Jonathan Parke

Acquisition, Development, and Maintenance of Online Poker Playing in a Student Sample

To date there has been very little empirical research into Internet gambling and none relating to the recent rise in popularity of online poker. Given that recent reports have claimed that students may be a vulnerable group, the aim of the current study was to establish basic information regarding Internet poker playing behavior among the student population, including various motivators for participation and predictors of problematic play. The study examined a self-selected sample of student online poker players using an online survey (n=422). Results showed that online poker playing was undertaken at least twice per week by a third of the participants. Almost one in five of the sample (18%) was defined as a problem gambler using the DSM-IV criteria. Findings demonstrated that problem gambling in this population was best predicted by negative mood states after playing, gender swapping whilst playing, and playing to escape from problems.

The social impact of internet gambling

Technology has always played a role in the development of gambling practices and continues to provide new market opportunities. One of the fastest growing areas is that of Internet gambling. The effect of such technologies should not be accepted uncritically, particularly as there may be areas of potential concern based on what is known about problem gambling offline. This article has three aims. First, it overviews some of the main social concerns about the rise of Internet gambling. Second, it looks at the limited research that has been carried out in this area. Third, it examines whether Internet gambling is doubly addictive, given research that suggests that the Internet can be addictive itself. It is concluded that technological developments in Internet gambling will increase the potential for problem gambling globally, but that many of the ideas and speculations outlined in this article need to be addressed further by large-scale empirical studies.

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).

The Psychology of the Fruit Machine: The Role of Structural Characteristics (Revisited)

Over the past three decades, a number of authors have examined the role of structural characteristics as they appear to be important in the acquisition, development and maintenance of gambling behaviour. Furthermore, it has been argued that fruit machine gambling features more gambling-inducing structural characteristics than all other forms of gambling. However, it is clear that previous overviews in this area are now out of date in a number of key areas. This paper therefore reviews the changes in structural characteristics of the fruit machine over the last decade. Important changes in the structural characteristics of fruit machines will be discussed focusing on the small changes to established structural characteristics (e.g., the near miss, sound effects, light effects, colour effects, event frequencies etc.) as well as a more speculative examination of new and contemporary characteristics such as the importance of “features” and the psychology of familiarity.

Social Responsibility Tools in Online Gambling: A Survey of Attitudes and Behavior among Internet Gamblers

To date, little empirical research has focused on social responsibility in gambling. This study examined players attitudes and behavior toward using the social responsibility tool PlayScan designed by the Swedish gaming company Svenska Spel. Via PlayScan, players have the option to utilize various social responsibility control tools (e.g., personal gaming budgets, self-diagnostic tests of gambling habits, self-exclusion options). A total of 2,348 participants took part in an online questionnaire study. Participants were clientele of the Svenska Spel online gambling Web site. Results showed that just over a quarter of players (26%) had used PlayScan. The vast majority of those who had activated PlayScan (almost 9 in 10 users) said that PlayScan was easy to use. Over half of PlayScan users (52%) said it was useful; 19% said it was not. Many features were seen as useful by online gamblers, including limit setting (70%), viewing their gambling profile (49%), self-exclusion facilities (42%), self-diagnostic problem gambling tests (46%), information and support for gambling issues (40%), and gambling profile predictions (36%). In terms of actual (as opposed to theoretical) use, over half of PlayScan users (56%) had set spending limits, 40% had taken a self-diagnostic problem gambling test, and 17% had used a self-exclusion feature.

Consumer attitudes towards Internet gambling: Perceptions of responsible gambling policies, consumer protection, and regulation of online gambling sites

There is an insufficient understanding of consumer attitudes towards Internet gambling, which contributes to difficulties in developing policies to encourage the use of regulated online gambling sites. This research aimed to generate knowledge about consumer attitudes towards online gambling, specifically concerning the issues of player protection, regulation, and responsible gambling. An online survey was completed by 10,838 online casino and poker players from 96 countries. Responsible gambling features were generally viewed positively, particularly by casino game players, those who chased losses, and younger adults. Over one-third of participants reported having experienced a dispute with an online gambling operator. Respondents reported high levels of mistrust and concerns regarding online gambling and confusion regarding the appropriate regulation of Internet gambling. Consumer attitudes play a significant role in driving behavior and must be considered if regulators and operators are to effectively encourage online gamblers to use regulated gambling sites that include consumer protection and harm minimization measures. The results suggest that responsible gambling features, such as the ability to set spending limits, should be implemented on Internet gambling sites to increase consumer trust and favorable attitudes towards online gambling operators, and reduce disputes associated with excessive gambling.

Positive thinking among slot machine gamblers: a case of maladaptive coping?

BackgroundResearch has demonstrated that optimism and “positive illusions” can be used a coping mechanism among those facing adversity. Gamblers are a little studied group who also experience adversity and uncertainty. They often feel considerable levels of frustration, guilt, anger and a sense of feeling cheated after making significant losses. In order to deal with such feelings it is hypothesized that these individuals will search for positive consequences from their behaviour in order to offset this negative affect.ObjectivesTo (1) determine whether after gambling, gamblers compensate and reduce negative affect by identifying positive consequences from experiencing a loss, and (2) identify types of strategies which gamblers employ and consider how these should be classified.Materials and MethodsEighty-seven regular slot machine gamblers were interviewed in a variety of environments housing slot machines. Each participant was asked a series of questions in a semi-structured format, to explore possible styles of positive thinking.ResultsNine types of ‘positive thinking’ experienced by gamblers were identified. These included Comparative thinking, Prophylactic thinking, Biased frequency thinking, Responsibility avoidance, Chasing Validation, Prioritization, Resourcefulness, Thoughtfulness, and Fear Reduction. Gamblers who were positive thinkers experienced significantly less guilt than non-positive thinkers.ConclusionsWhile reduction of negative affect may be perceived as positive in many other contexts, it is argued that it may counteract efforts to promote responsible gambling. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Excessive gambling and substance abuse: is there a relationship?

Recent research has highlighted that around three-quarters of the UK population (72%) have gambled within the last year and that just under 1% are problem gamblers (National Centre for Social Research 2000). Problem (‘pathological’) gambling is characterized by unrealistic optimism on the gambler’s part. All bets are made in an effort to recoup their losses (often referred to as ‘the chase’). The result is that instead of ‘cutting their losses’, gamblers get deeper into debt preoccupying themselves with gambling, determined that a big win will repay their loans and solve all their problems. Family troubles begin – both marital and with relatives – and illegal borrowing and other criminal activities in an effort to get money usually start to occur. At this point in the pathological gambler’s career, family and/or friends may ‘bail out’ the gambler. Alienation from those closest to the pathological gambler, characterizes the appearance of the final desperation phase. In a last ditch frenzied effort to repay their debts, illegal criminal behaviour reaches its height and, when there are finally no more options left, the gambler may suffer severe depression and have suicidal thoughts (Griffiths 1996). Traditionally, gambling has not been viewed as a public health matter (Griffiths 1996, Korn 2000). However, it is clear that the social and health costs of problem gambling are large on both an individual and a societal level. As already outlined, personal costs can include irritability, extreme moodiness, problems with personal relationships (including divorce), absenteeism from work, family neglect, and bankruptcy. There can also be adverse health consequences for both the gambler and their partner including depression, insomnia, intestinal disorders, migraines, and other stress-related disorders (Lorenz and Yaffee 1986, 1988). Health-related problems can also result from gambling withdrawal effects. Rosenthal and Lesieur (1992) found that at least 65% of pathological gamblers reported at least one physical side-effect during withdrawal including insomnia, headaches, upset stomach, loss of appetite, physical weakness, heart racing, muscle aches, breathing difficulty and/or chills. Their results were also compared to the withdrawal effects from a substance-dependent control group. They concluded that pathological gamblers experienced more physical withdrawal effects when attempting to stop than the substance-dependent group. Preliminary analysis of the calls to the UK’s gambling helpline also indicate that a significant minority of the callers report health-related consequences as a result of their problem gambling. These include depression, anxiety, stomach problems, other stress-related disorders and suicidal ideation (Griffiths et al. 1999). Pathological gambling is very much the ‘hidden’ addiction. Unlike (say) alcoholism, there is no slurred speech and no stumbling into work. Furthermore, overt signs of problems often do not occur until late in the pathological gambler’s career. It is evident that problem gambling is a serious disorder and can have many negative consequences. Furthermore, recent deregulation measures will lead to an increase in opportunity for, and access to gambling. This will lead almost certainly lead to an increase in the level of problem gambling (Griffiths 1999). Despite the widespread popularity, research into the causes of problem gambling is still at a relatively early stage. Furthermore, it is clear that excessive gambling resembles many other addictive behaviours and that it results from an interaction between many different variables (e.g. environmental, social, psychological and biological) (Griffiths 1995, 2002).

The marketing of gambling

Since 1970, when the Criminal Code was amended to permit various forms of gambling activity in Canada, legalized gambling has grown to a multibillion-dollar industry (Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, 1996). Similar patterns of growth have occurred in numerous countries around the world. The marketing of gambling is an important consideration for the Canadian government, as the revenue from gambling activities is touted as being important for the funding of social services. Effective marketing strategies are therefore employed in order to maintain this much-needed influx of revenue. Throughout this chapter, we focus on the marketing of gambling behind this multi-billion dollar industry.

A Descriptive Analysis of Demographic and Behavioral Data from Internet Gamblers and Those Who Self-exclude from Online Gambling Platforms

As the popularity of internet gambling increases, the increased opportunities to participate serve to heighten concerns about the potential for gambling related harm. This paper focuses on self-exclusion as one of the main responsible gaming interventions, and is split into three sections. Firstly, we set out a three-tier model for assessing at-risk gambling behaviors which examines player exhibited, declared and inferred behavior. Secondly, we present a literature review relating to who self-excludes and whether self-exclusion is effective. Finally, we report the results of an analysis of the exhibited behavior of internet self-excluders as sampled from a research cohort of over 240,000 internet gaming accounts. Our analysis of self-excluders (Nxa0=xa0347) versus a control group (Nxa0=xa0871) of gamblers indicates self-excluders are younger than the control group, more likely to suffer losses and more likely to adopt riskier gambling positions. Unlike some previous studies, there was little difference in terms of mean gambling hours per month or minutes per session. Some self-excluders (Nxa0=xa0306) can be tracked from the date their account was created through their self-exclusion history, indicating a large number of very quick self-exclusions (e.g., 25xa0% within a day) and a small set of serial self-excluders. Younger and older males are likely to self-exclude faster than middle-aged males (Nxa0=xa0242), but there is no such age pattern across female self-excluders (Nxa0=xa063).