The gaming industry's role in the prevention and treatment of problem gambling

There are many factors that could be incorporated within a gaming company’s framework of social responsibility and that while the industry should be proactive in the prevention of problem gambling, the treatment of problem gambling should be done by those outside of the gaming industry and that one of the ways forward may be online rather than offline help. This is reinforced by the gaming industry having formal relationships with numerous organisations that address training, compliance, accreditation, and governance

The implications of real-time behavioural tracking

In contrast to offline gambling, behavioural tracking presents an opportunity for gaming operators and researchers to examine the actual and real-time behaviour engaged in by gamblers. To date, almost all diagnostic screening instruments contain criteria that are a mixture of statements about actual problem gambling behaviour, accompanied by criteria relating to the negative associated consequences of gambling. If problem gambling can be identified online without the use of diagnostic gambling screens, then this may have implications for the development of problem gambling screening instruments in the future

Adolescent trolling in online environments: a brief overview

Over the last couple of years there has been increasing media coverage about trolling among teenagers. The term ‘troll’ appears to have originated from a method of fishing, where an individual would fish by trailing a baited line behind a boat. However, many Internet users often use the description of being a ‘troll’ as a mythological creature that hides under bridges, waiting for an opportunity to pounce (Herring, Job - Sluder, Scheckler and Barab, 2002). With the latter definition, one can see the comparison with the modern day world with hiding under bridges being the online world waiting for an opportunity that may warrant a troll to take action. With the first definition, it is clear that casting a baited line as a form of provoking individuals into some form of emotional response. This article briefly examines a growing phenomenon – trolling by adolescents

Online 'penny auction' sites: regulation needed

Online 'penny auction' sites allow bidders to win expensive items at a price that appears unbelievably cheap, however users are charged by the site for each bid that they place. Dr, Mark Griffiths, a Professor of Gambling Studies at Nottingham Trent University, examines how 'penny auction' sites operate, and whether they should be regulated by the Gambling Commission