Understanding Positive Play: An Exploration of Playing Experiences and Responsible Gambling Practices

Abstract

This study is one of the first to explore in detail the behaviors, attitudes and motivations of players that show no signs of at-risk or problem gambling behavior (so-called 'positive players'). Via an online survey, 1484 positive players were compared with 209 problem players identified using the Lie/Bet screen. The study identified two distinct groups of positive players defined according to their motivations to play and their engagement with responsible gambling practices. Those positive players that played most frequently employed the most personal responsible gambling strategies.Reasons that positive players gave for gambling were focused on leisure (e.g., playing for fun, being entertained, and/or winning a prize). By contrast, problem gamblers were much more focused upon modifying mood states (e.g., excitement, relaxation, depression and playing when bored or upset).The present study suggests that online gambling is not, by default, inherently riskier than gambling in more traditional ways, as online gambling was the most popular media by which positive players gambled. Furthermore, most positive players reported that it was easier to stick to their limits when playing the National Lottery online compared to traditional retail purchasing of tickets. Problem players were significantly more likely than positive players to gamble with family and friends, suggesting that, contrary to a popular RG message, social play may not be inherently safer than gambling alone. It is proposed that players (generally) may identify more with the term 'positive play' than the term 'responsible gambling' which is frequently interpreted as being aimed at people with gambling problems, rather than all players.

Assessing the effectiveness of a responsible gambling behavioural feedback tool for reducing the gambling expenditure of at-risk players

“…Overall, use of the BF tool appeared to reflect a desired outcome according to the current conceptualization of responsible gambling (Blaszczynski, Ladouceur, & Shaffer, 2004;Wood & Griffiths, 2014). That is, the main focus should be upon assisting at-risk players (i.e.…”

“…Developments in gambling technology mean that many electronic gambling platforms now provide players with, among other RG tools, the opportunity to self-exclude, information about support services, and warning messages about the harms that can result from problematic play (e.g. Auer & Griffiths, 2013;Bernhard, Lucas, & Jang, 2006;Monaghan, 2008Monaghan, , 2009Monaghan & Blaszczynski, 2007, 2010a, 2010bNisbet, 2005;Sharpe, Walker, Coughlan, Enersen, & Blaszczynski, 2005;Stewart & Wohl, 2013;Williams, West, & Simpson, 2007;Wohl, Christie, Matheson, & Anisman, 2010;Wohl, Parush, Kim, & Warren, 2014;Wood & Bernhard, 2010;Wood & Griffiths, 2008;Wood & Griffiths, 2014;.…”

“…In support of this argument, Philander and Mackay (2014) found that past-year online gambling predicted a decrease in problem gambling severity. Moreover, in a study of positive playing habits, Wood and Griffiths (2014) found that a majority of players reported it was easier to stick to their spending limit when buying lottery tickets and virtual scratch cards via the Internet than from a physical retail outlet (e.g. a convenience store).…”

“…casinos, racetrack, bingo halls, etc.). The relationship between electronic gambling and problem gambling, however, is not clear-cut and may be dependent, at least in part, on both the structural characteristics of specific games as well as the RG tools that accompany them (Wood & Griffiths, 2014).…”

Rating the Suitability of Responsible Gambling Features for Specific Game Types: A Resource for Optimizing Responsible Gambling Strategy

“…And, this view of the individual as being primarily responsible for their own gambling behavior also appears to be endorsed by many players (Wood & Bernhard, 2010;Wood & Da Silva, 2013). For those who operate gambling businesses, the model suggests that RG should focus upon helping players to help themselves.…”