Gambling behaviours and treatment uptake among vulnerable populations during COVID-19 crisis

Abstract

This study aimed to explore changes in gambling behaviours and gambling disorder (GD) treatment uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic among those with a heightened vulnerability to gambling-related harm. This was a single-center, cross-sectional, retrospective case series study assessing gambling behaviours and GD counselling participation among a vulnerable population sector following the COVID-19 shutdown. The clinical records of clients at a community substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center were explored (N = 67). Eight clients (n = 8) had satisfied the objective criteria, and were qualified for data exploration and analysis of gambling activities and GD treatment participation following the COVID-19 shutdown. All clients in the study belonged to subgroups at an elevated risk for gambling-related harm, with a mean duration of gambling problems of 9.5 years. Following the COVID-19 shutdown, an increase in gambling activities was noted in five cases. Migration to online gambling was noted in three cases. In two cases, no change in gambling activities was noted, and a reduction of gambling activities was noted in one case. In seven cases, no screening for gambling problems prior to current SUD program was noted. None had a history of, nor were currently engaged in counselling for gambling problems. The COVID-19 crisis and associated increase in gambling participation, coupled with a diminutive gambling counselling uptake during the pandemic, present an opportunity to rethink current behavioural addictions service delivery model for those with an increased vulnerability to gambling-related harm. Further investigation of the changes in gambling participation, and a closer look at optimizing GD service delivery among vulnerable population sectors during the COVID-19 crisis is warranted.

Telehealth treatment for gambling disorder in the COVID-19 era: seismic shifts and silver linings

“…Findings from the research indicated that traditional gambling treatment was not adequate due to its rigid structure and fragmentation in marginalized population strata. Authors noted that current state regulations make a transition to telehealth gambling services difficult [19 ▪▪ ]. Finally, a review of how the COVID-19 pandemic affected medical professional's and patient's views and attitudes toward hospitals and treatment centers determined that patients are more weary of seeking treatment for medical conditions, and hospitals are focused on reducing the spread of virus even at the expense of reduced social support for patients [20].…”

Exploring the Association between Gambling-Related Offenses, Substance Use, Psychiatric Comorbidities, and Treatment Outcome

“…Moreover, GD, similar to other addictions, is characterized by cognitive deficits and alterations in underlying neurobiological mechanisms mainly related to impulsivity, compulsivity, reward/punishment processing, and decision-making [ 3 , 4 ]. GD is leading to clinically significant distress and usually also leads to relevant financial problems [ 5 ], which in some cases has been increased in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic [ 6 ].…”