted using two semi-structured online focus groups, involving five participants with previous lived experience of gaming and/or gambling-related harm. Focus groups explored their experiences of healthcare services and barriers to support in the journey through harm and recovery. Thematic analysis of the data revealed five key themes: i) Escapism; ii) Identity; iii) Preventative Education; iv) Safer Environments; v) Health-based Narratives. Results suggested a convergence of gaming and gambling-related harm in terms of patterns of experiences of escapism and internalising harm with identity, highlighting the need for safer environments and preventative approaches to protect CYP against novel risks of harm through healthcare systems. The results suggest that preventative approaches need to understand the virtual worlds of CYP and the importance of digital resilience. Implications for practitioners, services, policy makers, and regulators seeking to protect CYP from the risks of gaming and gambling-related harm are discussed. |
| Keywords: Loot Boxes, Gambling-related Harm, Children, Young People, Healthcare, Behavioural Addiction. |
| Authors: Kevin Davidson, Sarah E Hodge, Constantina Panourgia, Maggie Hutchings, & Kev Clelland |
| File: Davidson et al. |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/OOFV5795 |
| Title: The Dopamine Brain, by Anastasia Hronis, Australia, Penguin Books, 2024, 224 Pages, eBook, 9781761346385 |
| Abstract: Chapter One: What is dopamine and how does it work/ Chapter Two: Debunking dopamine myths/ Chapter Three: What can disrupt our dopamine/ Chapter Four: Chasing pleasure, escaping pain/ Chapter Five: What other neurotransmitters are important/ Chapter Six: The conflict of pleasure and purpose/ Chapter Seven: Identifying your target behaviour/ Chapter Eight: What are values and why are they important/ Chapter Nine: Identifying your values/ Chapter Ten: Where do my values come from/ Chapter Eleven: Assessing our alignment/ Chapter Twelve: Navigating the fork in the road/ Chapter Thirteen: Setting goals in line with values/ Chapter Fourteen: The power of plastic/ Chapter Fifteen: Take a break/ Chapter Sixteen: Sitting with discomfort/ Chapter Seventeen: Riding the wave/ Chapter Eighteen: When you can’t ride the wave/ Chapter Nineteen: Building the new/ Chapter Twenty: Breaking free and finding balance. |
| Keywords: Book review, Dopamine, Brain, Problem Gambling, Gambling. |
| Authors: Melkhianus Hendrik Pentury & Vernando Yanry Lameky |
| File: Pentury & Lameky |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/YPFJ6563 |