Problem and non-problem gamblers: a cross-sectional clustering study by gambling characteristics

Abstract

ObjectivesGambling characteristics are factors that could influence problem gambling development. The aim of this study was to identify a typology of gamblers to frame risky behaviour based on gambling characteristics (age of initiation/of problem gambling, type of gambling: pure chance/chance with pseudoskills/chance with elements of skill, gambling online/offline, amount wagered monthly) and to investigate clinical factors associated with these different profiles in a large representative sample of gamblers.Design and settingThe study is a cross-sectional analysis to the baseline data of the french JEU cohort study (study protocol : Challet-Boujuet al, 2014). Recruitment (April 2009 to September 2011) involved clinicians and researchers from seven institutions that offer care for or conduct research on problem gamblers (PG). Participants were recruited in gambling places, and in care centres. Only participants who reported gambling in the previous year between 18 and 65 years old were included.Participants gave their written informed consent, it was approved by the French Research Ethics Committee.ParticipantsThe participants were 628 gamblers : 256 non-problem gamblers (NPG), 169 problem gamblers without treatment (PGWT) and 203 problem gamblers seeking treatment (PGST).ResultsSix clustering models were tested, the one with three clusters displayed a lower classification error rate (7.92%) and was better suited to clinical interpretation : ‘Early Onset and Short Course’ (47.5%), ‘Early Onset and Long Course’ (35%) and ‘Late Onset and Short Course’ (17.5%). Gambling characteristics differed significantly between the three clusters.ConclusionsWe defined clusters through the analysis of gambling variables, easy to identify, by psychiatrists or by physicians in primary care. Simple screening concerning these gambling characteristics could be constructed to prevent and to help PG identification. It is important to consider gambling characteristics : policy measures targeting gambling characteristics may reduce the risk of PG or minimise harm from gambling.Trial registration numberNCT01207674(ClinicalTrials.gov); Results.

Psychopathogical status and personality correlates of problem gambling severity in sports bettors undergoing treatment for gambling disorder

“…The comparison of the mean age of our sample with previous studies, not only in Australian samples (Russell, Hing, & Browne, 2019), but also in previous samples from our hospital (Jim enez-Murcia et al, 2020), shows that the current sample shows a mean age younger than previous studies (a difference of at least 10 years), so the current sample is in a lower age range compared to previous studies, with a short average disease duration. In this sense, online gambling has been associated with a shorter disease course (Hubert & Griffiths, 2018;Landreat et al, 2020).…”

Gambling Marketing Strategies and the Internet: What Do We Know? A Systematic Review

“…For example in the United Kingdom, 38% of the 16 to 24-year-olds gambled in 2016 compared to 5% the previous year (85). In other reports, ∼60-80% of young people engaged in formal or informal gambling before the legal age (11,86,87). This population is at higher risk of losing control compared to older adults, and the prevalence of problem gambling is higher.…”

“…Betting is defined as an inevitable process, escaping individual volition, as a survival process or as a struggle to survive (39). These gendered digital marketing strategies are particularly concerning, as young adult males are the socio-demographic group the most at risk for gambling problems (11). Hing et al showed that impulse betting both before and after match commencement was more frequent among young men, who were clearly the target for sports betting advertising, including promotions for incentivized bets during play (38).…”

“…An early age of initiation is a high risk factor for the development of problem gambling later in life, and it is associated with greater severity of problem gambling (74)(75)(76). Despite the fact that regulations prohibit gambling by minors in many countries, for instance France or Spain, evidence exists that these populations gamble (11,77). Gambling advertisements and specific promotions also have a greater impact in encouraging gambling amongst problem gamblers than among non-problematic gamblers (78).…”

“…Around the world, lifetime prevalence of PG ranges from 0.7 to 6.5% (5), and damage is severe: professional and financial (8), psychological, with an increased suicide risk (9), familial (5) etc. The trajectories of gamblers from initiation to PG development are influenced by many variables, including individual and environmental variables and also variables linked to the gambling characteristics (10,11). Participation in gambling is increasing with the growing availability of gambling, advertising, marketing, and gambling deregulation (12,13).…”