| Title: Masthead |
| File: Masthead_V56s |
| Title: Editorial |
| Abstract: NA |
| Keywords: NA |
| Pages: 1-2 |
| Authors: Nigel E. Turner |
| File: JGI-Editorial |
| Title: Use Of Computer-based Mathematical Simulations To Understand Gambling Games And Potential Risks For Problem Gambling |
| Abstract: Background: There is a long tradition of the use of simulation by the gambling industry to understand the statistical properties of gambling games such as the house edge, hit frequency, and volatility. In this paper, we examined the use of simulation studies to understand the structural characteristics of gambling games. Method: A literature review was conducted to determine the number of simulation studies that have been conducted to measure the properties of gambling games. Results. A search for papers on simulations and gambling generated a large number of papers, but very few that examined the properties of the games themselves. However, we identified 27 papers that have used pure simulations to help us understand how gambling games work. These papers covered a variety of topics including 9 papers on volatility, 8 on house edge, 5 on near-misses, 5 on betting strategies on non-skill games, 4 on betting strategies on skill games, 3 on losses disguised as wins, and 1 on nudging. Studies revealed that volatility and losses disguised as wins were related to the number of lines covered by the player. Discussion: In this paper we discuss the insights gained from game simulation research and how these findings have contributed to understanding the addictive potential of gambling games. In addition, we discuss how these insights have encouraged experimental, and intervention directed research about gambling games and call for more simulation research to advance the field of gambling studies. |
| Keywords: Sports Wagering, Fantasy Sports, Casino Gambling, Lottery Gambling, Online Gambling. |
| Pages: 3-31 |
| Authors: Nigel E. Turner, John Moin, Yosra AlMakadma, Jussi Palomäki, Gurpreet Kaur, Junyan Xia, & Ayush Gupta |
| File: Turner et al. |
| DOI: 10.4309/SMSE6297 |
| Title: Physical And Mental Health Indicators Among Recreational, Subclinical And Problem Gamblers |
| Abstract: Purpose: To examine the physical and mental health of people with different levels of gambling involvement and to appraise whether gambling may be beneficial for older recreational gamblers as reported in previous studies. Methodology: Pooled data from the Health Survey of England and the Scottish Health Survey between 2012 and 2016 was analyzed (N=31448). Individuals were classified using the Problem Gambling Severity Index into non-gamblers, recreational (non-problem), low-risk, moderate-risk, and severe problems. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the associations between physical and mental health and gambling involvement group. Results: Compared to non-gamblers, rates of hazardous drinking and smoking were elevated for all levels of gambling involvement (e.g., hazardous drinking: recreational RRR=3.71,low-risk RRR=6.74, moderate-risk RRR=4.58, severe RRR=4.16). Obesity was elevated for moderate (RRR=1.56), and recreational gamblers (RRR=1.44), but not for severe problem gamblers (RRR=1.29). Compared to non- gamblers, recreational gamblers scored highest on sense of wellbeing (RRR=1.06) and severe problem gamblers scored lowest (RRR=0.46). Finally, the interaction of age and gambling status was not significant, suggesting no health benefit from gambling for older adults. Conclusion: Long-term monitoring of health behaviors among gamblers and promotion of healthier lifestyle among recreational gamblers is indicated. |
| Keywords: Health Effects, Mental Health, Recreational Gambling, Obesity, Problem Gambling |
| Pages: 32-60 |
| Authors: Nigel E. Turner, Steve Cook, John Moin, Nicolas Trajtenberg, Olga Sánchez de Ribera, Jing Shi, & Henrietta Bowden-Jones |
| File: Turner et al. |
| DOI: 10.4309/OSWM4436 |
| Title: Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Treatment for Behavioural Addictions: A Scoping Review Protocol |
| Abstract: Background: Help-seeking among people who have behavioural addictions is low due to multiple factors including accessibility and stigma. Making treatment resources for behavioural addictions available through the internet is one way to reduce the impact of these factors. The use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to address addictive behaviours such as substance use disorders and gambling disorders has been growing. However, little has been done to explore the use of VR and AR in the treatment of other behavioural addictions. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of existing literature on VR and AR interventions for behavioural addictions. Methods: This scoping review will be conducted based on the framework first proposed by Arksey and O’Malley, later refined by Levac et al., and further outlined in the JBI Manual for Evidence. The literature will be searched in the following databases: CINAHL, PsycArticles, PsycInfo, PubMed and Web of Science, with Google Scholar complementing the search. Studies will be screened by two independent reviewers based on inclusion criteria; discrepancies will be resolved by a third reviewer. Data will be extracted in a data extraction table and presented through a conceptual analysis as a narrative summary. Discussion: The findings of this scoping review will be beneficial to researchers and practitioners who are interested in exploring the use of VR/AR to deliver treatment for behavioural addictions. |
| Keywords: Behavioural Addiction, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Interventions, Gambling, Video Gaming. |
| Pages: 61-73 |
| Authors: Felicia X. R. Chiew, Genevieve H. Li & Jing Shi |
| File: Chiew et al. |
| DOI: 10.4309/EGCN4808 |
| Title: Mindful Non-Judging of Inner Experience Predicts Lower Problem Gambling |
| Abstract: Recent research has explored the extent to which mindfulness protects against problem gambling, with mixed results. In this study, we aimed to determine if five facets of trait mindfulness negatively predicted problem gambling in an adult community sample. Two hundred and one participants (aged 18 to 82 years old) were recruited via Prolific and social media and completed an online survey comprising the Marlow-Crowne Social Desirability Scale – Short Form, the Problem Gambling Severity Index, and the Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire – 15. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses controlling for education level revealed that mindful non-judging of inner experiences negatively predicted gambling behaviour. The remaining four mindfulness facets did not significantly predict problem gambling. The current findings provide insight into the role of mindfulness in relation to problem gambling, indicating that less judgement and greater acceptance of thoughts and emotions may be protective against problem gambling. This finding implies that intervention strategies focused on the acceptance of one’s thoughts and feelings (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) could be effective in reducing problem gambling. |
| Keywords: Problem Gambling, Trait Mindfulness, Gambling Harm, Non- Judgement. |
| Pages: 74-96 |
| Authors: Adwoah A. Hammond, Robert Teese, George Van Doorn, Chris James Serafim, & Peter Richard |
| File: Hammond et al. |
| DOI: 10.4309/UGWO7373 |