Cashless gambling: Qualitative analysis of consumer perspectives regarding the harm minimization potential of digital payment systems for electronic gaming machines.

Objective: Land-based gambling venues remain predominantly cash-based despite broader consumer trends toward digital payments. Little prior literature directly investigates the role of payment methods in gambling; however, digital payment systems offer a key intervention point for gambling harm minimization. This study explores the perspectives of electronic gaming machine (EGM) gamblers regarding the concept of cashless gambling-the ability to gamble without using physical currency.

Problematic online behaviors and psychopathology in Australia.

This study aimed to ascertain frequency rates and predictors of six problematic online behaviors (POBs) in an Australian sample. Participants (N = 1626) completed instruments measuring problematic online gaming, cyberchondria, problematic cybersex, problematic online shopping, problematic use of social networking sites, problematic online gambling, anxiety, depression and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Each POB was presumed to be present based on the cut-off score on the corresponding instrument and at least one indicator of interference with functioning.

An Empirical Study of the Pathway Model Link Between Cognitive Distortions and Gambling Problems.

This research empirically tests the relationship between gambling-related cognitive distortions and the development of gambling problems. In two separate studies using methodologies designed to support non-experimental causal inference, we demonstrate that holding false beliefs about gambling experiences is related to current and future risk of developing problems with gambling. In our first study, we use an instrumental variable estimation strategy on an internet sample (n = 184) and observe a statistically significant relationship between Gamblers' Belief Questionnaire scores and measures of loss chasing, overspending, and gambling problems.

The directionality of anxiety and gaming disorder: An exploratory analysis of longitudinal data from an Australian youth population.

Gaming activities among adolescents have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with it a growing concern for the potential harms of excessive gaming and its risk factors. Anxiety is frequently linked with gaming disorder, but studies investigating this association were mostly cross-sectional in design. Longitudinal studies that explore risk factors associated with gaming disorder are sparse and the trajectories of gaming disorder remain unclear.

Short-term cognitive impacts of electronic gaming machines with and without a skill-based component: A comparative laboratory study.

This study aimed to compare how consumers understand the role of skill and chance, experience cognitive distortions, and experience immersion based on use of either electronic gaming machines (EGMs) or skill gambling machines (SGMs; EGMs with a skill-based component). Participants ( = 246, = 34 years, 56.91% female) in a laboratory experiment were randomly assigned to play a real EGM or SGM without funds and self-reported measures including intention to gamble, understanding of the role of skill and chance, erroneous gambling beliefs, previous gambling and gaming, and problem gambling severity.

Testing the spectrum hypothesis of problematic online behaviors: A network analysis approach.

The validity of the constructs of problematic Internet or smartphone use and Internet or smartphone addiction has been extensively debated. The spectrum hypothesis posits that problematic online behaviors (POBs) may be conceptualized within a spectrum of related yet distinct entities. To date, the hypothesis has received preliminary support, and further robust empirical studies are still needed.

Open Science Practices in Gambling Research Publications (2016-2019): A Scoping Review.

The replication crisis has stimulated researchers around the world to adopt open science research practices intended to reduce publication bias and improve research quality. Open science practices include study pre-registration, open data, open access, and avoiding methods that can lead to publication bias and low replication rates. Although gambling studies uses similar research methods as behavioral research fields that have struggled with replication, we know little about the uptake of open science research practices in gambling-focused research.

Accuracy of self-reported gambling frequency and outcomes: Comparisons with account data.

The ability to accurately recall past gambling behavior and outcomes is essential for making informed decisions about future gambling. We aimed to determine whether online gambling customers can accurately recall their recent gambling outcomes and betting frequency. An online survey was distributed to 40,000 customers of an Australian sports and race wagering website which asked participants to recall their past 30-day net outcome (i.

Impact of Gambling Supply Reduction During COVID-19 Shutdowns on Gambling Problems and Gambling Behaviour in Australia: A National Longitudinal Study.

Restricting access to gambling products is one possible harm reduction strategy. We examined whether land-based gambling product supply restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic impacted gambling problems and gambling engagement. In a three-wave, online, longitudinal study, 462 Australian adults (M = 44.

Patterns and correlates of consumer protection tool use by Australian online gambling customers.

Objective: Consumer Protection Tools (CPTs; e.g., deposit limits, timeouts) are provided by gambling sites to assist customers to gamble without harms.

Encouraging and evaluating limit-setting among on-line gamblers: a naturalistic randomized controlled trial.

Aims: We tested the effectiveness of three different messages designed to increase limit-setting on gambling sites and sent these via e-mail or in-account notification to compare delivery modes. As a secondary aim, we examined the effects of limit-setting on gambling behaviour.

Design: A pre-registered, naturalistic randomized control trial using a 3 × 2 plus control design.

Overconfidence in Understanding of How Electronic Gaming Machines Work Is Related to Positive Attitudes.

Previous research has demonstrated that attitudes are a primary determinant of intention to gamble on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) consistent with the Theory of Reasoned Action. This paper aims to address how biases in judgment can contribute to attitudes and subsequently behavior, including maladaptive problematic gambling behavior. We take a novel approach by viewing overconfidence in one's understanding of how outcomes are determined on EGMs as an indication of cognitive distortions.

Reducing Internet Gambling Harms Using Behavioral Science: A Stakeholder Framework.

Internet gambling provides a unique environment with design mechanics and data-driven opportunities that can impact gambling-related harms. Some elements of Internet gambling including isolation, lack of interruption, and constant, easy access have been argued to pose specific risks. However, identifiable player accounts enable identification of behavioral risk markers and personalized private interfaces to push customized messages and interventions.

Impacts of the COVID-19 Shutdown on Gambling Patterns in Australia: Consideration of Problem Gambling and Psychological Distress.

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic reduced access to gambling and contributed to widespread psychological distress. Psychological distress is a known risk factor for problem gambling as it can motivate excessive gambling as a coping response. The availability of gambling is considered a factor in maintaining problems.

The Relationship Between In-Play Betting and Gambling Problems in an Australian Context of Prohibited Online In-Play Betting.

Internationally, Internet gambling is increasingly permitted under regulated licensing conditions; however, the specific products that are legal varies between jurisdictions. Online sports and race wagering are now legal in many jurisdictions, but in-play betting (also referred to as "live action" or "in-the-run" betting) is often restricted. In-play betting enables bets to be placed on an event after it has commenced.

Debt stress partly explains the relationship between problem gambling and comorbid mental health problems.

Rationale: Easy access to consumer credit products, such as credit cards, overdrafts, and personal loans, may facilitate gambling beyond affordable levels, which can result in debt problems. Debt and mental health problems are both potential motivators and core consequences of problem gambling. Debt stress (i.

Development and psychometric evaluation of the Recovery Index for Gambling Disorder (RIGD).

Recovery from Gambling Disorder lacks established operational criteria and a dedicated outcome measure. Cross-study comparisons and treatment efficacy determinants are difficult without a valid and widely used tool to assess recovery. The current article describes the development and psychometric evaluation of the Recovery Index for Gambling Disorder (RIGD).

Predicting Intention to Play Random and Skill-based Electronic Gambling Machines Using the Theory of Reasoned Action.

Hybrid gambling machines (HGMs) are a new gambling activity that combine the skill element of traditional video games with the random pay-out schedule of electronic gaming machines (e.g., slots).

Isolating the impact of specific gambling activities and modes on problem gambling and psychological distress in internet gamblers.

Background: Gambling disorder is related to high overall gambling engagement; however specific activities and modalities are thought to have stronger relationships with gambling problems. This study aimed to isolate the relationship between specific gambling activities and modalities (Internet and venue/land-based) to gambling disorder and general psychological distress. Past-month Internet gamblers were the focus of this investigation because this modality may be associated with gambling disorders in a unique way that needs to be separated from overall gambling intensity.

Problematic risk-taking involving emerging technologies: A stakeholder framework to minimize harms.

Background And Aims: Despite the many benefits of technological advancements, problematic use of emerging technologies may lead to consumers experiencing harms. Substantial problems and behavioral addictions, such as gambling and gaming disorders, are recognized to be related to Internet-based technologies, including the myriad of new devices and platforms available. This review paper seeks to explore problematic risk-taking behaviors involving emerging technologies (e.

Understanding use of consumer protection tools among Internet gambling customers: Utility of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Theory of Reasoned Action.

Consumer protection tools such as activity statements, deposit limits, and temporary self-exclusion are provided by most Internet gambling websites to minimise gambling related harms through the prevention of problems and enhancement of controls for those at risk of disordered gambling. However, customer engagement with these tools is very low. Developing a theoretical framework to understand the reasons individuals use consumer protection tools is important to design strategies to increase uptake.

An Assessment of the Validity of the Gamblers Belief Questionnaire.

Cognitive distortions in gambling are irrational thoughts that cause an individual to overestimate their level of control over the outcome of the game and diminish the role of chance. Due to their strong relation to gambling disorders, they are a particularly important characteristic to assess and understand in gamblers. Although numerous measures of gambling-related cognitive distortions exist, studies assessing criterion validity are scarce.

Use of Consumer Protection Tools on Internet Gambling Sites: Customer Perceptions, Motivators, and Barriers to Use.

Internet gambling has been widely legalised in recognition of its capacity to, and the importance of, providing consumer protection tools to prevent and minimise gambling-related harms. Most licensed Internet gambling sites are required to provide consumer protection tools, including activity statements, deposit limits, and time-outs (temporary self-exclusion). However, few Internet gambling customers engage with the tools.