Risk Factors for Gambling Problems on Online Electronic Gaming Machines, Race Betting and Sports Betting

Abstract

Growth of Internet gambling has fuelled concerns about its contribution to gambling problems. However, most online gamblers also gamble on land-based forms, which may be the source of problems for some. Studies therefore need to identify the problematic mode of gambling (online or offline) to identify those with an online gambling problem. Identifying most problematic form of online gambling (e.g., EGMs, race betting, sports betting) would also enable a more accurate examination of gambling problems attributable to a specific online gambling form. This study pursued this approach, aiming to: (1) determine demographic, behavioral and psychological risk factors for gambling problems on online EGMs, online sports betting and online race betting; (2) compare the characteristics of problematic online gamblers on each of these online forms. An online survey of 4,594 Australian gamblers measured gambling behavior, most problematic mode and form of gambling, gambling attitudes, psychological distress, substance use, help-seeking, demographics and problem gambling status. Problem/moderate risk gamblers nominating an online mode of gambling as their most problematic, and identifying EGMs (n = 98), race betting (n = 291) or sports betting (n = 181) as their most problematic gambling form, were compared to non-problem/low risk gamblers who had gambled online on these forms in the previous 12 months (n = 64, 1145 and 1213 respectively), using bivariate analyses and then logistic regressions. Problem/moderate risk gamblers on each of these online forms were then compared. Risk factors for online EGM gambling were: more frequent play on online EGMs, substance use when gambling, and higher psychological distress. Risk factors for online sports betting were being male, younger, lower income, born outside of Australia, speaking a language other than English, more frequent sports betting, higher psychological distress, and more negative attitudes toward gambling. Risk factors for online race betting comprised being male, younger, speaking a language other than English, more frequent race betting, engaging in more gambling forms, self-reporting as semi-professional/professional gambler, illicit drug use whilst gambling, and more negative attitude toward gambling. These findings can inform improved interventions tailored to the specific characteristics of high risk gamblers on each of these online activities.

Internet-Based Structural Characteristics of Sports Betting and Problem Gambling Severity: Is There a Relationship?

“…These results differ from those reported for an Australian sample of sports bettors in which problem gambling rates for males were significantly higher than for women and follow-up studies where being male was a predictor of problem sports betting (Hing et al 2017a). The findings in the present study also contradict the traditional gender imbalance found in most online gambling studies (Wood and Williams 2009) but not in the context of sports betting in particular, in which previous research with online gamblers playing on the bwin website reported non-significant differences between women and men .…”

“…Cross-sectional studies of Australian sports bettors have identified risk factors for gambling problems such as being male, young, never married, living alone or in a group household, and with higher level education . Also, Australian sports bettors with a language other than English as their mother tongue are more likely to engage in problem betting (Hing et al 2017a). Australian sports bettors prefer simpler bets in which the odds are easier to estimate, particularly when placing bets for a winner.…”

“…Many of these studies are country-specific, with great preponderance of research coming from Australia (Deans et al 2016a;Deans et al 2016b;Gordon et al 2015;Hing et al 2017a;Hing et al 2016;Sproston et al 2015;Woolley 2003). Cross-sectional studies of Australian sports bettors have identified risk factors for gambling problems such as being male, young, never married, living alone or in a group household, and with higher level education .…”

Transformation of Sports Betting into a Rapid and Continuous Gambling Activity: a Grounded Theoretical Investigation of Problem Sports Betting in Online Settings

“…This is in sharp contrast with recommendations for responsible gambling, which is principally making informed betting choices and keeping betting within predetermined, affordable time and spending limits (Hing et al 2016a). Recent research from Australia has indicated that between one third and one half of all bets placed online were considered by participants to be impulse bets rather than carefully evaluated betting selections (Hing et al 2015(Hing et al , 2018a, and it is widely acknowledged that impulsive betting is predictive of gambling problems (Hing et al 2015(Hing et al , 2016b.…”

Understanding the convergence of markets in online sports betting

“…In their opinion, the battle for quantity is over and now each operator will have to focus on offering a distinctive product that meets the demands of quality of its audience. Personalisation of the betting experience appears to be crucial in a market where product differentiation is non-existent and price elasticity very limited (Hing, 2014).…”