Apr 17, 2025 | RESEARCH
Read the original article on the BASIS HERE.
By Timothy Edson, Ph.D.
Growing evidence suggests that gambling and gaming are closely intertwined. Many gambling products are becoming increasingly gamified, while gambling and gambling-adjacent features and mechanics within modern video games have received increased attention. Escapism, or using entertainment to escape from everyday life, is a common motivation for problematic gambling and gaming. This week, The WAGER reviews a study by Hannu Jouhki and colleagues that assessed how basic psychological needs affect the relationship between escapism and problematic gambling and gaming.
What were the research questions?
Which psychological needs are associated with motivations to gamble or play video games to escape daily life? To what extent do psychological needs influence the relationship between escapism and experiencing problems with video games or gambling?
What did the researchers do?
The researchers analyzed longitudinal survey data from 1,095 Finnish adults. Participants were assessed for problem gambling, problem gaming, and escapism (e.g., how often they gamed or gambled to avoid real-life social encounters or situations). They also reported their levels of frustration in achieving the psychological needs of autonomy (control of their decisions), competence (ability to complete tasks) and relatedness (meaningful relationships with others) in their daily life. Accounting for demographics (e.g., gender, income) and personality (e.g., impulsivity, openness), the researchers used random effects count modeling to understand: (1) the effects of psychological needs on escapism, and (2) the effects of escapism and psychological needs on problem gambling and gaming, including moderation effects.
What did they find?
Participants who felt greater frustration with autonomy and competence (but not relatedness) were more likely to report increased levels of gambling or gaming to escape. Other predictors of escapism included younger age, impulsivity, and having a significant other experiencing gambling problems (see Figure). Those who indicated increased levels of escapism were more likely to also report increased levels of problematic gambling and/or gaming. The relationship between escapism and problem gambling was stronger for those reporting increased competence frustration, while the relationship between escapism and problem gaming was stronger for those with increased competence and autonomy frustration.
Figure. Variables that significantly predict gambling and/or gaming to escape daily life among Finnish adults (N = 1095). The numbers at the end of each bar are standardized coefficients from a random effects negative binomial regression model. Positive numbers (in blue) represent variables associated with increased gambling and/or gaming to escape (e.g., competence frustration) while negative numbers (in green) represent variables associated with decreased escapism (e.g., older age). The larger the number, the larger the effect the variable has on escapism.
Why do the findings matter?
People who have trouble living life on their own terms (autonomy frustration) or handling life’s challenges (competence frustration) might be more likely to gamble or play video games to escape. Those experiencing competence frustration, in particular, could be at greater risk of this escapism translating into problematic gambling and gaming. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help individuals reduce competence frustrations by helping them understand and evaluate these feelings. Broader society changes, like universal basic income, might also reduce competence frustrations by relieving the pressure to continually perform and be productive to just get by. By reducing competence frustration in diverse ways, we can perhaps begin to thrive in the real world and feel less need to escape from it.
Every study has limitations. What are the limitations in this study?
This study took place in a single country, Finland. It is unclear if we would see the same findings were this study to be replicated in other countries. The study also excluded youth, a sizable demographic in the video game community for whom gamblified gaming can often lead to problems.
— Timothy Edson, Ph.D.
Mar 21, 2025 | CONCERNED OTHERS, RESEARCH
Read the original article on the BASIS HERE.
By John Slabczynski
Editor’s note: Today’s review is part of our month-long Special Series on Addiction and Social Support. Throughout March, the BASIS is highlighting the role of social support in addiction-related experiences.
Though it is a popular recreational activity, gambling can be harmful in a number of ways. Gambling-related harms include financial, physical, and mental harms to both the gambler as well as gamblers’ friends and family. Despite the fact that gambling-related harms can extend beyond the gambler, relatively little research has explored the experiences of those affected by others’ gambling behavior. Of particular note are methods to attenuate these harms such as through positive coping strategies and finding increased social support. This week, as part of our Special Series on Addiction and Social Support, The WAGER reviews a study by Catherine Tulloch and colleagues that explored how coping styles and social support influence the experiences of people affected by others’ gambling.
What was the research question?
How do social support, coping style, problem gambling severity, and closeness to individuals experiencing problem gambling influence distress and harms to close loved ones?
What did the researchers do?
The researchers used a survey panel platform to recruit 1,131 Australians who were close to someone with a gambling problem. Participants completed a modified version of the Problem Gambling Severity Index that allows for second-hand responses (e.g., “Did [the gambler in your life] borrow money or sell anything to get money to gamble?”). Participants also reported on their closeness to the individual with a gambling problem, the harms they’ve experienced as a result of their loved one’s gambling (financial or otherwise), their distress, how often they engaged in certain ways of coping with their relative’s gambling, and social support. The researchers then used a series of regression analyses to examine the predictive role of problem gambling severity, closeness, social support, and coping styles on distress and harm.
What did they find?
Participants reported more harm and more distress when (1) their loved ones had more severe gambling problems, (2) they were closer to their loved one, and (3) they frequently coped with their loved one’s gambling in a maladaptive way. In comparison, increased social support was related to lower levels of harm and distress (see Figure). Interestingly, though the researchers did not identify any interactions among variables predicting harm, they did find that problem gambling severity interacted with closeness, maladaptive coping, and withdrawal coping. Specifically, the effect of the gambler’s problem gambling severity on the participant’s distress was stronger for participants who were closer to the gambler or who engaged in either withdrawal or maladaptive coping strategies. Notably, however, the interaction effects and influence of withdrawal coping disappeared when the researchers examined the predictors of harm and distress simultaneously, which suggests the interactions might not be especially stable
Figure. Displays the 𝛃 (Beta) for each variable included in the full multivariate regression model predicting gambling-related harm (top) or distress (bottom). 𝛃 can be interpreted as the estimated change in the dependent variable (e.g., distress) for a one-unit change in the independent variable (e.g., social support). PGSI = Problem Gambling Severity Index. Only predictors that reached statistical significance in at least one model are included. Adapted from Tulloch et al. (2025). Click image to enlarge.
Why do these findings matter?
These findings provide insight into risk factors for vicarious harm among affected others. Social support seems to buffer the painful effects on affected others, so groups like Gam-Anon may be especially important for loved ones affected by problem gambling. Furthermore, interventions that target coping styles and social support among those affected by another’s gambling, such as the 5-step treatment model, may be especially beneficial as has been suggested by previous research.
Every study has limitations. What are the limitations in this study?
This study used a proxy measure for problem gambling severity. While proxy measures are commonly used, their validity is often not established, as is the case with the measure used in this study. Additionally, this study measured social support via perceived informal support and thus does not include professional support or other for formalized systems.
Mar 14, 2025 | PROBLEM GAMBLING, RESEARCH
Read the original article on the BASIS HERE.
By Kira Landauer, MPH
Adolescent gambling is common, with many young people gambling before reaching a legal gambling age. This is concerning because underage gambling increases the risk of experiencing gambling problems later in life. Parental attitudes and behaviors are crucial to positive youth development, and gambling behaviors are no exception. This week, The WAGER reviews a study by Cassandra K. Dittman and colleagues that examined adolescent gambling from the perspective of parents in New South Wales, Australia.
What were the research questions?
(1) What are parents’ knowledge of and attitudes towards their adolescent child’s gambling? (2) Are adolescents exposed to gambling via their parents’ gambling?
What did the researchers do?
The researchers recruited 1,185 parents (31% fathers, 69% mothers) of adolescents in New South Wales, Australia. Participants completed an online survey. They were asked about their attitudes towards adolescent gambling and ranked their concern with gambling alongside other adolescent issues (e.g., bullying, alcohol use). Parents reported both their adolescent child’s and their own gambling behavior over the past 12 months and whether they had gambled with their adolescent present. The researchers used descriptive statistics to explore parental attitudes towards gambling and adolescent gambling exposure and gambling behavior. They used comparison tests such as ANOVA to examine differences across these facets by parent and adolescent gender.
What did they find?
Most parents disapproved of adolescent exposure to gambling. However, parents were less concerned with gambling compared to other adolescent issues like bullying and drug use. Twenty-seven percent of parents reported that their adolescent had gambled in the past year. Of the 947 parents who reported past-year gambling themselves, two-thirds had gambled with their adolescent present. Skin betting and fantasy sports betting were the most common parent-adolescent gambling activities (see Figure). Compared to mothers, fathers engaged in more gambling in the presence of their adolescent. Fathers also gambled more with their adolescent sons compared to daughters.
Figure. Frequency of adolescent exposure to their parent’s gambling in the past year, by gambling activity and among parents who participated in that gambling activity. Please note: Figure does not depict the percent of parents from the sample who participated in each activity. For example, 12.0% of parents participated in skin betting in the past 12 months. Of them, 74.6% did so in the presence of their adolescent child at least once. Click image to enlarge.
Why do these findings matter?
Adolescents often gamble with the knowledge of their parents, and that some parents–particularly fathers–actively facilitate their child’s gambling by involving them in their personal gambling activities. Parents may underestimate the risks associated with adolescent gambling. This could be because gambling is generally perceived as socially acceptable and often portrayed positively (e.g., through advertisements). Parents, and fathers in particular, could benefit from increased awareness and education about the risks associated with youth gambling, through initiatives like the GambleAware Parents Campaign.
Every study has limitations. What are the limitations of this study?
Participants might not have been fully representative of the Australian parent population and their responses may be subject to self-report biases such as recall bias. This study examined parental knowledge of their adolescent child’s gambling. It is possible that adolescents gamble more than their parents realize, so the frequency of adolescent gambling reported by parents may be an underestimate.
For more information:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health provides information for parents about the risks of teen gambling and a guide for talking about gambling. Do you think that you or someone you know might have a gambling problem? Visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for screening tools and resources. For additional resources, including gambling and self-help tools, visit our Addiction Resources page.
— Kira Landauer, MPH
Mar 4, 2025 | ADVOCACY, PROBLEM GAMBLING, RESEARCH
Last fall, a lengthy report on the state of gambling was published in The Lancet Public Health, a British monthly journal that focuses on public health. The report (The Lancet Public Health Commission on gambling Wardle, Heather et al. The Lancet Public Health, Volume 9, Issue 11, e950 – e994) provides a comprehensive view of the development of gambling in the last two centuries.
The Lancet Public Health Commission’s report on gambling highlights the escalating global public health crisis posed by the gambling industry, particularly due to its rapid digital expansion. The commission estimates that approximately 450 million individuals worldwide experience harmful effects from gambling, with at least 80 million suffering from gambling disorder—a condition characterized by compulsive gambling behavior despite negative consequences.
The report states that the proliferation of mobile and online gambling platforms has made access easier than ever, contributing to the rise in gambling-related harms. Sophisticated marketing strategies, including targeted digital advertising and sports sponsorships, have increased exposure, especially among adolescents and children. This exposure is concerning, as early interaction with gambling increases the risk of developing gambling disorders later in life.
The commission identifies several severe consequences associated with gambling, including financial losses, mental health issues, family breakdowns, heightened risk of suicide, and increased crime rates. These harms are not evenly distributed; vulnerable groups such as adolescents and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately affected.
To address these challenges, the commission advocates for stronger global regulatory controls, similar to those applied to alcohol and tobacco industries. Recommended measures include restricting access to gambling, limiting advertising and implementing public health campaigns to raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling. The commission emphasizes the need for policymakers to treat gambling as a critical public health issue to mitigate its widespread and profound impact.
In summary, the report calls for comprehensive action to curb the growing public health threat posed by the gambling industry’s expansion, particularly in the digital realm.
Mar 4, 2025 | PROBLEM GAMBLING, RESEARCH
Artificial intelligence–commonly known as AI—is increasingly becoming a part of everyday life. We may think of its use in facial recognition apps, health care applications and even in a routine Google search, but what about its potential in problem gambling prevention and diagnosis?
Phil Sherwood, senior director of Responsible Gambling at PrizePicks, feels that AI can be a boon to responsible gambling programs and shared his perspective in a presentation to the MNAPG board in January.
What is AI?
AI is defined as the simulation of human intelligence in machines. It employs machine learning and language processing to automate tasks, enhance decision-making and boost efficiency.
Historic Use of AI
Gambling operators have been using AI for a long time to boost profits. It’s been used to improve marketing and to produce emotional appeals to specific customers, ultimately getting players to play more and more aggressively. AI has also been used to help gambling operators poach business from other operators.
Why use AI in Responsible Gambling Programs?
There are many reasons to employ AI in responsible gambling programs. Perhaps most importantly, AI can detect early signs of problem gambling, especially considering that more gambling and gaming is being done online. There is more data to access, such as time spent gambling, amount of money spent and other forms of gambling an individual might be involved in.
AI also enables personalized, real-time interventions. For example, if a player is exhibiting specific symptoms of problem gambling, the platform can send a personalized notification alerting them to risky behaviors or simply to make them more aware of their play. This notification might also suggest the responsible gambling tools that are available.
Another advantage of AI is that it reduces reliance on manual monitoring of a gambler’s behavior and allows for 24/7 oversight. With so many transactions available for analysis, a properly programmed AI system can identify potentially harmful behavior much better than humans.
AI-Driven Tools for Player Protection
AI can be used to protect players in several ways. It can identify risk behaviors such as loss-chasing and binge gambling. It can provide real-time alerts when it flags sudden changes that suggest immediate review. And it can also empower players gauge their own risk through gamified self-assessments in which they complete questionnaires. The gamified aspect may make players more receptive to the information that’s provided to them.
Interventional Levels Based on AI Insights
AI can suggest interventions commensurate with risk levels it assesses. For example, a system could address low-risk behaviors with basic pop-up reminders or session time limits. When a player exhibits moderate risk behavior, such as using different credit cards to gamble, the system can provide more tailored advice or impose or suggest temporary timeouts. When AI detects behaviors considered high-risk, it can instigate personalized care calls, exclusion options or even refer a customer to online behavioral counseling.
The U.S. is Behind in Use of AI
Phil noted that some operators, particularly those outside of the U.S. and those subject to regulations requiring the use of AI to monitor behavior, are incorporating AI to monitor player behavior and encourage player safety. However, he expressed concern that the U.S. is fearful of AI and that it’s use is discouraged, something he says would be an egregious mistake.
Challenges and Considerations in AI Implementation
While AI appears to hold considerable promise in protecting players from harm, there are challenges in its implementation. Some of those include privacy concerns (ensuring responsible use of player data), regulatory compliance (aligning AI tools with different jurisdictional standards) and the need for continuous improvement (models need regular updates based on evolving behaviors and research).
The Future of AI in Responsible Gaming and Problem Gambling
Looking ahead, Phil sees increased realization of the potential of AI with additional automation of support options for at-risk players, more predictive modeling for early intervention and standardization across operators for greater impact
“There will be so much innovation that comes from AI,” says Phil. “It’s evolved so much, even in the last year. I think the biggest things that will come from AI are things that we haven’t even thought of yet.”
Feb 3, 2025 | RESEARCH, YOUTH GAMBLING
By Nakita Sconsoni, MSW
Read the original article on the BASIS here.
Many adolescents may be exposed to gambling without realizing it. For example, youth who play video games may encounter chance-based mini-games that resemble actual gambling activities like roulette and blackjack, or they may purchase or be rewarded with mystery, in-game prizes, like loot boxes. These simulated gambling activities can lead to at-risk or problem gambling among adolescents. But how do we effectively safeguard young people from experiencing gambling harm? This week, The WAGER reviews a study by Lisa Lole and colleagues that identified adolescents’ views on how they can be better protected from gambling-related harm.
What was the research question?
According to adolescents, what strategies can be used to protect them from gambling-related harm?
What did the researchers do?
The researchers used recruitment agencies and online advertisements to obtain a sample of 89 adolescents aged 12-17 from Australia, and then surveyed them about gambling experiences via one-on-one interviews or an online discussion forum. Participants were screened for problem gambling using the DSM-IV-MR-J criteria and also answered open-ended questions about their gambling engagement. Participants then responded to questions about how adolescents could be protected from gambling harm (1) within their homes, (2) at school, (3) through advertisement/marketing practices, and (4) on a broader regulatory level. The researchers used the thematic analysis approach to analyze participants’ responses.
What did they find?
The most widely-recognized theme among participants was the desire for honesty about how gambling — and its associated harms — is communicated to them and represented in the media. Participants felt that rather than simply prohibiting gambling activities, parents can protect their children from gambling harm by including them in conversations about gambling and educating them about risks and responsible gambling practices (see Figure). Similarly, they felt that schools should use lived experience narratives to educate students about the addictive nature of gambling and the reality of gambling odds. On a broader scale, participants noted that gambling advertisements can be overly positive and misleading, and should not be broadcast on mediums that are frequently used by adolescents such as gaming and social media platforms. Instead, marketing campaigns should provide a more realistic understanding of gambling, including potentially negative outcomes, how to resist the temptation to gamble, and where to access help. Lastly, participants argued for gambling regulation reform, particularly within simulated gambling activities. They advocated for limits on in-game gambling features and in-game spending, as well as stricter age limits.
Figure. Direct quotes from participants on how to prevent gambling harm among adolescents, separated into four categories: (1) strategies that can be implemented with parents/guardians, (2) within the school system, (3) through advertising/marketing practices, and (4) through gambling regulations. Click image to enlarge.
Why do these findings matter?
These findings suggest that adolescents recognize the need for a collective response to gambling prevention and education, with special considerations for young people. This public health effort needs to go beyond any approach that places the burden solely on the individual gambler to “gamble responsibility.” Instead, it should be the responsibility of various stakeholders to protect today’s youth from gambling-related harm, including parents/guardians, the school system (e.g., teachers and counselors), and gambling operators/regulators.
Every study has limitations. What are the limitations of this study?
The researchers did not use representative sampling, the sample size was relatively small, and all participants were from Australia. So, the findings might not be generalizable to adolescents from other areas. This study also relied on self-reported data, which could be subject to recall or social desirability bias.
For more information:
Do you think that you or someone you know might have a gambling problem? Visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for screening tools and resources. For additional resources, including gambling and self-help tools, visit our Addiction Resources page.
— Nakita Sconsoni, MSW
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