| Title: Masthead |
| File: Masthead -V58Download |
| Title: Editorial |
| Abstract: N/A |
| Keywords: Journal of Gambling Issues, Gambling, Addiction, Problem Gambling, Gaming. |
| Pages: 1-2 |
| Authors: Nigel E. Turner |
| File: Turner |
| Title: Determinants of Gambling Behaviour Prevalence in Ilorin, Nigeria: A Multidimensional Analysis |
| Abstract: In this study, we investigated the determinants of prevalence of gambling behaviour in Ilorin, Nigeria, against the backdrop of the rising prevalence of gambling activities in urban centres and limited empirical evidence on their multidimensional drivers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 398 respondents selected through multi-stage stratified random sampling from betting outlets across three local government areas. Using the theory of planned behaviour as the theoretical framework, data were analysed using binary logistic regression, multivariate logit, and ordered logistic regression. The study found that gambling behaviour in Ilorin is primarily driven by economic, psychological, demographic, technological, and social factors. Overall, the findings suggest that gambling behaviour in Ilorin is influenced by psychological motivations, income, expected monetary returns, social dynamics, and technological advancement rather than by religious or regulatory constraints. These findings contribute to gambling literature by demonstrating that social pressures and opportunity structures override personal attitudes and religious restraints in conservative contexts. Targeted peer-led interventions, digital regulation, psychological counselling, peer- and media-driven awareness campaigns, and financial literacy programmes are recommended to reduce the adverse social and economic consequences of gambling in Ilorin and similar areas. |
| Keywords: Gambling Intensity, Gambling Participation, Religiosity, Betting, Theory of Planned Behaviour, Gambling Prevalence. |
| Pages: 3-33 |
| Authors: Musa Ilias Biala, Opeyemi Enitan Alabi, & Gbenga Friday Akintunde |
| DOI: 10.4309/WHLW6127 |
| File: Biala et al. |
| Title: Digital Footprints of Gambling Addiction: A 21-Year Infodemiological Analysis Using Google Trends |
| Abstract: Gambling addiction is a significant public health concern that affects individuals, families, and society at large. Although help-seeking is often hindered by shame and stigma, online platforms provide an important alternative by offering anonymous and accessible support. In this context, online search trends emerge as a valuable data source reflecting public interest in and demand for information on the subject. The aim of this study is to evaluate the digital footprints of gambling addiction through Google Trends. This retrospective infodemiological study was conducted on June 19, 2025 using the Turkish keyword “ gambling addiction” on Google Trends. The filters applied were: Turkey as the region, the period between 2004 and 2025, all categories, and Google Web Search. Data were analyzed under the themes of temporal trends and interest patterns, and search queries were clustered by the researchers. Findings revealed that public interest in gambling addiction increased markedly after 2017. Search trends were categorized into four groups: Basic information seeking, treatment seeking, self-help seeking, and professional support seeking. Among these, “online gambling” was the most frequently searched term for general information, “gambling addiction treatment” for treatment seeking, “how to quit gambling” for self-help seeking, and “AMATEM (Alkol ve Madde Bağımlılığı Tedavi ve Eğitim Merkezi/Alcohol and Substance Addiction Treatment and Training Center)” for professional support seeking. The results indicate that societal interest in gambling addiction has increased and that searches related to treatment have become increasingly prominent. Public health policies should take these digital trends into account, while future research should investigate the reliability and comprehensibility of online information using diverse study designs. |
| Keywords: Gambling, Addiction, Google Trends, Infodemiological, Digital. |
| Pages: 34-48 |
| Authors: Yunus Manastir & Esra Uslu |
| DOI: 10.4309/KMGN7221 |
| File: Manastir & Uslu |
| Title: A Multidimensional Investigation of The Role of Impulsivity In Problematic Trading |
| Abstract: Problematic Trading (PT) is conceptualized as a mental health issue similar to gambling disorder or even as its subtype. Several scholars suggested analyzing the role of gambling-related risk factors in PT, such as impulsivity. However, the role of impulsivity facets in the different problems related to trading has not been investigated yet. We administered the Experiences of Trading Questionnaire (ETQ) and the Short UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale (S-UPPS- P) to 104 traders, as they allow evaluating different facets of the constructs under investigation. We analyzed their relationships through Spearman correlations, while we investigated the predictive role of impulsivity dimensions on PT using a multivariate Bayesian regression. Negative urgency was positively correlated with all the ETQ subscales. Obsessive thinking, self-critical rumination, and trading- related functional impairment were positively correlated with a lack of both perseverance and premeditation. Sensation-seeking was positively associated with markets’ anthropomorphizing and with chasing profits. From multiple regression, it emerged that negative urgency and lack of perseverance are positive predictors of dissimulation of losses. Moreover, negative urgency also positively predicts chasing losses. As in problematic gambling, impulsivity is a relevant variable accounting for PT. Negative urgency is the strongest predictor of all PT dimensions, suggesting that emotion dysregulation might foster the loss of control over trading behavior and decision-making dysfunctionalities. Sensation-seeking plays a role in the market’s anthropomorphizing and chasing profits, potentially explaining another pathway by which trading might become addictive. Future studies aiming to account for the complexity of the topic may want to replicate the proposed multidimensional approach. |
| Keywords: Problematic Trading, Impulsivity, Negative Urgency, Sensation- Seeking, Chasing, Cognitive Bias. |
| Pages: 49-65 |
| Authors: Guyonne Rogier, Yura Loscalzo, & Patrizia Velotti |
| DOI: 10.4309/HATC9974 |
| File: Rogier et al. |
| Title: Prévention lors des levées d’exclusion : Analyse des pratiques résultant de la nouvelle Loi fédérale sur les jeux d’argent en Suisse (Prevention During the Lifting of Exclusions: Analysis of Practices Resulting from the New Federal Gambling Law in Switzerland). |
| Abstract: Une nouvelle Loi fédérale sur les jeux d’argent est entrée en vigueur en Suisse, le 1er janvier 2019, incluant plusieurs dispositions visant à protéger les personnes qui jouent. L’article 81 de cette nouvelle loi prévoit qu’un·e spécialiste, ou un service spécialisé, soit associé à la procédure de la levée d’exclusion des jeux d’argent. La Loi délègue à chacun des 26 cantons la compétence de définir les modalités d’intervention spécialisée dans le cadre de ces levées. Le but de cette étude est de décrire les modèles d’intervention dans la mise en œuvre de la Loi fédérale sur les jeux d’argent au sein des sept cantons dits « latins » (Fribourg, Genève, Jura, Neuchâtel, Tessin, Valais, Vaud). La méthode consiste, pour les cantons étudiés, en l’identification et l’analyse des documents-cadres relatifs à l’article 81, ainsi qu’en l’élaboration d’un questionnaire semi-structuré à l’attention des spécialistes associé·e·s à la levée. Les interviews sont retranscrites et analysées selon la méthode d’analyse thématique de Braun et Clarke. Les résultats révèlent que deux cantons adoptent un modèle d’intervention clinique en prévention indiquée, sans impact direct sur la décision du casino de lever ou non l’exclusion, tandis que cinq cantons privilégient un modèle d’intervention axé sur l’expertise, incluant un préavis donné au casino. Des variations sont observées entre les cantons, notamment en ce qui concerne les informations relatives aux entretiens de levée et le partage d’informations entre les casinos et les spécialistes. En conclusion, l’étude identifie deux modèles distincts d’intervention pour la levée d’exclusion des jeux d’argent, soulignant les divergences et convergences entre les différents cantons et la nécessité d’évaluer l’efficacité des différents modèles. |
| Keywords: Jeux d’argent, Levée d’exclusion, Prévention structurelle, Prévention indiquée |
| Pages: 66-83 |
| Authors: Linda Elezi, Emilien Jeannot, Sophia Achab, & Olivier Simon |
| DOI: 10.4309/GOKQ3457 |
| File: Elezi et al. |
| Title: Loopholes and logos: How ‘decoy brands’ perpetuate gambling advertising in Italian football |
| Abstract: N/A |
| Keywords: Gambling, Advertising, Italian, Football, Loopholes, Logo. |
| Pages: 84-90 |
| Authors: Conor Heath, Jamie Torrance, Leon Y. Xiao, & Philip Newall |
| DOI: 10.4309/MLHD3076 |
| File: Heath et al. |
| Title: Gambling in Kazakhstan: Seeking a Balance Between Economic Benefits and Combating Gambling Addiction |
| Abstract: Gambling, which is legal in Kazakhstan, plays a dual role in society. On one hand, it represents a popular form of leisure that brings significant economic revenue to the state. On the other hand, participation in gambling is associated with a high risk of developing gambling addiction, leading to negative psychosocial consequences, including deterioration of physical and mental health, destruction of social ties, and an increase in crime rates. The spread of gambling addiction among citizens of Kazakhstan, especially in the context of the growth of online gambling, underscores the need to find an optimal balance between the economic benefits of the gambling industry and its social costs. This study aims to analyze the current situation in Kazakhstan, identify key issues in the regulation of the gambling industry, and develop comprehensive approaches to minimizing the negative consequences of gambling for society. |
| Keywords: Legal Regulation, Prevention, Treatment, Gambling Addiction, Legislation, Crime Prevention. |
| Pages: 91-114 |
| Authors: Yermek Buribayev & Zhanna Khamzina |
| DOI: 10.4309/PFIP8890 |
| File: Buribayev & Khamzina |
| Title: The Factorial Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Abbreviated Technology Anxiety Scale (ATAS) Within the Palestinian Context |
| Abstract: This study aimed to examine the factor structure and psychometric properties of the abbreviated Technology Anxiety Scale (ATAS) in the Arabic language, specifically within the Palestinian context. Methods: The sample consisted of 792 Palestinian adults recruited through online email campaigns, advertisements, and social media. Findings: The ATAS demonstrated strong validity and reliability in measuring technology-related anxiety among Palestinians. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirmed a stable, unidimensional structure for the ATAS. Conclusion: The study suggests that future research should further validate the ATAS across different Palestinian groups. Identifying specific sources of anxiety related to digital tools can help health professionals design targeted interventions to reduce technology anxiety, ultimately promoting better mental health, resilience, and well-being in an increasingly digital world. |
| Keywords: Techno Anxiety, Mental Health, Test Validation, Palestine. |
| Pages: 115-127 |
| Authors: Fayez Mahamid, Bilal Hamamra, & Dana Bdier |
| DOI: 10.4309/YGVO9022 |
| File: Mahamid et al. |
| Title: Online Gambling and Family Relationships: A Phenomenological Study |
| Abstract: This study explores the impact of online gambling addiction on family relationships and examines how individuals experience this process. Employing qualitative methods and a phenomenological design, the research utilized document analysis techniques to examine content from individuals sharing their experiences with online gambling addiction on the YouTube platform. Data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. The study identified three main themes: “Family’s Financial Losses,” “Deterioration of Family Relationships,” and “Family Coping Strategies.” Findings indicate that online gambling undermines trust within the family, erodes traditional spousal and paternal roles, and triggers isolation, neglect, and domestic violence. Material and moral support provided by the family was found to play a critical and protective role in the recovery process of the gambling addict. In conclusion, it is suggested that online gambling negatively affects the family structure, necessitating the implementation of family-focused and holistic social work interventions. |
| Keywords: Pathological Gambling, Online Gambling addiction, Family Relations, Social Work, Gambling Behaviours. |
| Pages: 128-151 |
| Authors: Merve Nur Oktar & Gülnur Özdemir |
| DOI: 10.4309/ZHAI4567 |
| File: Oktar & Özdemir |