Jane Rigbye

Online Poker Gambling in University Students: Further Findings from an Online Survey

Online poker is one of the fastest growing forms of online gambling yet there has been relatively little research to date. This study comprised 422 online poker players (362 males and 60 females) and investigated some of the predicting factors of online poker success and problem gambling using an online questionnaire. Results showed that length of time as a player was positively correlated with the number of days playing per year, length of poker sessions, and financial success. However, length of time playing did not correlate with either score on DSM-IV problem gambling criteria or perceived skill. Using a stepwise multiple regression, predictors of winning play and financial success among the online players were examined. Those players who were more likely to have financial success were: (1) disciplined and avoided spending over their monthly gambling budget; (2) played at higher stake levels; (3) did not over-estimate the skill involved in poker; and (4) perceived themselves to be more skilful. A further multiple regression examined predictors of problem gambling. Results showed that problem online poker players were (1) more likely to swap genders when playing online; (2) undisciplined and spent over their allocated budget; and (3) played more frequently for longer periods of time. Even though there is some skill involved in poker, skill was not a predictor in problem gambling. These results are discussed along with implications from the findings for key stakeholders (i.e., the players, gaming industry, policy makers and researchers).

Problem Gambling Treatment Within the British National Health Service

According to the latest British Gambling Prevalence Survey, there are approximately 300,000 adult problem gamblers in Great Britain. In January 2007, the British Medical Association published a report recommending that those experiencing gambling problems should receive treatment via the National Health Service (NHS). This study examines the extent to which this recommendation has been taken up by NHS Trusts. In August 2009, a total of 327 letters were sent to all Primary Care Trusts, Foundation Trusts and Mental Health Trusts in the UK requesting information about problem gambling service provision and past year treatment of gambling problems within their Trust under the Freedom of Information Act. Results showed that 97% of the Trusts did not provide any service (specialist or otherwise) for treating those with gambling problems (i.e., only nine Trusts provided evidence of how they deal with problem gambling). Only one Trust offered dedicated specialist help for problem gambling. There was some evidence that problem gamblers may get treatment via the NHS if that person has other co-morbid disorders as the primary referral problem. Current provision for problem gamblers in Great Britain is delivered overwhelmingly by the third sector. There is still a long way to go if the aim is to provide localised, problem specific treatment to problem gamblers within the NHS system.