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The need to use different and heterogeneous approaches and methodologies to investigate the phenomenon of pathological Gambling Disorder (GD) arises from a substantial difference in the literature results emerging in this area. Furthermore, investigating the executive functioning (EFs) of subjects with GD provides important information that can influence the treatment setting of these populations. In the present paper the involvement of EFs in the present disorder was investigated. The cognitive functioning of subjects with GD was deepened, both through the study of the cerebral correlates of executive functioning in GD and through empirical studies that investigate the behavioural deficits of GD. Furthermore, we considered the role of some specific behavioral tasks (such as the Iowa Gambling Task, IGT) for the assessment of EFs. Finally, the relationship between EFs and some other crucial factors, such as reward sensitivity, were focused. Indeed, the behavioural aspects of GD are multiple, and they include not only traditional functions such as inhibitory control and reduced levels of self-control, but also high sensitivity to reward.

Background and aims Blaszczynski and Nower (2002) conceptualized their Pathways Model by postulating the existence of three subtypes of problem gamblers who share common characteristics, but also present specific ones. Methods This study investigated how the psychological mechanisms postulated in the Pathways Model predict clinical status in a sample that combined treatment-seeking gamblers (n = 59) and non-problematic community gamblers (n = 107). To test the Pathways Model, we computed a hierarchic logistic regression in which variables associated with each postulated pathway were entered sequentially to predict the status of the treatment-seeking gambler. Self-report questionnaires measured gambling-related cognitions, alexithymia, emotional reactivity, emotion regulation strategies and impulsivity. Behavioural tasks measured gambling persistence (slot machine task), decision-making under uncertainty (Iowa Gambling Task) and decision-making under risk (Game of Dice Task). Results We showed that specific factors theorized as underlying mechanisms for each pathway predicted the status of clinical gambler. For each pathway, significant predictors included gambling-related cognitive distortions and behaviourally measured gambling persistence (behaviourally conditioned pathway), emotional reactivity and emotion regulation strategies (emotionally vulnerable pathway), and lack of premeditation impulsivity facet (impulsivist-antisocial pathway). Discussion and conclusions Our study adds to the body of literature confirming the validity of the Pathways Model and hold important implications in terms of assessment and treatment of problem gambling. In particular, a standardized assessment based on the Pathways Model should promote individualized treatment strategies to allow clinicians to take into account the high heterogeneity that characterizes gambling disorder.

Gambling problems are often associated with homelessness and linked to elevated psychiatric morbidity and homelessness chronicity. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on prevalence rates of problem gambling (PG) and gambling disorder (GD) in homeless people. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched databases Medline, Embase and PsycINFO from inception of databases to 4th may 2021. We included studies reporting prevalence estimates on clinical gambling problems in representative samples of homeless people based on standardized diagnostics. Risk of bias was assessed. A random effects meta-analysis was performed, and subgroup analyses based on methodological characteristics of primary studies were conducted. We identified eight studies from five countries, reporting information on 1938 participants. Prevalence rates of clinically significant PG and GD ranged from 11.3 to 31.3%. There was evidence for substantial heterogeneity with I2 = 86% (95% CI 63–97%). A subgroup of four low risk of bias studies displayed a significantly lower results ranging from 11.3 to 23.6%. Additionally, high rates of subclinical problem gambling were reported (11.6–56.4%). At least one in ten homeless persons experiences clinically significant PG or GD. Social support and health care services for the homeless should address this problem by implementing models for early detection and treatment.

Versión en castellano e inglés El uso del teléfono móvil entre la población estudiantil española ha sido ampliamente analizado, pero se ha centrado en muestras universitarias, de secundaria o de primaria. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar el uso del teléfono móvil, sus diferencias de género y su relación con el trastorno por juego en Internet y por juego de azar en Internet en el alumnado de Formación Profesional (FP). Se realizó un estudio ex post facto retrospectivo en el que se evaluaron usos habituales del teléfono móvil, experiencias relacionadas con el mismo, el trastorno por juego en Internet y el juego patológico en línea. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 1107 estudiantes de FP (55.1% varones) con una edad media de 18.8 años. El 7.9% de la muestra hacía un uso problemático del móvil y el 28.6% un uso con problemas ocasionales. Se observaron diferencias de género, con un uso más problemático entre las mujeres. Según el análisis de regresión, usar el móvil en horas lectivas, ser mujer y usuaria de películas y videojuegos fueron las variables que mejor diferenciaban aquellos participantes que presentaron un uso problemático. Para aquellos participantes que empleaban el móvil con las finalidades de juegos de azar y videojuegos, ambos en Internet, la variable que mejor diferenciaba la presencia de problemas con el uso del teléfono móvil fue el uso del mismo para jugar a videojuegos en línea. Si bien la prevalencia de problemas frecuentes con el uso del móvil es relativamente baja, el porcentaje de alumnado en riesgo no debe dejar indiferente a la comunidad educativa. Se sugiere fomentar el uso adecuado de las tecnologías en el alumnado de FP prestando especial consideración a las diferencias de género encontradas. Smartphone use by young Spanish students has been broadly explored, specifically among university, high school, and primary school students. The goal of this article is to analyze smartphone use, its gender differences, and its relationship with Internet gaming disorder and Internet gambling disorder in vocational education and training (VET) students. A retrospective ex post facto study was carried out in which habitual uses of the mobile phone, experiences related to it, Internet gaming disorder, and online pathological gambling were evaluated. The sample consisted of 1,107 VET students (55.1% male) with a mean age of 18.8 years. Problematic smartphone use was observed in 7.9% of the sample and 28.6% used it with occasional problems. Gender differences were obtained, with a higher presence of problematic use among females. According to the regression analysis, the variables that best differentiated participants who presented problematic smartphone use were using it in class, being female, and being a user of movies and videogames. Between videogames and gambling users, the variable that best differentiated participants who presented problematic smartphone use was videogame use. Although the prevalence of frequent problems with smartphone use is relatively low, the percentage of students at risk must not be disregarded by the educational community. It is recommended to promote the appropriate use of technologies in VET students. The gender differences found in this study should be addressed with special consideration. The study was partially funded by the Research Plan of the International University of La Rioja (UNIR) to the Cyberpsychology Research Group for the biennium 2020-2022.

Background A first approach addressed to ascertain whether emotion regulation (ER) could be a transdiagnostic construct between eating disorders (EDs) and gambling disorder (GD) (through a joint clinical clustering analysis of both disorders) was performed by Munguía et al. (2021). Both conditions were represented by a severe, moderate, and low ER profile subgroups, according to the degree of ER difficulties. Results showed a linear relationship between the severity of ER difficulties and the severity of the disorder and the psychopathological state. Aims Based on the aforementioned cross-sectional study, the objective of this longitudinal research was to explore the treatment response of the different ER subgroups. Methods 459 adult patients (n = 277 ED; n = 182 GD) were included. Several clinical variables, as well as outcome indicators (after completing 16 weeks of cognitive-behavioral therapy), were evaluated. Results The three subgroups found in the previous cross-sectional study were taken for the performance of the present research. ED and GD distribution in each subgroup replicates the one exposed by Munguía et al. (2021), as well as their characterization, considering psychopathology, disorder severity and personality traits. The low ER subgroup reported a better response to treatment, whereas the severe group had the highest rates of non-remission and dropouts. Conclusions Our results suggest that greater difficulties in ER lead to poorer treatment outcomes. Therefore, tailored treatments for patients with poor ER abilities would be recommended to improve adherence and treatment outcomes.

This study aims to identify the characteristics of patients who sought treatment for gambling disorder in the province of Samsun. The study data were obtained from the files of individuals who were referred to the AMATEM polyclinic for gambling problems. Almost all of the individuals with gambling disorders were males. The mean age was 35.7 +/- 9 years, the mean age of onset of gambling was 24.1 +/- 8 years, and the mean time spent on gambling was 10 +/- 2 years. Of the patients, 88.2% were smokers, 67.6% were alcohol users, and 11.8% were substance users. The most favored games included Sports Toto/Loto/Bets and online gambling and betting games. Of the patients, 64.7% were gambling every day. The rate of harm suffered due to gambling behavior was 85.6%. The most affected area was family relationships, followed by financial problems. Gambling disorder leads to detrimental effects in many areas similar to those of alcohol and substance use disorders. The rate of harm suffered by the individuals because of their gambling behavior is quite high. It is necessary to create support opportunities that people can easily access before they lose control of their gambling behavior.

Funder: Finnish Foundation for Alcohol Studies; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100016238, Funder: Päivikki and Sakari Sohlberg Foundation; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100004212, Funder: Finnish Cultural Foundation; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100003125, Funder: Turku University Foundation; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100022793, Funder: Michael J. Fox Foundation; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100000864, Funder: Finnish Parkinson Foundation, Funder: Province of British Columbia, Funder: British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), Funder: National Association for Gambling Studies, Funder: National Center for Responsible Gaming; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100003977, Funder: GambleAware; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100008625, Funder: Gambling Research Exchange Ontario; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100007553, Funder: Finnish Medical Foundation; Id: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100008723, Funder: Instrumentarium Research Foundation, Gambling disorder (GD) is major public health issue. The disorder is often characterized by elevated impulsivity with evidence from analogous substance use disorders underlining prominent roles of brain monoamines in addiction susceptibility and outcome. Critically, GD allows the study of addiction mechanisms without the confounder of the effects of chronic substances. Here, we assessed the roles of striatal dopamine transporter binding and extrastriatal serotonin transporter binding in GD as a function of impulsivity using [123 I]FP-CIT SPECT imaging in 20 older adults with GD (DSM-5 criteria; mean age 64 years) and 40 non-GD age- and sex-matched controls. We focused on GD in older individuals because there are prominent age-related changes in neurotransmitter function and because there are no reported neuroimaging studies of GD in older adults. Volume-of-interest-based and voxelwise analyses were performed. GD patients scored clearly higher on impulsivity and had higher tracer binding in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex than controls (p < 0.001), likely reflecting serotonin transporter activity. The binding in the medial prefrontal cortex positively correlated with impulsivity over the whole sample (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) as well as separately in GD patients (r = 0.46, p = 0.04) and controls (r = 0.52, p < 0.001). Striatal tracer binding, reflecting dopamine transporter activity was also positively correlated with impulsivity but showed no group differences. These findings highlight the role of prefrontal serotonergic function in GD and impulsivity. They identify cerebral coordinates of a potential target for neuromodulation for both GD and high impulsivity, a core phenotypic dimensional cognitive marker in addictions.

To assess reinforcement learning, confidence, and their interaction in the context of goal-directed behavior in gambling disorder (GD), we utilize a reinforcement learning task as described in ((Lebreton et al., 2019), Experiment 2). This task allows us to derive various indicators that can be compared between healthy controls and people with GD

This mechanistic study aims to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of ketamine, an NMDA-receptor antagonist, on gambling cue reactivity, cognitive distortions, and craving in individuals at risk for gambling disorder. The study also explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the cognitive and therapeutic effects of ketamine, specifically focusing on enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) as measured through visual evoked potentials using electroencephalogram (EEG). A total of 39 participants were recruited, with 23 participants included in the EEG sub-arm. Participants were randomised into two groups, receiving either ketamine or placebo following a memory reactivation procedure involving exposure to gambling cues. Cue reactivity, cognitive distortions, and gambling severity were assessed at baseline and in three follow-up sessions. Additionally, arterialised blood samples were collected to measure plasma levels of ketamine and its metabolites. EEG recordings comprised a visual LTP task, auditory mismatch negativity, and resting recordings conducted at baseline and post-administration. The results from this study will contribute to the understanding of the potential therapeutic benefits of ketamine for gambling disorder and further elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying its effects.

This project entails multiple parts, including 18F-DOPA PET imaging, neuromelanin MRI (nMRI), cognitive tasks and clinical questionnaires for people with gambling disorder (GD) and a matched healthy control (HC) group.

Background and aims Skin gambling uses in-game items (skins) acquired in video games, to gamble on esports, games of chance, other competitive events and privately with friends. This study examined characteristics of adolescent skin gamblers, their engagement in monetary gambling, and relationships between skin gambling and at risk/problem gambling. Methods Two samples of Australian adolescents aged 12–17 years were recruited to an online survey through advertisements (n = 843) and an online panel provider (n = 826). Results In both samples, past-month skin gamblers (n = 466 advertisements sample; n = 185 online panel sample) were more likely to have lower wellbeing, score as having an internet gaming disorder on the IGD, engage in more types of monetary gambling, and meet criteria for problem gambling on the DSM-IV-MR-J. Past-month skin gambling uniquely predicted problem gambling when controlling for past-month gambling on 11 monetary forms and the total number of monetary gambling forms. Discussion and conclusions Underage participation in skin gambling is a growing concern. The strong convergence between engagement in skin gambling and monetary gambling suggests common risk factors may increase the propensity of some adolescents to gamble on these multiple forms. Nonetheless, past-month skin gambling predicted problem gambling even when controlling for past-month monetary gambling, indicating its unique contribution to gambling problems and harm. While the study was based on non-probability samples, its results strengthen the case for regulatory reforms, age restrictions and public health education to prevent underage skin gambling and its potentially harmful consequences for children and young people.

Altres ajuts: Delegación del Gobierno para el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas (2019I47 and 2021I031). CIBER Fisiología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn) is an initiative of Intituto de Salud Carlos III. ZD's contribution was supported by the Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Ofce (KKP126835, K131635). The online version contains supplementary material available. Few studies have analyzed the clinical profle of treatment-seeking patients with the comorbid presence of schizophrenia (SCZ) and gambling disorder (GD), which warrants new research to assess the network structure of this complex mental condition. The aim of this study was to explore the organization of the symptoms and other clinical correlates of SCZ with GD. Network analysis was applied to a sample of N = 179 SCZ patients (age range: 19-70 years, mean=39.5, SD=9.9) who met clinical criteria for gambling disorder-related problems. Variables included in the network were the core GD symptoms according to the DSM-5, psychotic and paranoid ideation levels, global psychological distress, GD severity measures (debts and illegal behavior related with gambling), substances (tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs), and personality profle. The nodes with the highest authority in the network (variables of highest relevance) were personality traits and psychological distress. Four empirical modules/clusters were identifed, and linkage analysis identifed the nodes with the highest closeness (bridge nodes) to be novelty seeking and reward dependence (these traits facilitate the transition between the modules). Identifcation of the variables with the highest centrality/linkage can be particularly useful for developing precise management plans to prevent and treat SCZ with GD.

The RIGAB study aims to characterize online sports bettors with and without gambling disorder concerning individual risk factors and subsequently use this characterization to predict the development, progression and onset of gambling disorder. The RIGAB study is a longitudinal study and consists of three parts: an initial online survey, an in-person study with a selected subsample and a shorter follow-up online survey after one year with the entire sample. This preregistration pertains to the in-person study. The other parts of the study are preregistred separately.

Zusammenfassung. Der Beitrag informiert über die Eingliederung der Suchtstörungen in die 11. Auflage der International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO). Die Revision der ICD soll einem gewandelten Verständnis der Suchtstörungen und deren Diagnostik Rechnung tragen und die klinische Anwendbarkeit vereinfachen. Im Bereich der substanzbezogenen und nicht substanzbezogenen Störungen sind gegenüber der Vorgängerversion erhebliche Neuerungen eingeführt worden. Die wichtigsten Änderungen betreffen ein erweitertes Angebot an Stoffklassen, deutliche (vereinfachende) Anpassungen in den konzeptuellen und diagnostischen Leitlinien der substanzbezogenen Störungsbilder und insbesondere der „Abhängigkeit“, sowie die Einführung der Kategorie der „abhängigen Verhaltensweisen“ und damit verbunden die Zuordnung der „Glücksspielstörung“ zu den Suchtstörungen sowie die Aufnahme der neuen (bildschirmbezogenen) „Spielstörung“. Zudem findet eine Erweiterung der diagnostischen Optionen für frühe, präklinische Phänotypen der Suchtstörungen („Episodisch Schädlicher Gebrauch“) erstmals Eingang in den ICD-Katalog. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die Änderungen Episodisch schädlicher Gebrauch für den Bereich der Suchtstörungen aus kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischer Sicht zusammenfassend dargestellt und diskutiert.

Illegal behaviors have been reported in gambling disorder (GD) as well as in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Likewise, ADHD symptomatology has been observed in patients with GD. We aimed to examine the association between ADHD symptomatology, personality traits and impulsivity in a sample of treatment-seeking patients with GD (n = 204) with and without a criminal report. The subjects were evaluated before starting treatment using different self-administered instruments. Among those who had committed an illegal act, two groups were made depending on whether or not the criminal conduct had legal repercussions (n = 64 without legal consequences; n = 32 with legal consequences). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to explore the interrelationships between personality traits, ADHD, impulsivity levels, gambling-related criminal behavior and other gambling-related factors. Greater ADHD symptomatology was found in patients with reported illegal behaviors, as well as higher impulsivity levels. Those individuals who presented legal consequences due to the criminal behavior showed higher impulsivity levels and harm avoidance and lower persistence and cooperativeness. Our findings uphold that patients with GD and ADHD symptomatology have greater impulsivity and are more vulnerable to committing an illegal act. Therefore, specific harm-prevention interventions and treatment approaches are needed for this population.

Background and aim Evidence on the course of gambling disorder (GD) in clients seeking help from outpatient addiction care facilities is sparse. To close this knowledge gap, this longitudinal one-armed cohort study portrays the development of GD in help-seeking clients over a 3-year timeframe. Methods We investigated changes in severity of GD as well as in gambling frequency and intensity in 145 gamblers in outpatient treatment in Bavaria using generalized estimation equations (GEEs). To investigate potentially different trajectories between study participants with and without migration background (MB), additional analyses were applied with time*migration interaction. All analyses were adjusted for age, gender, education, electronic gambling machine (EGM) gambling, MB, GD, related help sought before and treatment status. Results Within the entire study population, improvements in severity of GD (reduction of 39.2%), gambling intensity (reduction of 75.6%) and gambling frequency (reduction of 77.0%) were observed between baseline and 36 months of follow-up. The declines were most pronounced between baseline and follow-up 1 and stabilized thereafter. Participants with MB improved consistently less than participants without MB. Discussion and conclusion Our study suggests that severity of GD and gambling patterns improve in the context of outpatient treatment. The beneficial results furthermore persist for 36 months after treatment termination. As clients with MB seem to profit less than clients without MB, improvements in outpatient gambling services to the specific needs of this clientele are required.

Context: Gambling disorder is a mental health condition in which a person repeatedly engages in gambling behaviour despite various negative consequences. The condition is also known as gambling addiction, pathological gambling or compulsive gambling. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in treating gambling disorder. Aim: In the present study, the efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy in treatment of an adult patient with gambling disorder was examined. Settings and Designs: A single case design with pre- and post-assessments on clinician-rated scales were adopted. Materials and Methods: Fourteen bi-weekly sessions of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy were conducted on an inpatient basis. Assessments were carried out on Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, at pre- and post-therapy points. Analysis: Pre- and post-therapy changes were examined using the method of clinical significance. Results: A significant decline was seen on the Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale, and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale Conclusion: Application of CBT was effective in treating the anxiety, and gambling symptoms in the patient with Gambling Disorder

Gambling disorder (GD) is associated with a higher prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Whether this applies to groups such as U.S. veterans, who already have elevated ACEs, is not known. In this pilot study, we extracted ACEs from the charts of a random sample (n = 19) male veterans in residential GD treatment and compared them to those from a general veteran sample (n =154, 30 females, 124 males). The GD group had an elevated prevalence (79% vs. 37%) of three or more ACEs and a lower prevalence (5% vs. 49%) of one or fewer ACEs. Within groups with elevated ACEs, higher ACE load may still confer a higher risk of adult GD.

Most of the available literature has shown that gambling disorder (GD) is often associated with several psychiatric conditions. Comorbidities with mood disorders, impulsiveness, personality traits, and impairments in cognitive function have also been frequently investigated. However, it is currently uncommon to study this disorder in individuals without comorbid substance abuse; therefore, the primary aim of our study was to compare the psychological profile of individuals with GD with and without substance use disorder. A total of 60 participants (100% male), including 20 individuals with GD, 20 substance-dependent gamblers (SDGs), and 20 healthy controls (HCs), were assessed with several clinical measures to investigate impulsivity, hostility, mood, and personality traits, as well as with cognitive tasks (i.e., decision-making tasks). Our results showed differences in both experimental groups compared with the HC group in mood disorders, impulsivity, and hostility traits. The ‘‘pure’’ GD group differed from the SDG group only in characteristics related to mood disorders (e.g., State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y2, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and assault dimension), whereas greater impairment in decision making processes related to risky choices was shown in the SDG group. This study suggests the importance of studying pure GD to clarify the underlying mechanisms without the neurotoxic effects of the substances. This could provide an important contribution to the treatment and understanding of this complex disorder.

E. J. Langer's paper, 'The illusion of control' (1975), showed that people act in ways that suggest they hold illusory beliefs in their ability to control the outcome of chance-determined games. This highly cited paper influenced the emerging field of gambling studies, and became a building block for cognitive approaches to problem gambling. Over time, this work has inspired therapeutic approaches based on cognitive restructuring, preventative programmes focused upon gambling myths and regulatory scrutiny of skill mechanics in modern gambling products. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying the 'illusion of control' remain elusive.

The RIGAB study aims to characterize online sports bettors with and without gambling disorder concerning individual risk factors and subsequently use this characterization to predict the development, progression and onset of gambling disorder (GD). The RIGAB study is a longitudinal study and consists of three parts: an initial online survey, an in-person study with a randomly selected subsample and a shorter follow-up online survey after one year with the entire sample. This preregistration pertains to the follow-up online survey. The other parts of the study are or will be preregistred separately.

Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the remission of preoperative food addiction is associated with increases or new onset of other addictions within the first year following bariatric surgery. Methods One hundred and twenty-five bariatric surgery patients were assessed before surgery (t1) and at 6 months (t2) and 1 year (t3) follow-ups. The assessments included the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (YFAS 2.0) and standardized questionnaires to measure symptoms of problematic alcohol use, gambling disorder, internet-use disorder, buying-shopping disorder, hypersexual disorder and exercise dependence. Results Forty-nine (39.2%) patients were assigned to the food addiction (FA+ ) and 76 patients (60.8%) to the non-food addiction group (FA- ) based on their preoperative YFAS scores. Overall, BMI and symptoms of food addiction decreased significantly from baseline to follow-ups. Preoperative food addiction status was not associated with postoperative increases or new onset of other addictions. Elevated symptoms of buying-shopping disorder, internet-use and hypersexual behaviour at baseline in the FA+ -group decreased over time and were comparable to the FA- -group at follow-ups. Conclusion The 'addiction transfer' or 'cross addiction' hypothesis was not supportive for alcohol addiction, gambling addiction or other behaviours that may be addictive. Further studies are needed that investigate larger samples and longer observation periods, as well as other substance-use disorders.

Gambling is legal in most countries. However, despite having some economic benefits, certain characteristics of gambling can have health consequences, rendering it a public health issue. The effects can be summarized according to the following three “laws” of ethical gambling: “Gambling Dynamics Law”: companies’ economic gains come directly from players’ losses; “Expected Loss Law”: the more one gambles, the greater the probability of losing; and “Addiction Law”: the more one gambles, the greater the need to play again, leading to further losses. Ludens is a gambling addiction prevention program that has four goals: inform participants about gambling and gambling addiction; sensitize participants to the risk of gambling for health, especially addiction; promote a change in attitudes toward gambling; and alert participants to risky behaviors that can lead to addiction. The prevention program was implemented during 2017 to 2019. Fourteen psychologists presented it to 2372 adolescents (48.8% females, 51.2% males) aged 14–19 years, none of whom were university students, recruited from 42 Spanish high schools in 132 groups taking different courses. The main dependent variables analyzed were the monthly frequencies of gambling, at-risk gambling, and gambling addiction (as measured by the National Opinion Research Center DSM-IV Screen for Gambling Problems, adapted to diagnose gambling disorder according to DSM-5, in which pathological gambling is considered an addictive disorder). Given that all of the gamblers were adolescents (most were minors), fulfilment of 1–3 the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria was considered to indicate a risk of problem gambling. After the administration of Ludens, statistically significant reductions were observed in the three variables of interest: monthly frequency of gambling, percentage of adolescents with risky gambling, and percentage of adolescents with gambling disorder. The results were analyzed according to sex and age (minors vs. adolescents between 18 and 19 years old). The results obtained after applying the prevention program indicate that Ludens is effective as a universal prevention program for gambling addiction.

Problem gambling provides a strong motivation for perpetrating economic abuse. This study explores the interaction between problem gambling and economic abuse, and how this economic abuse is reinfo...

Purpose of review Despite a significant body of literature related to the treatment of gambling disorder, there are still an insufficient number of evaluation studies regarding their effectiveness or firm conclusions on specific treatment elements that contribute to it. The aim of this article was to provide a review of scientific results regarding the treatment of gambling disorder, to present the most commonly applied modalities of treatment and to explore the elements of the most successful therapeutic interventions. Recent findings A substantial body of literature has shown that the most successful therapeutic protocols are psychological interventions, especially based on cognitive-behavioral therapy/methods and/or motivational interviewing. Other interventions with promising results include different self-help interventions and mindfulness. Interventions such as couples therapy and support groups, may have positive effects in terms of increasing therapeutic adherence and retention, while pharmacotherapy is especially useful in patients with comorbidities. Summary Gambling disorder is a complex mental health problem caused by a wide spectrum of different biological, psychological, and social risk factors. Treatment options for gambling disorder need to be wide, flexible, accessible, and economically justified, providing early inclusion, retention, and sustainability of long-term effects of the treatment, that is, abstinence and higher quality of psychosocial functioning.

Participants in randomized control trials (RCTs) should be representative of those most likely to experience the disorder of focus, yet reviews of psychology research studies consistently find certain demographic groups are overrepresented at the price of others being unincluded. The present review aimed to characterize the demographic representation of US-based RCTs for gambling disorder and compare findings to the population of individuals most likely to experience the disorder. Thirteen US-based RCTs comprising a total of 2,343 participants were reviewed. We found that although gambling disorder is most prevalent among low SES racial minorities, RCTs are mostly conducted among populations who are white, employed, and have some level of college education. Demographic variables that are related to the likelihood of experiencing gambling disorder are not consistently reported, and there are many groups of individuals who experience gambling disorder that have been virtually left out of all treatment study samples to date. We conclude with recommendations for future gambling focused treatment studies, which are geared towards increasing the convergence between characteristics of participants in RCTs and those who experience gambling disorder in the United States.

Due to the increasing number of gambling disorders in recent years, various treatment methods have emerged by mental health professionals. Although various approaches address this problem, there are not many studies on the effectiveness of these approaches. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy applied to gambling disorder in the literature. In this study using the PRISMA method, gambling disorder and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches were scanned in electronic databases and 10 studies were included in the systematic review. All studies used cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) methods. There was no statistically significant difference between the CBT techniques used in the same study. All CBT approaches were found to be effective in the treatment of gambling, and were also effective in non-gambling secondary psychopathological problems. While the studies had a mean follow-up of 6 months, gambling shift behavior was generally observed in the first month of the therapy process. Even though all studies applied different methods, various solutions were provided to gambling disorder and secondary problems. The systematic reviews of studies on gambling disorder will provide more use of therapy methods especially in gambling disorder. In multidimensional examination and treatment of gambling disorder, not only psychopharmacological therapies but also eclectic approaches should be shaped with the addition of these approaches., Kumar oynama bozukluğunun son yıllarda giderek artması nedeniyle bu konuda ruh sağlığı çalışanları tarafından çeşitli tedavi yöntemleri ortaya çıkmaya başlamıştır. Her ne kadar çeşitli yaklaşımlar bu sorunu ele alıyor olsa da bu yaklaşımların etkinliğine dair çok fazla çalışma bulunmamaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı alanyazında kumar oynama bozukluğuna uygulanan bilişsel davranışçı terapi çalışmalarını derleyerek etkililiğini araştırmaktır. PRISMA yönteminin kullanıldığı bu çalışmada kumar oynama bozukluğu ve bilişsel davranışçı terapi yaklaşımları elektronik veri tabanlarında taranmış ve tam metnine ulaşılan 29 çalışmadan 10 çalışma sistematik derlemeye dahil edilmiştir. Derlenen tüm çalışmalar bilişsel davranışçı terapi (BDT) yöntemini kullanmıştır. Araştırmalarda farklı BDT yöntemleri aynı çalışmada kullananlar bu teknikler arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık olmadığnı tespit etmiştir. Tüm BDT yaklaşımlarının kumar tedavisinde etkin olduğu, bu yaklaşımların ayrıca kumar harici ikincil psikopatolojik sorunlarda da etkili olduğu görülmüştür. Çalışmaların ortalama 6 aylık bir takip sürecine sahip olduğu görülürken, kumara kayma davranışının genellikle terapi sürecinin ilk bir ayında yaşandığı çalışmalarda gözlemlenmiştir. Araştırmaya dahil edilen tüm çalışmalar farklı BDT teknikleri uygulasa da, bu çalışmalarda kumar oynama bozukluğu ve ikincil sorunlara çeşitli çözümler sunulmuştur. Kumar oynama bozukluğu ile ilgili yapılan çalışmaların bilimsel olarak derlenmesi, terapi yöntemlerinin özellikle kumar oynama bozukluğunda daha fazla kullanılmasını sağlayacaktır. Kumar oynama bozukluğunun çok boyutlu incelenmesi ve tedavisinde sadece psikofarmakolojik tedavilerin değil, bu yaklaşımların da eklenmesiyle eklektik bir bakış açısıyla tedavilerin şekillenmesi gerekmektedir.

Despite the emergence of literature on gender differences in gambling problems, few empirical studies have explored how gender norms inform the gender dynamics involved in the development of gambling disorder. This study addresses this research gap by applying general strain theory to gambling disorder across genders. The objectives of this study are twofold. First, we examine the role of gender norms in the social strain-gambling disorder relationship across genders. Second, we explore the extent to which males and females who conform to traditional gender norms are likely to express strain-induced negative emotions that result in gambling disorder. These relationships are examined with data from a cross-sectional survey of 1,620 Chinese married couples in Hong Kong. Our results indicate that gender norms function differently between genders. Specifically, gender norms exacerbate the effect of social strain on gambling disorder in males but mitigate the effect of social strain on gambling disorder in females. In addition, gender norms amplify the effect of strain-induced negative emotions on gambling disorder in males only.

Problem gambling might be associated with risk for self-harm, broadly construed (i.e., suicidal thoughts and behaviors and non-suicidal self-injury; see Nock, 2009 for a typology of intentional self-injury). Such associations would have urgent implications for self-harm screening, assessment, and intervention among people who experience problem gambling. However, it is unclear what kind of information is available in the literature about the potential association between problem gambling and self-harm. Further, gambling, more broadly, is associated with hazardous drinking and other risky behaviors. Given that risk behaviors tend to cluster, it is also important to consider gambling’s relationship with other dangerous behaviors including self-harm. Therefore, we will conduct a scoping review to systematically map the existing research in this area. We will search several electronic databases and chart included studies on a number of characteristics, including level of evidence (Ackley et al., 2008). We will construe “gambling” broadly, to encompass the full spectrum of gambling behavior (i.e., from gambling participation to clinically diagnosable Gambling Disorder). This scoping review will identify any potential gaps in knowledge and determine whether a formal meta-analysis identifying the strength of association between gambling and self-harm is feasible and of value.

The overarching aim of this project is to develop and evaluate a website enabling people to self-exclude remotely from multiple land-based gaming machine venues. The current phase (Phase 3) involves N = 20 self-exclusion end users trialling a non-live pilot version of the website in an ecologically valid environment to assess user experiences and satisfaction.

Materialism refers to linking the acquisition of possessions in one’s life to happiness and success (Richins & Dawson, 1992). Materialism may lead people to pursue extrinsic life domains, which would be reflected by an overvaluation of these domains in the self-concept (Dittmar, 2008). For instance, research has shown that materialism is associated with financial success overvaluation among people who gamble (Tabri et al., 2017). Similarly, experimental research in which women were exposed to materialistic advertisements (relative to neutral advertisements) reported greater appearance overvaluation (Study 3 in Ashikali & Dittmar, 2011). Critically, however, although Ashikali and Dittmar’s (2011) provided evidence for a causal link between materialism and overvaluation, there are at least two limitations that lower confidence in their findings. First, appearance overvaluation was not assessed prior to being exposed to the advertisements and so it is unclear whether appearance overvaluation increases among people exposed to materialistic advertisements relative to people exposed to neutral advertisements. Second, the effect size in Ashikali and Dittmar’s study was small (R2 = .03) and results from a post-hoc power analysis indicated that the effect was 20% powered, which is below the conventional 80% power. Nevertheless, Ashikali and Dittmar’s results, to our knowledge, are the first to examine materialism as an antecedent of overvaluation using an experimental research design. Accordingly, the purpose of the current research is to replicate and extend the findings of Ashikali and Dittmar’s results using a repeated-measures pre-post experimental design. We will also recruit men and women and measure both appearance and financial success overvaluation before and after exposure to materialistic or neutral advertisements. The hypothesis is that people will report an increase in overvaluation (financial success and appearance overvaluation) from before to after viewing materialistic advertisements compared to people who are exposed to neutral advertisements.

The RIGAB study aims to characterize online sports bettors with and without gambling disorder concerning individual risk factors and subsequently use this characterization to predict the development, progression and onset of gambling disorder (GD). The RIGAB study is a longitudinal study and consists of three parts: an initial online survey, an in-person study with a randomly selected subsample and a shorter follow-up online survey after one year with the entire sample. This registration pertains to the initial online survey. The other parts of the study will be preregistered separately.

Summarizes all 190 studies in terms of all data items

We will use actual player data from an international internet gambling operator to develop and validate low risk online gambling thresholds.

This registration is an analysis plan for psychometric analysis concerning the Gambling Disorder Identification Test (G-DIT), a newly developed self-report measure.

Simulated gambling, such as playing a virtual slot machine for points rather than money, is increasingly part of the online gaming experience for youth. This study aimed to examine (1) if youth participation in simulated gambling games is associated with participation in monetary gambling; (2) if youth participation in simulated gambling games is associated with increased risk of problematic gambling when controlling for breadth of monetary gambling (i.e., number of gambling forms); and (3) if monetary expenditure and time spent playing simulated gambling games increase the risk of problematic gambling. Two samples of Australians aged 12–17 years were recruited—826 respondents through an online panel aggregator (mean age 14.1 years) and 843 respondents through advertising (mean age 14.6 years). Aim 1 was addressed using chi-square and correlation analyses. Linear multiple regression analyses were conducted to address Aims 2 and 3. The findings in both samples supported the study’s hypotheses—that (1) youth who play simulated gambling games are more likely to participate in monetary gambling, and that (2) participation and (3) time and money expenditure on simulated gambling are positively and independently associated with risk of problematic gambling when controlling for the number of monetary gambling forms, impulsivity, age and gender. To better protect young people, simulated gambling should, at minimum, emulate the consumer protection measures required for online gambling.

Background: Gambling disorder is rarely diagnosed in Nigeria. The prevalence and factors associated with gambling disorder in many parts of Nigeria are not known. Our study aimed to evaluate psychometric properties of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 for use as a self-report screening instrument for large-scale studies in Nigeria. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys were done involving two independent sampled populations from a hospital setting and the surrounding community. Instruments administered included a semistructured sociodemographic questionnaire, South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11 criteria, and a screening questionnaire based on Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM-5), which was designed as a self-report measure (Sports betting). Results: The prevalence rate for gambling disorder was 30.5%. The diagnostic accuracy of DSM-5 and ICD-11, and SOGS were comparably similar. Factors associated with gambling disorder (sports betting) were low educational level and poor employment status. Conclusion: The DSM-5-based screening questionnaire showed good psychometric properties, with sensitivity and specificity comparable to that of ICD-11 criteria and SOGS. The study also found a high prevalence of gambling disorder. There is a need to address educational and employment opportunities.

Gambling disorder (GD) occurs at higher rates in U.S. veterans than civilians. The present case series describes the application of a manualized mindfulness treatment used with U.S. veterans seeking outpatient treatment for GD at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital. Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP) was developed to treat substance use disorders, but its core principles can be readily applied to the treatment of behavioral addictions. However, there has been little empirical evidence demonstrating its successful application for GD, and none demonstrating its successful implementation with U.S. veterans. Three veterans receiving treatment for GD participated in a 9-session adapted MBRP protocol. Following completion of treatment, the veterans reported less frequent engagement in their gambling behavior, fewer cravings, and less intense craving. The veterans also experienced increased self-efficacy in managing urges, less impulsivity and emotion dysregulation, and improved functioning. Preliminary results provide support for a larger treatment trial for veterans seeking treatment for GD.

The prevalence of problem gambling in the correctional system is about 10 times higher than in the general population, but programming for gambling problems in the correctional system is scarce. Examined barriers to treatment for problem gamblers in the correctional system, sex or gender differences, and options for program design. We conducted interviews with 16 experts who had worked with problem gamblers in the correctional system and analyzed the data in terms of themes. For barriers, the experts discussed a lack of awareness about problem gambling, as well as stigmatization and lockdowns. Experts described the content of current programs as equally applicable to both men and women, but that emotional components were more important for women. Finally, the experts had mixed views on whether programming should be integrated with other programs such as substance abuse. Programming implications for this population are discussed.

Purpose of review The lockdown response to the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted commercial gambling in many jurisdictions around the world. The goal of this review is to systematically identify and describe the survey data and findings to date examining the effect on individual gambling and gambling disorder. Recent findings Of the 17 publications meeting inclusion criteria, the majority reported cross-sectional assessments (n = 11, 65%) and remainder were longitudinal in that they had earlier gambling data for participants (n = 6, 35%). Not surprisingly given the closure of land-based gambling, an overall reduction in gambling frequency and expenditure was reported in all studies. The estimate of the proportion of participants in both the general population and the population that gambles who increased overall gambling or online gambling was variable. The most consistent correlates of increased gambling during the lockdown were increased problem gambling severity, younger age groups, and being male. Summary These results suggest that the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling and problematic gambling are diverse – possibly causing a reduction in current or future problems in some, but also promoting increased problematic gambling in others. The longer-term implications of both the reduction in overall gambling, and the increase in some vulnerable groups are unclear, and requires assessment in subsequent follow-up studies. However, in the short term, individuals with existing gambling problems should be recognized as a vulnerable group.

Background and Aims Few meta‐analyses have been conducted to pool the most constant risk factors for problem gambling. The present meta‐analysis summarizes effect sizes of the most frequently assessed problem gambling risk factors, ranks them according to effect size strength and identifies any differences in effects across genders. Method A random‐effects meta‐analysis was conducted on jurisdiction‐wide gambling prevalence surveys on the general adult population published until March 2019. One hundred and four studies were eligible for meta‐analysis. The number of participants varied depending on the risk factor analyzed, and ranged from 5327 to 273 946 (52% female). Weighted mean odds ratios were calculated for 57 risk factors (socio‐demographic, psychosocial, gambling activity and substance use correlates), allowing them to be ranked from largest to smallest with regard to their association with problem gambling. Results The highest odds ratio (OR) was for internet gambling [OR = 7.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 5.24, 10.99, P

(1) Background: Inhibitory and rewarding processes that mediate attentional biases to addiction-related cues may slightly differ between patients suffering from alcohol use (AUD) or gambling (GD) disorder. (2) Methods: 23 AUD inpatients, 19 GD patients, and 22 healthy controls performed four separate Go/NoGo tasks, in, respectively, an alcohol, gambling, food, and neutral long-lasting cueing context during the recording of event-related potentials (ERPs). (3) Results: AUD patients showed a poorer inhibitory performance than controls (slower response latencies, lower N2d, and delayed P3d components). In addition, AUD patients showed a preserved inhibitory performance in the alcohol-related context (but a more disrupted one in the food-related context), while GD patients showed a specific inhibitory deficit in the game-related context, both indexed by N2d amplitude modulations. (4) Conclusions: Despite sharing common addiction-related mechanisms, AUD and GD patients showed different patterns of response to (non-)rewarding cues that should be taken into account in the therapeutic context.

People can place preponderant importance on a single life domain (e.g., relationships, appearance, financial success). The result is that success (or failure) in that domain has significant influence on the self-concept and thus judgments of self-worth. A focused self-concept has also been shown to be a core feature of various psychiatric disorders, including depression, body image disorders, and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. Herein, we summarize mounting evidence indicating that a self-concept focused on financial success is important for understanding the etiology and maintenance of disordered gambling. The review indicates that a financially focused self-concept is moderately and positively associated with disordered gambling severity. Specifically, we outline research that has examined how and why financially focused self-concept proliferates and maintains disordered gambling. Based on this research, we put forth the idea that having a financially focused self-concept is an etiological factor that is common to the different gambling disorder subtypes outlined in the Pathways Model—arguably the leading biopsychosocial model of gambling addiction and gambling harm. More research is needed that assesses the antecedents and consequences of possessing a financially focused self-concept. We call on researchers to assess sociocultural, psychological, and environmental factors that may cultivate a financially focused self-concept as well as factors that may help people expand their domains of self-worth. The recovery process from any psychiatric disorder that includes a financial focus as an etiological factor should be aided by an expansion of the life domains from which self-worth is garnered.

BackgroundFrom a clinical perspective, knowledge of the psychological processes involved in maintaining gambling disorder has been lacking. This qualitative study formulated hypotheses on how gambling disorder is maintained by identifying clinically relevant behaviors at an individual level, as a means to guide the development of new cognitive behavioral interventions.MethodsSix individuals from a treatment study, diagnosed with gambling disorder and with diverse symptom profiles of psychiatric comorbidity, were recruited. Participants were interviewed using an in-depth semi-structured functional interview and completed self-report measures assessing gambling behavior.ResultsFunctional analysis was used as a theoretical framework for a thematic analysis, which yielded the following categories: 1) antecedents that may increase or decrease gambling; 2) experiences accompanying gambling; 3) control strategies; 4) consequences of gambling behavior; and 5) events terminating gambling behavior. Few differences were identified in relation to symptom profiles of psychiatric comorbidity, although some gamblers did not report experiencing abstinence when not being able to gamble.ConclusionsGambling is a secluded activity mainly triggered by access to money. Positive and negative emotions could be both antecedents and functions of gambling behavior. Avoidance-based strategies used to control gambling might result in a failure to learn to control gambling behavior. Anticipation, selective attention, and chasing could be important reinforcers, which should be addressed in new developments in cognitive behavioral treatment for gambling disorder.

People with gambling disorder (GD) often experience co-occurring addictive behaviors, especially at young ages. This paper aims at examining cognitive biases, emotion dysregulation, and coping stra...

Background and aimsMoney plays a central role in gambling, and understanding the different attitudes of gamblers towards it might benefit both prevention and treatment of gambling-related problems. This study describes the development of a new German measure of attitudes to money and the differences in these attitudes between male non-gamblers, occasional, frequent and problem gamblers. Furthermore, it investigates the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between attitudes towards money and the severity of gambling disorder.MethodsAn online study was conducted among 2,584 men aged 18–25 years, recruited via the Munich citizen registry. Additionally, a sample of n = 105 Facebook users was included in part of the analyses. Frequent and problem gamblers were invited to a 12-month follow-up. Apart from gambling participation and related problems, the questionnaire included items from existing scales measuring attitudes to money.ResultsThree factors underlying a new 12-item German Scale of Money Attitudes (SMAG) were identified: success, budgeting and evil. Compared with other groups, participants reporting any gambling problems scored highest in success and lowest in budgeting. Budgeting was associated with gambling-related problems in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses and strengthened the relationship between associating money with success and gambling disorder.DiscussionFor problem gamblers, money is important as a personal symbol of success. This attitude has an especially negative effect on gambling-related problems in individuals who handle money irresponsibly. Spending and winning money might play an important role in maintaining self-esteem among gamblers and thus hinder their attempts to quit.

Background and aimsGambling disorder (GD) is a mental disorder with a relatively higher prevalence in university students compared to adolescents and adults. Its reciprocity with mental being indicators, such as psychological flourishing, would be expected, but prior to this study had not yet been empirically examined. In addition, the predictive value of purpose in life (PIL) on university students' GD and psychological flourishing also remained unknown. This 1-year longitudinal study was the first to test the potential bidirectional relationships among PIL, self-reported GD symptoms, and psychological flourishing.MethodsIn this study, a total of 283 university students (39.6% females; age = 18–27 years, M = 20.47, SD = 1.15) completed an anonymous questionnaire at both baseline and a year later in a follow-up study.ResultsThe results of our cross-lagged analysis did not show the hypothesized reciprocity between GD symptoms and psychological flourishing (P > 0.05). However, PIL significantly predicted fewer GD symptoms (β = −0.23, P < 0.001) and higher levels of psychological flourishing (β = 0.30, P < 0.001) in the follow-up study. Moreover, psychological flourishing predicted PIL a year later.ConclusionThe findings demonstrate the potential efficacy of purpose/meaning oriented interventions in gambling prevention and in well-being promotion programs.

Gambling disorder (GD) is classified as a behavioural addiction and has some phenotypic similarities with substance use disorders (SUDs). Childhood adversity and life stressors are associated with increased risk for SUDs in adulthood. However, there is limited research investigating the association between childhood trauma, stressors and behavioural addictions such as GD. In this case-control cross-sectional study, 31 adult patients with GD were compared to 31 matched healthy controls (HCs) in terms of exposure to early adversity using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF). In addition, past 12-month stressful life event exposure was assessed using the Life Event Stress Scale (LESS) and investigated as a possible moderator of the relationship between childhood trauma and GD by means of a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Logistic regression analyses were used to test if childhood trauma (CTQ-SF) and its subtypes were significant predictors of a diagnosis of GD. Severity of childhood trauma in general, and on all five subtypes, was significantly higher in GD patients compared to HCs. Childhood trauma was a significant predictor of a diagnosis of GD, with physical neglect being the single trauma subtype to significantly increase odds of GD in adulthood. Stressful life events moderated the relationship between childhood trauma and GD, i.e. childhood trauma was significantly higher in GD patients compared to HCs when LESS was low. The findings support a link between childhood trauma and GD, with current stress as a moderating variable, and may be useful for future individualized therapeutic strategies.