| Title: Masthead |
| File: Masthead_V56 |
| Title: Editorial: On Freedom and Scientific Publications |
| Abstract: NA |
| Keywords: Freedom, Scientific Publication, current volume. |
| Pages: 1-3 |
| Authors: Nigel E. Turner |
| File: JGI-Editorial |
| Title: Neglected Areas of Gambling Research: Challenges and Opportunities |
| Abstract: NA |
| Keywords: Gambling Research, Under-studied, Challenges, Opportunities. |
| Pages: 4-8 |
| Authors: Chris Piotrowski |
| File: Piotrowski |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/CHKF7074 |
| Title: Exploring Thirukkural’s Perspective on Gambling: A Thematic Analysis |
| Abstract: Thirukkural, a timeless classic in ancient Tamil literature authored by Thiruvalluvar, encompasses various aspects of human life and offers profound insights into moral and ethical conduct. In this paper, we attempt to explore the themes within the couplets in the gambling chapter of Thirukural through an inductive thematic analysis approach. The themes that emerged were the negative consequences of gambling, the addictive nature of gambling, and the prescription against gambling, offering timeless guidance for navigating the complexities of gambling behaviors, disorders, and treatments. Additionally, this research examines the applicability of Thirukkural’s teachings to modern-day gambling scenarios, considering the evolving nature of gambling practices and the ethical challenges they present. |
| Keywords: Thirukural, Gambling, Ethics, Moral, Tamil Literature |
| Pages: 9-19 |
| Authors: M. Rajashekar & Manoj Kumar Sharma |
| File: Rajashekar & Sharma |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/IJBI3609 |
| Title: Social Media Addiction Impact on Mental Health Among Palestinian Youth: The Quality-of-Life as a Mediator |
| Abstract: The study aimed to examine the prevalence and consequences of Social Network Addiction (SNA) among Palestinian youth. SNA is a distinct form of digital addiction that can significantly impact mental health among young people. The research sample consisted of 16-20 years old of both genders (n=722) and by employing four psychometric tools, SNA scale, Youngs’ internet addiction scale,General well-being scale and the Quality-of-Life scale. The findings showed that 45.8% of the sample exhibited addictive behavior related to social networking sites. The General Well-being of the studied sample was negatively associated with social networks addiction (r = -.315; p < .01), while the hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that the Quality of Life was the most impactful predictor to interpret the General Well-being within the studied sample. Although the research suggested a number of risk factors that may interpret the demographic variations regarding SNA prevalence among the sample, the research recommends further studies to explore and explain the phenomena within the Arabic culture. |
| Keywords: Social Media Addiction; Mental Health; Quality of Life; Palestine |
| Pages: 20-41 |
| Authors: Wissam Atwan, Fayez Mahamid, & Nader Salha |
| File: Atwan et al. |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/EKVW6584 |
| Title: The Prevalence of Gambling and Gambling Related Harm in Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorder (NDD): A Systematic Review |
| Abstract: Background: Global prevalence of gambling disorder (GD) ranges from 0.12–5.8%. Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) pose further vulnerabilities to gambling-related harms. Studies have described a relationship between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (an NDD) and GD; however, little is known about the comorbidity of other NDDs and GD. Method: This systematic review included studies published between 1st January 1994 and 31st August 2023 which reported GD and NDDs as defined by DSM V criteria. Studies were excluded if not published in English. This review is compliant with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The protocol for this systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021295190). Results: Of the 867 studies identified through database searches, 57 met inclusion criteria. Of these, 45 related to ADHD and GD. The remainder looked at intellectual disability, special educational needs, learning disorder and autism. GD and NDD comorbidity ranged from 2.4% to 62.55%. Conclusion: Features of impulsivity, emotional regulation problems, compulsivity and cognitive distortions are shared in NDDs and GD and may be an important therapeutic target in this population. Further research is required to investigate this comorbidity which has implications for: the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals; policy makers and the gambling industry; diagnosis and treatment of GD in the context of neurodiversity or NDD. |
| Keywords: Systematic Literature Review, Gambling, Harm, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Neurodiversity. |
| Pages: 42-135 |
| Authors: Neha Bansal, Jim Rogers, & Amanda Roberts |
| File: Bansal et al. |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/AQPE6351 |
| Title: The Gambling Establishment: Challenging the Power of the Modern Gambling Industry and its Allies by JimOrford, UK, 2020, 194 Pages, 9780367085704,0367085704 |
| Abstract: Orford’s book, The Gambling Establishment, published in 2020, continues to be relevant to understanding gambling practices and policies in this age of under-regulated gaming expansion. Gambling risks and harms are disproportionately placed on the player rather than on product design, gambling environments, and advertising. This review summarizes his analysis and offers some critical reflections on Orford’s call for evidence-guided public policy. |
| Keywords: Book review, gambling industry, addiction, Orford |
| Pages: 136-147 |
| Authors: Wayne Skinner |
| File: Skinner |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/FCON4756 |
| Title: Gambling Industry Organizations’ Arguments to Influence Deregulation of State Online Monopoly in Finland: Analysis of X Data |
| Abstract: The objective of this study was to investigate gambling industry organizations’ arguments on X (formerly Twitter), as a lobbying strategy to influence deregulation of the state online gambling monopoly in Finland. Primary data were collected on X between January and April 2023 from the Finnish Gambling Association (n=155 tweets). The X data were analyzed by coding using Microsoft Excel and by thematic content analysis using a framework developed by the researchers. The results identified six argument categories: (1) promotional content in the form of self-promotion, (2) licensing system will enable offshore gambling companies to be taxed, (3) the current gambling model does not succeed in competition, (4) political support for the licensing system from Members of Parliament, (5) using other countries’ licensed models to advocate for the licensing system, and (6) licensing system will have a better chance to deal with gambling problems. The study concluded that X offered an opportunity for the Finnish Gambling Association to influence the deregulation of the state online gambling monopoly in Finland, which will be replaced with a licensing system from 2026 onwards. |
| Keywords: Gambling, Online Monopoly, Public Policy, Social Media, X (Formerly Twitter), Deregulation, Finnish Gambling Association, Finland. |
| Pages: 148-172 |
| Authors: Thomas Babila Sama & Heikki Hiilamo |
| File: Sama & Hiilamo |
| DOI: doi.org/10.4309/RESD7780 |