John McCready

Gambling in Ethnic Adolescent Populations: An Exploratory Study of the Utility of Problem Behaviour Theory as an Explanatory Framework.

Problem gambling is a growing concern among adolescents today. According to recent studies, rates of problem gambling among youth are higher than those reported by adults. Though few in number, studies have also shown certain ethnic communities to be prone to gambling-related problems and related problematic behaviours. As yet, there is no conceptual model available that can guide thinking about the risk factors for, and prevention of, problem gambling among ethnic adolescents. This study aimed to provide an initial perspective on the possible utility of Problem Behaviour Theory, a well-validated model for the emergence of problem behaviours such as alcohol and cannabis use in adolescents. Problem Behaviour Theory posits that the emergence of these behaviours is influenced by three systems of psychosocial influence: the Personality System, the Perceived Environment System and the Behaviour System, in addition to demographic and socialization factors. Problem gambling among youth in various ethnic communities may have the potential to be explained by PBT, as it employs a psychosocial framework to explain adolescent involvement in behaviours socially defined as deviant or inappropriate. We conducted separate focus groups for adolescent and adult members of three ethnocultural communities: Portuguese, Tamil and Polish. Discussions began with general perceptions of the community and gambling, and were guided to the consideration of factors that are important to gambling behaviour. Discussions were taped, transcribed and coded for the presence of general themes and for comments related to specific components of the Problem Behaviour Theory conceptual framework. The results suggested that all three ethnic groups, and both adolescents and adults, viewed the determinants of behaviour, and gambling behaviours in particular, in ways that were consistent with Problem Behaviour Theory. Participants seemed to emphasize in particular the important roles of demographic (particularly religion), socialization and Perceived Environment System factors in influencing the behaviour of young people in their communities. These results suggest that Problem Behaviour Theory may provide a useful model for understanding the emergence of gambling in ethnic adolescent populations. Additionally, it may be useful to assess the validity of other conceptual frameworks using the methods used in this study.

Problem Gambling in a Sample of Older Adult Casino Gamblers: Associations With Gambling Participation and Motivations

As older adults continue to make up a greater proportion of the Canadian population, it becomes more important to understand the implications that their leisure activities have for their physical and mental health. Gambling, in particular, is a form of leisure that is becoming more widely available and has important implications for the mental health and financial well-being of older adults. This study examines a large sample (2103) of casino-going Ontarian adults over the age of 55 and identifies those features of their gambling participation that are associated with problem gambling. Logistic regression analysis is used to analyze the data. Focusing on types of gambling participated in and motivations for visiting the casino, this study finds that several forms of gambling and motivations to gamble are associated with greater risk of problem gambling. It also finds that some motivations are associated with lower risk of problem gambling. The findings of this study have implications related to gambling availability within an aging population.

A free ride? An analysis of the association of casino bus tours and problem gambling among older adults: Older adults, bus tours and problem gambling

Abstract Background and aims Little research has examined the relationship between incentives used by gambling venues to attract customers and the experience of gambling‐related harm. Organized and subsidized bus tours are a common example of such incentives. The aim of this study was to examine whether bus‐tour patronage was associated with increased odds of problem gambling among older adults. This study also compared rates of bus‐tour use by socio‐demographic characteristics and gambling behaviours. Design Pearsons χ2 tests and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were applied for bivariate analyses. Multivariate generalized mixed‐effects regression modelling was used to examine the relationship between bus‐tour patronage and problem gambling while controlling for possible confounding factors. Setting Seven gambling venues located in Central and Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Participants A total of 1978 gambling venue patrons over the age of 55 years. Measurements Problem gambling as indicated by the Problem Gambling Severity Index, bus‐tour patronage in the 12 months prior to the survey, spending per gambling visit and past‐month slot machine participation. Findings Regression analyses showed that bus‐tour patronage was associated with higher odds of problem gambling [odds ratio (OR) = 1.71, confidence interval (CI) = 1.06, 2.76] after controlling for several demographic characteristics, type of gambling and gambling expenditures. Bivariate analyses showed past‐year bus‐tour patronage was associated with more frequent slot machine play (χ2 = 48.16, P < 0.001), more past‐year gambling venue visits (P < 0.001) and lower spending on gambling per casino visit (P < 0.001). Compared with non‐patrons, bus tour patrons were more likely to be female (χ2 = 21.92, P < 0.001), born outside Canada (χ2 = 113.18, P < 0.001), above the age of 75 (χ2 = 24.02, P < 0.001) and retired (χ2 = 16.60, P < 0.001). Conclusions When adjusting for potential confounders among older adults, using bus tours to access Canadian gambling venues is associated with increased risk of problem gambling. Bus‐tour patrons are more likely to be female, born outside Canada and above the age of 75 years.

A generational comparison of problem gambling and gambling attitudes among older adult gambling venue patrons

ABSTRACT Gambling is a popular leisure activity for older adults (55+), and existing research suggests that overall older adults are less prone to problem gambling compared to younger cohorts. People born after World War II are now beginning to reach retirement age. The purpose of this article was to explore age-related cohort differences between people born from 1943 to 1960 compared to those born from 1925 to 1942 in their attitudes and behaviours related to gambling. This study employs a large sample (2103) of older adults collected at gambling locations across Southern Ontario, Canada in 2013. Comparisons were made using Pearson’s chi-squared tests for categorical variables and independent samples t-tests for continuous variables with logarithmic transformations for highly-skewed variables. Those of the 1943 to 1960 cohort showed significantly higher problem gambling scores and per visit spending, but lower numbers of visits per year. There was no discernible pattern between cohorts in terms of attitudes toward gambling. Assumptions of lower risk of problem gambling among older adults will have to be re-evaluated as the post-war generation becomes an ever greater proportion of older adults.