A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE LINK BETWEEN GAMING MACHINES AND GAMBLING-RELATED HARM

It remains irrefutable that electronic gaming machines are associated with gambling-related harms. Although research on electronic gaming machines has predominantly focussed on their structural characteristics and to a lesser extent, situational variables contributing to the emergence of gambling-related harms, the precise causal mechanisms of these variables in the aetiology of gambling disorders remains inconclusive. In addition, it remains debatable as to whether or not electronic gaming machines have higher rates of problem gambling as a proportion of participants compared to other forms. Contributing to this state of uncertainty are methodological difficulties related to jurisdictional differences in the geographical location, distribution, density, and configuration of machines (payback percentages and volatility), socio-cultural and demographic features, and availability of and involvement in other gambling modes typically associated with gambling disorders. In addition, questionnaire and survey items have tended to elicit information on preferred or identified problem forms of gambling. Accordingly, gambling-related harms tend to be attributed to such identified forms without taking into consideration intensity (expenditure and frequency) and involvement in gambling modes in aggregate. It is therefore postulated that directing attention to electronic gaming machines over other forms equally capable of causing harm is not an optimal approach to harm minimisation. It may prove to be more fruitful to investigate the complex interaction between cultural/social values, accessibility and availability of all gambling products in aggregate within a community and the factors that promote participation in multiple forms rather than a narrow focus on a limited range of products

Operator-based approaches to harm minimisation in gambling: summary, review and future directions

In this report we give critical consideration to the nature and effectiveness of harm minimisation in gambling. We identify gambling-related harm as both personal (e.g., health, wellbeing, relationships) and economic (e.g., financial) harm that occurs from exceeding one’s disposable income or disposable leisure time. We have elected to use the term ‘harm minimisation’ as the most appropriate term for reducing the impact of problem gambling, given its breadth in regard to the range of goals it seeks to achieve, and the range of means by which they may be achieved. The extent to which an employee can proactively identify a problem gambler in a gambling venue is uncertain. Research suggests that indicators do exist, such as sessional information (e.g., duration or frequency of play) and negative emotional responses to gambling losses. However, the practical implications of requiring employees to identify and interact with customers suspected of experiencing harm are questionable, particularly as the employees may not possess the clinical intervention skills which may be necessary. Based on emerging evidence, behavioural indicators identifiable in industryheld data, could be used to identify customers experiencing harm. A programme of research is underway in Great Britain and in other jurisdiction

Gambling Education Programs for Adolescents: A Systematic Review

Around two thirds of Australian adolescents aged 10-14 years old have gambled in the last year, and rates of problem gambling are up to four times higher among adolescents than in the adult population. Schools provide a unique opportunity to intervene in cognitive and behavioural development, and while several gambling education programs exist in schools across Australia and internationally, few have been empirically evaluated. The purpose of this review was to provide a systematic appraisal of the published research on gambling education programs for adolescents. The review aimed to identify the number and quality of studies that have evaluated gambling education programs, and suggest recommendations for future research. A systematic search was conducted across five separate databases and a total of 17 studies were retained following screening and exclusion. All of the included studies were efficacious in achieving some pre-post improvements in cognition, beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge. However, many failed to assess behavioural outcomes, and only a few to date have been effective in achieving any significant changes in gambling behaviour. Other methodological issues included the brevity of follow-ups, measurement concerns including loose definitions of adolescent problem gambling. There were also distinct flaws in the content and design of many programs. This review provides a knowledgebase for future research, including some guiding principles for the effective design and evaluation of a gambling education program. Consistencies across successful programs were examined to provide insight into what constitutes an effective gambling education program

Psychiatric Comorbidities in Gambling and the ClubsNSW Chaplaincy Program (Australia)

A recent systematic review of population studies conducted over the last 12 years indicated that 57.5% of individuals meeting criteria for a gambling disorder have a comorbid substance use disorder, 60.1% a nicotine dependence, 57.5% a mood disorder, and 37.4%, any anxiety disorder. In a proportion of these, the comorbid condition predates the onset of gambling disorders suggesting these might represent a vulnerability factor. These findings suggest important implications for gambling prevention and treatments. Instead of promoting only gambling specific interventions and treatments, the emphasis needs to be on a more holistic approach that includes screening for and treating comorbid psychiatric conditions as well as problem gambling. One example of such an approach is the chaplaincy program currently being offered by some clubs in NSW, Australia. This program is an innovative combined venture between ClubsNSW and the Salvation Army, and aims to identify, train and place chaplains in registered clubs to provide practical and emotional support on a variety of issues to patrons. It is argued that a more comprehensive support program targeting emotional difficulties rather than focused on problem gambling may (a) be more acceptable to staff and gamblers, (b) prevent the development (incidence) of gambling disorders in response to mood and emotional disturbances

How Learning Misconceptions Can Improve Outcomes and Youth Engagement with Gambling Education Programs

Background and aims: Gambling education programs typically focus on promoting gambling as a high-risk activity with harmful effects; however, these programs demonstrate limited effects on the prevention of gambling problems. This paper proposes a clear theoretical framework to inform the content and delivery of gambling education initiatives and draws on psychological and pedagogical research to address some of the practical issues associated with its implementation. Methods: Literature was reviewed across fields of psychology, public health, and pedagogy to provide key recommendations to improve the outcomes of gambling education. Results: Four key recommendations were made for the development of future gambling education programs centering on theoretical approach, specialized content, and delivery. Discussion and conclusions: Recommended advancements are as follows: (a) evidence suggests shifting away from messages about gambling harms and instead applying a cognitive-developmental framework of problem gambling that may improve youth engagement by increasing personal relevance. (b) The cognitive model of problem gambling suggests that misconceptions about the profitability of gambling games (e.g., the gambler’s fallacy) play an important role in the development of problems and should be a key target for education. However, exposing such misconceptions requires the challenge of teaching the mathematical principles that underpin them. (c) The pedagogical field provides valuable insights into teaching complex concepts. Research that applies the conceptual change model to science education suggests misconceptions also facilitate learning new complex information, such as gambling-related mathematical concepts (i.e., randomness and statistics). (d) In addition, improvements in computer-assisted teaching methods provide opportunities to use simulations and visualizations to help teach abstract concepts and correct such misconceptions

Selective N-methylation of Primary Aliphatic Amines with Dimethyl Carbonate in the Presence of Alkali Cation Exchanged Y-Faujasites

Professional gamblers are more likely than amateur gamblers to meet criteria for problem gambling but minimal research has examined their gambling behavior and its con- sequences. This study compared gambling behavior, problem gambling symptoms, related harms, recognition, and help-seeking among problem semi/professional gamblers (PPGs/ PSPGs) and problem amateur gamblers (PAGs). Surveys completed by 57 self-identified professional gamblers, 311 semi-professional gamblers and 4226 amateur gamblers were analysed. PPGs/PSPGs were significantly more likely than PAGs to be male, younger, never married, speak a language other than English at home, and have higher psychological distress, compared to PAGs. PPGs/PSPGs were more likely to gamble more frequently onmany skills- based forms, but most also participated in several chance-based forms. PPGs’/PSPGs’ most common problematic gambling form was electronic gaming machines and they were more likely to have problems with sports betting than PAGs. Most PPGs/PSPGs reported coming out behind on all gambling forms over the previous year. PPGs/PSPGs weremore likely than PAGs to report chasing losses and numerous detrimental financial gambling consequences. This group’s self-identification as PPGs/PSPGs is clearly inaccurate and perhaps a means to avoid stigma, elevate status and support problem denial. PPGs/PSPGs may represent an extreme example of gamblers with erroneous cognitions and beliefswho lack the required discipline and skill to be successful professional gamblers. The findings identify a group of problem gamblers who may benefit from interventions to dispel their mistaken self-identity, and emphasize the need for more rigorous confirmation of professional gambler status in future research

Multi-Venue Self-Exclusion for Gambling Disorders: A Retrospective Process Investigation

This study describes an exploratory investigation of retrospective data related to the experiences and outcomes of individuals enrolled in a centralized multi-venue self-exclusion program for up to 24 months. The program was designed to offer convenient registration and to empower individuals to prevent their entry into multiple gambling venues or to restrict their access to non-gaming areas. A self-selected sample of 44 individuals participating in the program completed an online survey that assessed gambling history, motivations, and behaviours related to self-exclusion. Approximately two-thirds of the sample reported self-excluding in response to financial loss and hardship. Just over one-third breached the program by gambling in a nominated exclusion venue, the primary reason being a failure to cope with negative emotions. Concomitantly, fear of embarrassment, if detected, was cited as the main variable contributing to compliance. The paperless system eased enrolment procedures for a large majority of individuals, with the capacity to simultaneously exclude them from multiple venues being endorsed as the most helpful program feature. Self-reported benefits included reduced gambling for the majority of participants and a sense of greater control over urges and behaviours. Abstinent participants were less stressed than were non-abstinent participants, had fewer symptoms of depression, and reported a higher quality of life. Findings suggest that a self-exclusion program with convenient registration that prevents entry into multiple venues fosters positive outcomes for self-excluded gamblers, particularly those striving to maintain abstinence.This study was funded by a deed of gift from ClubsNSW Australia. The investigators conducted the research with no input from ClubsNSW in the design or methodology of the study. Rowan Cameron, responsible gambling manager for ClubsNSW, provided assistance in gaining access to participants. No constraints were imposed on publishing the results of the study. We would like to thank Rowan Cameron and Alistair Scott from ClubsNSW for their ongoing support during this research project