Mar 21, 2025 | CONCERNED OTHERS, RESEARCH
Read the original article on the BASIS HERE.
By John Slabczynski
Editor’s note: Today’s review is part of our month-long Special Series on Addiction and Social Support. Throughout March, the BASIS is highlighting the role of social support in addiction-related experiences.
Though it is a popular recreational activity, gambling can be harmful in a number of ways. Gambling-related harms include financial, physical, and mental harms to both the gambler as well as gamblers’ friends and family. Despite the fact that gambling-related harms can extend beyond the gambler, relatively little research has explored the experiences of those affected by others’ gambling behavior. Of particular note are methods to attenuate these harms such as through positive coping strategies and finding increased social support. This week, as part of our Special Series on Addiction and Social Support, The WAGER reviews a study by Catherine Tulloch and colleagues that explored how coping styles and social support influence the experiences of people affected by others’ gambling.
What was the research question?
How do social support, coping style, problem gambling severity, and closeness to individuals experiencing problem gambling influence distress and harms to close loved ones?
What did the researchers do?
The researchers used a survey panel platform to recruit 1,131 Australians who were close to someone with a gambling problem. Participants completed a modified version of the Problem Gambling Severity Index that allows for second-hand responses (e.g., “Did [the gambler in your life] borrow money or sell anything to get money to gamble?”). Participants also reported on their closeness to the individual with a gambling problem, the harms they’ve experienced as a result of their loved one’s gambling (financial or otherwise), their distress, how often they engaged in certain ways of coping with their relative’s gambling, and social support. The researchers then used a series of regression analyses to examine the predictive role of problem gambling severity, closeness, social support, and coping styles on distress and harm.
What did they find?
Participants reported more harm and more distress when (1) their loved ones had more severe gambling problems, (2) they were closer to their loved one, and (3) they frequently coped with their loved one’s gambling in a maladaptive way. In comparison, increased social support was related to lower levels of harm and distress (see Figure). Interestingly, though the researchers did not identify any interactions among variables predicting harm, they did find that problem gambling severity interacted with closeness, maladaptive coping, and withdrawal coping. Specifically, the effect of the gambler’s problem gambling severity on the participant’s distress was stronger for participants who were closer to the gambler or who engaged in either withdrawal or maladaptive coping strategies. Notably, however, the interaction effects and influence of withdrawal coping disappeared when the researchers examined the predictors of harm and distress simultaneously, which suggests the interactions might not be especially stable
Figure. Displays the 𝛃 (Beta) for each variable included in the full multivariate regression model predicting gambling-related harm (top) or distress (bottom). 𝛃 can be interpreted as the estimated change in the dependent variable (e.g., distress) for a one-unit change in the independent variable (e.g., social support). PGSI = Problem Gambling Severity Index. Only predictors that reached statistical significance in at least one model are included. Adapted from Tulloch et al. (2025). Click image to enlarge.
Why do these findings matter?
These findings provide insight into risk factors for vicarious harm among affected others. Social support seems to buffer the painful effects on affected others, so groups like Gam-Anon may be especially important for loved ones affected by problem gambling. Furthermore, interventions that target coping styles and social support among those affected by another’s gambling, such as the 5-step treatment model, may be especially beneficial as has been suggested by previous research.
Every study has limitations. What are the limitations in this study?
This study used a proxy measure for problem gambling severity. While proxy measures are commonly used, their validity is often not established, as is the case with the measure used in this study. Additionally, this study measured social support via perceived informal support and thus does not include professional support or other for formalized systems.
Mar 14, 2025 | PROBLEM GAMBLING, RESEARCH
Read the original article on the BASIS HERE.
By Kira Landauer, MPH
Adolescent gambling is common, with many young people gambling before reaching a legal gambling age. This is concerning because underage gambling increases the risk of experiencing gambling problems later in life. Parental attitudes and behaviors are crucial to positive youth development, and gambling behaviors are no exception. This week, The WAGER reviews a study by Cassandra K. Dittman and colleagues that examined adolescent gambling from the perspective of parents in New South Wales, Australia.
What were the research questions?
(1) What are parents’ knowledge of and attitudes towards their adolescent child’s gambling? (2) Are adolescents exposed to gambling via their parents’ gambling?
What did the researchers do?
The researchers recruited 1,185 parents (31% fathers, 69% mothers) of adolescents in New South Wales, Australia. Participants completed an online survey. They were asked about their attitudes towards adolescent gambling and ranked their concern with gambling alongside other adolescent issues (e.g., bullying, alcohol use). Parents reported both their adolescent child’s and their own gambling behavior over the past 12 months and whether they had gambled with their adolescent present. The researchers used descriptive statistics to explore parental attitudes towards gambling and adolescent gambling exposure and gambling behavior. They used comparison tests such as ANOVA to examine differences across these facets by parent and adolescent gender.
What did they find?
Most parents disapproved of adolescent exposure to gambling. However, parents were less concerned with gambling compared to other adolescent issues like bullying and drug use. Twenty-seven percent of parents reported that their adolescent had gambled in the past year. Of the 947 parents who reported past-year gambling themselves, two-thirds had gambled with their adolescent present. Skin betting and fantasy sports betting were the most common parent-adolescent gambling activities (see Figure). Compared to mothers, fathers engaged in more gambling in the presence of their adolescent. Fathers also gambled more with their adolescent sons compared to daughters.
Figure. Frequency of adolescent exposure to their parent’s gambling in the past year, by gambling activity and among parents who participated in that gambling activity. Please note: Figure does not depict the percent of parents from the sample who participated in each activity. For example, 12.0% of parents participated in skin betting in the past 12 months. Of them, 74.6% did so in the presence of their adolescent child at least once. Click image to enlarge.
Why do these findings matter?
Adolescents often gamble with the knowledge of their parents, and that some parents–particularly fathers–actively facilitate their child’s gambling by involving them in their personal gambling activities. Parents may underestimate the risks associated with adolescent gambling. This could be because gambling is generally perceived as socially acceptable and often portrayed positively (e.g., through advertisements). Parents, and fathers in particular, could benefit from increased awareness and education about the risks associated with youth gambling, through initiatives like the GambleAware Parents Campaign.
Every study has limitations. What are the limitations of this study?
Participants might not have been fully representative of the Australian parent population and their responses may be subject to self-report biases such as recall bias. This study examined parental knowledge of their adolescent child’s gambling. It is possible that adolescents gamble more than their parents realize, so the frequency of adolescent gambling reported by parents may be an underestimate.
For more information:
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health provides information for parents about the risks of teen gambling and a guide for talking about gambling. Do you think that you or someone you know might have a gambling problem? Visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for screening tools and resources. For additional resources, including gambling and self-help tools, visit our Addiction Resources page.
— Kira Landauer, MPH
Mar 4, 2025 | ADVOCACY, PROBLEM GAMBLING, RESEARCH
Last fall, a lengthy report on the state of gambling was published in The Lancet Public Health, a British monthly journal that focuses on public health. The report (The Lancet Public Health Commission on gambling Wardle, Heather et al. The Lancet Public Health, Volume 9, Issue 11, e950 - e994) provides a comprehensive view of the development of gambling in the last two centuries.
The Lancet Public Health Commission's report on gambling highlights the escalating global public health crisis posed by the gambling industry, particularly due to its rapid digital expansion. The commission estimates that approximately 450 million individuals worldwide experience harmful effects from gambling, with at least 80 million suffering from gambling disorder—a condition characterized by compulsive gambling behavior despite negative consequences.
The report states that the proliferation of mobile and online gambling platforms has made access easier than ever, contributing to the rise in gambling-related harms. Sophisticated marketing strategies, including targeted digital advertising and sports sponsorships, have increased exposure, especially among adolescents and children. This exposure is concerning, as early interaction with gambling increases the risk of developing gambling disorders later in life.
The commission identifies several severe consequences associated with gambling, including financial losses, mental health issues, family breakdowns, heightened risk of suicide, and increased crime rates. These harms are not evenly distributed; vulnerable groups such as adolescents and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately affected.
To address these challenges, the commission advocates for stronger global regulatory controls, similar to those applied to alcohol and tobacco industries. Recommended measures include restricting access to gambling, limiting advertising and implementing public health campaigns to raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling. The commission emphasizes the need for policymakers to treat gambling as a critical public health issue to mitigate its widespread and profound impact.
In summary, the report calls for comprehensive action to curb the growing public health threat posed by the gambling industry's expansion, particularly in the digital realm.
Mar 4, 2025 | PROBLEM GAMBLING
In light of the growing number of players who are becoming addicted to gambling—and suffering considerable harm to themselves and others in the process—many observers would agree that the gambling industry needs to change to ensure its sustainability over the long term. But how might it do that, or at least start the process?
Dr. Shawn DuBravac, PhD, CFA, an economist, futurist, bestselling author and internationally recognized thought leader, gave the industry a new perspective to think about during his keynote presentation at the annual conference of New Horizons in Safer Gambling.
Emphasizing the importance of disruption to the status quo as a starting point for change, Dr. DuBravac drew upon examples of how other businesses and industries have evolved over time to find new opportunities and embrace new strategies that prioritize health and wellbeing without compromising on engagement and profitability.
Dr. DuBravac noted that consumer preferences are shifting toward more sustainable and healthier options, and explained how business sectors are adapting to meet consumers where they are at.
Among his many examples was how Volvo emerged as a leader in safety in the automobile industry. He noted that an engineer at Volvo invented the three-point seat belt in 1959 that’s still used today. Volvo made a groundbreaking decision to release the patent to the entire automotive industry for free rather than profit from it. This decision was made in the interest of public safety so that everyone could have access to the life-saving invention. The three-point safety belt quickly became a standard feature in vehicles around the world. By prioritizing safety above everything else, Volvo created a whole new consumer segment—those who view car safety as most important factor in their purchasing decisions.
What might this look like in gambling? Might a company in the industry change the landscape by forging a new path that truly embraces safety for gamblers, creating a significant competitive advantage in the process?
Dr. DuBravac also cited how the world of professional cycling was completed upended when a new performance director came on the scene. By focusing on what he referred to as “the aggregation of marginal gains,” the director brought a relentless focus to a new strategy based on the search for a tiny margin of improvement in everything that was done. While the focus was on every possible aspect of biking, the philosophy can be applied to other industries, including gambling.
With a fresh perspective, safer play can be seen as an opportunity rather than an obligation. Perhaps the focus can be on what the industry wants to do rather than what it can’t change. While the industry can’t eliminate all harms from gambling, it can take steps to make it safer. Happy, healthy players who are having fun with their play are key to a sustainable industry and responsible growth. How do gambling businesses make safer play a competitive advantage?
Safer play can take many forms—it can be gamifying tools that help players set limits; it can be choosing products where risks are reduced or mitigated; and it can be determining how to market to players of varying risk levels. Safer play is also about how the industry supports its players through challenging conversations, and understanding how to interact with those who demonstrate high-risk behaviors.
The incorporation of innovative technologies and strategies can provide win-win solutions for safer consumer experiences while cultivating loyal, long-term success. Ultimately, safer play is good for business. Safer play needs to become the competitive advantage.
Figure. Variables that significantly predict gambling and/or gaming to escape daily life among Finnish adults (N = 1095). The numbers at the end of each bar are standardized coefficients from a random effects negative binomial regression model. Positive numbers (in blue) represent variables associated with increased gambling and/or gaming to escape (e.g., competence frustration) while negative numbers (in green) represent variables associated with decreased escapism (e.g., older age). The larger the number, the larger the effect the variable has on escapism.
Why do the findings matter?
People who have trouble living life on their own terms (autonomy frustration) or handling life’s challenges (competence frustration) might be more likely to gamble or play video games to escape. Those experiencing competence frustration, in particular, could be at greater risk of this escapism translating into problematic gambling and gaming. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help individuals reduce competence frustrations by helping them understand and evaluate these feelings. Broader society changes, like universal basic income, might also reduce competence frustrations by relieving the pressure to continually perform and be productive to just get by. By reducing competence frustration in diverse ways, we can perhaps begin to thrive in the real world and feel less need to escape from it.
Every study has limitations. What are the limitations in this study?
This study took place in a single country, Finland. It is unclear if we would see the same findings were this study to be replicated in other countries. The study also excluded youth, a sizable demographic in the video game community for whom gamblified gaming can often lead to problems.
— Timothy Edson, Ph.D.