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Problem gambling (PG) represents a significant public health concern with widespread effects in various cultures and regions globally, with younger individuals and males at a particularly higher risk. This disparity is attributed to a mix of cultural, developmental, and biological influences. To date, there has not been a comprehensive examination to determine whether this risk pattern holds consistently across different jurisdictions. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using the PRISMA framework, identifying 21 eligible studies from 18 countries, encompassing 156,249 participants (47.6% male and 52.4% female). The studies varied considerably by region (Asia: 19%, Europe: 52%, Oceania: 19%, North America: 10%), the diagnostic criteria for PG, and participation rates in gambling (ranging from 12% to 92%). Data on PG prevalence was categorised by gender and three age groups (young: 18–35, middle: 30–55, and older: 45–65). Using a random-effects meta-analysis, we found a global PG prevalence of 1.9%. Europe reported a significantly lower prevalence (1.3%) compared to North America (5.3%). Men were found to be 3.4 times more likely than women to engage in problem gambling, although the gap narrows in North America. The young demographic showed a 1.51 times higher likelihood of reporting PG compared to the middle-aged group, whereas older adults were 0.80 times less likely to report PG. Notably, age-related effects varied significantly across regions. Our findings confirm that age and gender significantly influence PG risk across cultures, with significant heterogeneity observed across jurisdictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of ghrelin receptor antagonist [D-Lys-3]-GHRP-6 on impulsivity and compulsivity in a model of gambling addiction in adult rats after maternal deprivation MD in early ontogenesis. Materials and Methods: The cubs were deprived of their mother daily for 3 h from days 2 to 12 postnatal. Adult Wistar rats were trained in a three-arm maze for 21 days. Two seeds were fed in arm 1 with reinforcement mode FR1. In arm 2, three seeds were presented with reinforcement mode FR2; in arms 3, 4 seeds were presented with reinforcement mode FR3 (i.e., only every 3rdrun to the feeder was reinforced with food). The animals were also examined to quantify their status of compulsive behavior in a marble test. The rat was placed in the cage with sawdust and glass beads for 30 min, after which, the number of balls covered with sawdust by more than 2/3 was counted. Results: In the MD group, the number of entrances to arm 3 increased 1.5-fold, indicating the selection of a larger reinforcement value at its low probability. The number of entrances to arm 1 (reward with high probability (100%) but with the lowest food reinforcement) decreased compared to the control group. The intranasal administration of the selective GHSR1A receptor antagonist [D-Lys (3)]-GHRP-6 (1 mg/mL) to animals MD led to significant (p

Research indicates a role for both social support and belonging in addiction recovery, however little is known about the role of these constructs in the recovery from problem gambling, and whether they relate to the effectiveness of mutual aid groups such as Gamblers Anonymous. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the relationship between social support and belonging, and to assess the role of demographics (including group membership of GA), social support and/or belongingness in predicting gambling addiction recovery in terms of gambling urges and quality of life. Using a cross sectional design, participants identifying as having problem gambling (n = 60) completed an online questionnaire with two independent variables (Social Support and Belonging), two dependent variables (Gambling Urges and Quality of Life) to assess gambling addiction recovery and measures of GA membership. The results showed no significant association between gender, age, ethnicity, education or employment status and gambling urges or quality of life. Membership to GA, and length of membership were significantly associated with gambling recovery indicating that being a member of GA and longer membership was associated with lower gambling urges and higher quality of life. Further, the results showed a high but not perfect correlation between social support and belonging (r(58) =.81, p = <.01). A regression analysis showed that although there was a significant correlation between social support and belongingness, they played different roles in gambling addiction recovery. Social support alone predicted higher quality of life, but not a reduction in gambling urges; belonging (along with being a member of GA) predicted a reduction in gambling urges, but not an increase in quality of life. Social support and belonging have a differential impact on aspects of gambling addiction, and should be considered as different constructs. In particular, whilst the process underpinning reduced gambling urges is membership of GA and the sense of belonging it provides its members, social support per se is a better predictor of quality of life. These findings have implications for the development of treatment for problem gamblers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ÖZ: Kumar oynama davranışı, çalışmalarda madde ve alkol gibi bağımlılık yapıcı nesnelere göre daha az ele alınmakla birlikte bireyler üzerinde benzer etkiler gözlemlenebilmekte ve bu davranış patolojik bir sorun haline gelebilmektedir. Bu noktada psikolojik, biyolojik ve sosyal açıdan olumlu ya da olumsuz birçok faktör bireylerin kumar oynama davranışının bağımlılığa dönüşmesine aracı olurken bireyin kumar oynamayı sorunlarına karşı bir çözüm yolu olarak görmesine de sebep olabilmektedir. Bu araştırmada, kumar oynama davranışı üzerinde etkili olan yaşantısal kaçınma ve pozitif pekiştirme süreçlerinin anlaşılması ve betimlenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanıldığı çalışmada, en az bir kez kumar oynama davranışı sergilenmiş 13 katılımcı ile derinlemesine görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Katılımcılardan elde edilen veriler betimsel analiz yönetimi ile incelenerek “Yaşantısal Kaçınmanın Bir Aracı Olarak Kumar Oynama Davranışı” ve “Kumar Oynamayı Sürdürmede Pozitif Pekiştireçler” olmak üzere iki tema altında açıklanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, kumarın ilk zamanlarında pozitif pekiştireçlerin bireyin davranışları üzerinde etkili olduğu, kumar oynama davranışının süreklilik kazanmasıyla birlikte pozitif pekiştireçlerin yerini negatif pekiştireçlere bıraktığı ve pekiştireçlerin bireylerin olumsuz duygu durumu içerisindeyken kaçınma davranışı sergileyerek kumar oynama davranışına yönelmesinde etkili olduğu ortaya çıkmıştır. ABSTRACT: Although gambling behavior is less addressed in studies than addictive objects such as drugs and alcohol, similar effects can be observed on individuals and this behavior can become a pathological problem. At this point, many psychological, biological and social positive or negative factors can cause individuals' gambling behavior to turn into addiction, while also causing the individual to see gambling as a solution to their problems. This research aims to understand and describe the experiential avoidance and positive reinforcement processes that affect gambling behavior. In the study using qualitative research method, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants who had exhibited gambling behavior at least once. The data obtained from the participants were examined with descriptive analysis management and explained under two themes: "Gambling Behavior as a Tool of Experiential Avoidance" and "Positive Reinforcers to Continue Gambling". As a result of the research, it has been revealed that positive reinforcers are effective on the individual's behavior in the early days of gambling, and as the gambling behavior becomes more permanent, positive reinforcers are replaced by negative reinforcers, and reinforcers are effective in causing individuals to engage in gambling behavior by exhibiting avoidance behavior when they are in a negative emotional state.

Copyright of International Journal of Social Sciences (IJSS) / Uluslararasi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi is the property of International Journal of Social Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Online Gambling may increase rates of disordered gambling due to its high degree of accessibility, immersive interface and simply spending money for these activities. The problem of college students developing an addiction to internet gambling has received increased attention recently in India. The availability of online gambling sites and the pervasive use of mobile devices puts a lot of college students at risk of developing a gambling addiction. Teenagers engage in both regulated and non-regulated forms of gambling. Different forms of non-regulated gambling activities include skill-based games, dice, sports betting, and card games amongst peers. Online gambling has opened the doors for entrepreneurs to be involved in fraud, theft, extortion, and money laundering in the gambling sites. This study through a questionnaire survey investigates the exponential growth of online gambling. The objective of the study is to bring out the demographic variables’ influence on online gambling addiction among college Students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of ghrelin receptor antagonist [D-Lys-3]- GHRP-6 on impulsivity and compulsivity in a model of gambling addiction in adult rats after maternal deprivation MD in early ontogenesis. Material and Methods: The cubs were deprived of their mother daily for 3 h from days 2 to 12 postnatal. Adult Wistar rats were trained in a three-arm maze for 21 days. Two seeds were fed in arm 1 with reinforcement mode FR1. In arm 2, three seeds were presented with reinforcement mode FR2; in arms 3, 4 seeds were presented with reinforcement mode FR3 (i.e., only every 3rdrun to the feeder was reinforced with food). The animals were also examined to quantify their status of compulsive behavior in a marble test. The rat was placed in the cage with sawdust and glass beads for 30 min, after which, the number of balls covered with sawdust by more than 2/3 was counted. Results: In the MD group, the number of entrances to arm 3 increased 1.5-fold, indicating the selection of a larger reinforcement value at its low probability. The number of entrances to arm 1 (reward with high probability (100%) but with the lowest food reinforcement) decreased compared to the control group. The intranasal administration of the selective GHSR1A receptor antagonist [D-Lys (3)]-GHRP-6 (1 mg/mL) to animals MD led to significant (p<0.01) increase in the number of visits to arm 1. Additionally, there was a tendency to decrease the number of buried balls in rats treated with [D-Lys (3)]-GHRP-6. Conclusion: Thus, the work shows that chronic stress of MD causes a behavioral strategy in animals aimed at obtaining more significant food reinforcement, but with a low probability of achieving it, which is associated with an increase in the impulsive component of gambling addiction. MD also causes an increase in the number of buried balls in the marble test, which is associated with an increase in the compulsive component of gambling addiction. Intranasal administration of GHS-R1a antagonist [D-Lys (3)]-GHRP-6 to rats MD significantly reduces increased impulsive activity in Iowa test. The data obtained in rats MD opens up the possibility of creating drugs targeted at ghrelin receptors. The intranasal method of administering peptide substances used in the work substantiates the possibility of using this method of administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Pedagogy. Psychology. Sociology Series is the property of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This document is an editorial titled "Individual Differences in Addictive Behaviors" published in Frontiers in Psychology. The editorial discusses the evolving understanding of addiction and the importance of considering individual differences in both theory and treatment. It highlights the role of external and internal factors in addictive behaviors related to technology use, gaming, and gambling. The editorial also explores the comorbidity of addiction with mental health conditions and presents methodological approaches to studying individual differences in addiction. Additionally, it addresses individual differences in cannabis use patterns and the physical effects of opium smoking. The document emphasizes the need for further research in these areas to inform future interventions and support for individuals with addiction. [Extracted from the article]

Although gambling behavior is less addressed in studies than addictive objects such as drugs and alcohol, similar effects can be observed on individuals and this behavior can become a pathological problem. At this point, many psychological, biological and social positive or negative factors can cause individuals' gambling behavior to turn into addiction, while also causing the individual to see gambling as a solution to their problems. This research aims to understand and describe the experiential avoidance and positive reinforcement processes that affect gambling behavior. In the study using qualitative research method, in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants who had exhibited gambling behavior at least once. The data obtained from the participants were examined with descriptive analysis management and explained under two themes: "Gambling Behavior as a Tool of Experiential Avoidance" and "Positive Reinforcers to Continue Gambling". As a result of the research, it has been revealed that positive reinforcers are effective on the individual's behavior in the early days of gambling, and as the gambling behavior becomes more permanent, positive reinforcers are replaced by negative reinforcers, and reinforcers are effective in causing individuals to engage in gambling behavior by exhibiting avoidance behavior when they are in a negative emotional state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The personal and social benefits and harms of gambling, which has been more accessible, diversified, and widespread thanks to global internet use, sometimes find their place in country agendas. Due to its characteristics, the gambling sector requires effective management through public policies. In this direction, governments determine sectoral policies in two ways: by choosing to ban gambling activities completely or by regulating the sector by legalizing certain types. In this context, taxes stand out as one of the policy tools adopted by many countries. This research aimed to evaluate the success of taxes--as a public policy tool--in controlling the social and economic effects of the gambling industry. Through a systematic review, the role and success of taxation against the social and economic influences of gambling have been evaluated in light of literature research and application examples. The present study revealed that taxes, as a policy tool, are insufficient and may lead to undesirable results in combating gambling, which has limited-positive contributions to the country's economies but harms society by creating severe addictions and other irreversible social costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Recht & Psychiatrie is the property of Psychiatrie Verlag GmbH and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Objective The objective of this study is to present a conceptual framework for the prevention of gambling disorder and try to corroborate some of its postulates. The assumption of gambling as if it were acting like a virus may have important considerations in terms of preventing gambling disorder in society and, therefore, it could be a relevant public health issue. Background Like COVID-19, gambling disorder is a disease which is caused by the action of an external agent. The external agent was already in existence, but certain environmental conditions (absence of regulatory measures based on the prevention of gambling disorder) favored its propagation. Regarding immunization, for SARS-CoV-2, it is obtained through vaccination and prevention of exposure. However, it is unlikely that immunization can be developed for any gambling addiction prevention program to immunize everyone who is exposed to the “gambling virus”. So, in the case of gambling disorder, preventive strategies should rather prevent gambling from affecting most people by limiting availability (supply) and accessibility (ease of access) to gambling. Study design This research is a quasi-experimental investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of anti-COVID measures on the frequency of gambling and evolution of gambling disorder. The present study analyzed gambling patterns and the problems caused by gambling in 2,903 people, including those who were at-risk gamblers or had a gambling disorder. Results In general terms, restrictive measures to combat COVID-19 worked to prevent the consolidation of gambling habits and the appearance of gambling disorder, but they did not seem to be sufficient for people who already had this disorder. The most affected games were electronic games machines (EGMs) that took place in public places (gambling halls, bars and restaurants, etc.). Conclusions The findings of this work support the hypothesis that, just as the SAR-CoV-2 virus is responsible for the global pandemic of COVID-19, which can only be stopped with vaccines and social distancing, in the case of gambling, the absence of an effective vaccine for "gambling virus" can lead to an epidemic of gambling disorders in societies, if the environmental conditions that are favorable for the spread of such virus are not modified. Some preventive strategies that can be useful from a public health frame of reference are suggested.

Copyright of International Anatolian Journal of Social Sciences / Uluslararasi Anadolu Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi is the property of Uluslararasi Anadolu Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Scratch cards—otherwise known as scratch tickets or instant lotteries—are a highly accessible type of lottery, due to its relative accessibility and affordability. In Portugal, the popularity of scratch cards has experienced substantial growth, with almost no regulatory reaction whatsoever. This study aims to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of scratch card gamblers, prevalent gambling habits, and their perceptions regarding scratch card gambling. This study also determines the constancy of pathological scratch card gambling, and the possible impact of regulatory measures. We found that about half of the participants studied were at risk of pathological gambling and scratch cards seem to have a clear potential for enticing higher spending in vulnerable consumers, compared to other forms of gambling games. Perception biases regarding gambling are frequent and almost no one afflicted seeks help. Regulatory measures are crucial to regulate potential problematic behaviors, specifically in high-risk persons. There is an urgent need to act, made clear by both present findings and numerous precedent warnings regarding scratch card gambling hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to present a conceptual framework for the prevention of gambling disorder and try to corroborate some of its postulates. The assumption of gambling as if it were acting like a virus may have important considerations in terms of preventing gambling disorder in society and, therefore, it could be a relevant public health issue. Background: Like COVID-19, gambling disorder is a disease which is caused by the action of an external agent. The external agent was already in existence, but certain environmental conditions (absence of regulatory measures based on the prevention of gambling disorder) favored its propagation. Regarding immunization, for SARS-CoV-2, it is obtained through vaccination and prevention of exposure. However, it is unlikely that immunization can be developed for any gambling addiction prevention program to immunize everyone who is exposed to the "gambling virus". So, in the case of gambling disorder, preventive strategies should rather prevent gambling from affecting most people by limiting availability (supply) and accessibility (ease of access) to gambling. Study design: This research is a quasi-experimental investigation aimed to evaluate the effects of anti-COVID measures on the frequency of gambling and evolution of gambling disorder. The present study analyzed gambling patterns and the problems caused by gambling in 2,903 people, including those who were at-risk gamblers or had a gambling disorder. Results: In general terms, restrictive measures to combat COVID-19 worked to prevent the consolidation of gambling habits and the appearance of gambling disorder, but they did not seem to be sufficient for people who already had this disorder. The most affected games were electronic games machines (EGMs) that took place in public places (gambling halls, bars and restaurants, etc.). Conclusions: The findings of this work support the hypothesis that, just as the SAR-CoV-2 virus is responsible for the global pandemic of COVID-19, which can only be stopped with vaccines and social distancing, in the case of gambling, the absence of an effective vaccine for "gambling virus" can lead to an epidemic of gambling disorders in societies, if the environmental conditions that are favorable for the spread of such virus are not modified. Some preventive strategies that can be useful from a public health frame of reference are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the relationship and mutual effects between online gambling addiction and loneliness in young adults studying at a public university in Türkiye. Material and Method This study was designed in a cross-sectional style and prepared with the information collected by the survey application method. The study population was made up of young adults studying at a public university in Türkiye. The data were obtained in December 2021 using an in-person data collection method with two questionnaire forms containing demographic data, Online Gambling Addiction Scale (OGAS) and Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S). Results There were a total of 449 university students participated in the study. Of them, 52.8% were females. Those who were addicted to online gambling constituted 35.0% of the group, and those who were addicted to young adults gambling had significantly higher loneliness than those who were not (p=0.005). Conclusion In young adults, loneliness has been shown to have a predictive effect on online gambling addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gumushane Universty Electronic Journal of the Faculty of Communication / Gümüshane Üniversitesi Iletisim Fakültesi Elektronik Dergisi is the property of Gumushane Universitesi Iletisim Fakultesi Elektronik Dergisi (e-GIFDER) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Conditional Direction Dependence Analysis (CDDA) has recently been proposed as a statistical framework to test reverse causation (x → y vs. y → x) and potential of confounding (x ← c → y) of variable relations in linear models when moderation is present. Similar to standard DDA, CDDA assumes that the "true" predictor is a continuous, non-normal, exogenous variable. Under non-normality, a conditional causal effect of one variable does not only change means, variances, and covariances, but also the distributional shape (i.e., skewness, kurtosis, co-skewness, and co-kurtosis) of another variable given the moderator. Such distributional changes can be used to study underlying mechanisms of heterogenous causal effects. The present study introduces conditional direction of dependence modeling and presents SPSS macros to make CDDA easily accessible to applied researchers. A real-world data example from the field of gambling addiction research is used to introduce the functionality of CDDA SPSS macros. Limitations of CDDA due to violated assumptions and poor data quality are discussed. The CDDA installation package is available at no charge from www.ddaproject.com. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gambling self-exclusion agreements enable a person to have themselves prevented from gambling for some future period. In light of evidence of their effectiveness in helping problem gamblers manage their addiction, these agreements enjoy growing popularity. In particular, several jurisdictions now oblige gambling operators to offer self-exclusion to their clientele. If self-exclusion has a unique value that is distinct from paternalistic measures, such as forced exclusion, it is surely because it prizes the gambler's autonomy. In this article, however, I will argue that self-exclusion's theoretical basis cannot, in fact, be found in a procedural theory of autonomy that only regards agents' own values and decisions. Rather, I will contend that if agents may bind their future selves in only some ways—for example, by preventing themselves from gambling but not preventing themselves from self-excluding or selling themselves into slavery—it can only be because of a normative, substantive claim. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Szkoła Specjalna is the property of Akademia Pedagogiki Specjalnej im Marii Grzegorzewskiej and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose of this work is to divide the changing pattern on frequency of use and the betting money of casino customers into stages. Based on the characteristics of this each stage, the role and feasibility of companies and marketers in preventing gambling dependence are verified. In this study establish a 'risk line', the boundary between area that can stably continue games and area that reach risk levels. And companies and marketers conduct appropriate 'Intervention' to customers at each stage based on this boundary. In other words, companies and marketers can prevent gambling addiction if they observe the betting patterns and frequency of use of players and make appropriate interventions accordingly. Intervention refers to protecting customers by dividing them into 'safe zone' and 'dangerous zone' and managing customers passively or actively according to the situation. Realization of customer protection through intervention not only guarantees the sustainable interests of a company, but also leads to the fulfillment of corporate social responsibility. Players itself are the only products in most gambling industries, so PLC has something in common. In this respect, it is thought that the intervention mentioned in this study can be applied to most speculative industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic, both in Poland and worldwide, has a huge impact on social, demographic and economic processes. The situation we are currently facing is particularly difficult because it is highly unpredictable. Isolation, breaking social relations, fear of infection and any other violation of everyday functioning may pose a serious threat to people maintaining abstinence. Virtual communication proved to be the only alternative to live face-to-face communication during the pandemic. Across the country, meetings of therapy groups have been suspended until further notice. This has led to an unprecedented situation where, out of necessity, GA had to move online. This begs the question of whether this form of contact can replace the traditional face-to-face meetings?

The article is devoted to the analysis of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on counteracting the dependence of children and adolescents from gambling addiction (gambling addiction). The analysis is made in comparison with the countries which are the most experienced in the area as the authors believe. Gambling addiction is recognized as one of the most oppressing problems among adolescents and adults. Therefore, the world community has divided into two camps: some are on the path of prevention, and others on the path of emphasis on the use of punitive measures. The authors note that the domestic legislation contains elements of partial prevention, and the measures of legal responsibility do not fully correspond to the realities of the problem. The purpose of the article is a critical analysis of the measures taken by the government to combat gambling addiction among children and adults. The authors concluded that the steps taken are not entirely adequate and are not fully implemented. At the same time, it is noted that some steps have been taken. The value of the study and its practical value lies in the fact that the team of authors proposes a set of measures to improve counteracting gambling addiction among adolescents. The article was written within the framework of the project "Development and implementation of a set of measures for the prevention of Internet addiction and gambling among young people and children", implemented by the Regional Public Organization "United Children and Youth Organization" Zhas Ulan ". The practical significance of the article also lies in the fact that the attention of the state authorities will be drawn to the problems highlighted in the work and the proposals made will be implemented by making changes and additions to the current legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The issue of addiction to activities has been present in the scientific discourse for years. Gambling disorders constitute a specific, separate disease entity. These disorders can affect people of all ages, and children and adolescents are particularly prone to them. The subject of the research described in the article are risk factors for the development of gambling disorders among children, and its aim is to present the results of research conducted in 2021 by a research team at the Jagiellonian University. The research method was a systematic literature review based on PRISMA standards. The research material consisted of selected articles published in English-language high-ranking scientific journals. The conclusions from the research, including the most common risk factors of gambling disorder, allowed for the formulation of recommendations and recommendations in the field of universal and selective prevention addressed to children, their parents and caregivers.

Whilst much research has explored the possible causes and consequences of gambling, Gamblers Anonymous (GA) − one of the most accessed forms of support for gamblers - has been largely overlooked and, to date, only a few studies have explored how members experience this programme. Core to GA is the social interaction between members. From March 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced GA to move their meetings online. The present qualitative study therefore explored how GA members experienced these online meetings in the absence of actual face to face interactions with others. Individual telephone or video call interviews (n = 21) were carried out with members of GA in the UK and analysed using Thematic Analysis. The results described three main themes: (1) 'practicalities of GA in lockdown', which highlighted the practical benefits of online meetings such as more opportunity to attend different meetings, which in turn expanded participants' perspectives and social networks; (2) 'the importance of relationships in GA', reflecting strong and enduring social networks that were created, maintained, and strengthened by feelings of solidarity; and (3) 'therapeutic elements of the meetings', such as psychological contract making which helped participants to stay abstinent. Transcending these themes was a tension between individual versus group identity with interviewees reporting a shift to focusing more on their own needs rather than those of the group. Overall, whilst still providing a lifeline during COVID-19 and offering some practical benefits, the online GA meetings were not able to completely replicate the value individuals gained from face to face meetings. This transition also resulted in disruptions both to group dynamics and to individual interactions within each group, ultimately resulting in participants behaving more individualistically and less collectively than in face-to-face meetings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Studia Paedagogica Ignatiana is the property of Jesuit University Ignatianum in Krakow and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although near-miss is an important tendency indicator for gambling addiction, no scale has been developed to evaluate these feelings. In this study, the aim is to develop a Near Miss Scale (NMS) to assess the tendency of gambling. In the first step, a 38-item measurement tool was prepared by the first author, which was examined by 8 experts. According to their comments and opinions, a 32-item 5-point Likert-type pre-form was created. The study was conducted with 600 gamblers in Northern Cyprus between December 2018-March 2019 and data from 563 of them were included in the statistical analysis. In the questionnaire, Socio-demographic form, Gambling Craving Scale (GCS), South Oaks Gambling Screening Test (SOGST) and NMS were used. With the SPSS 23 and R Studio statistical programs, after calculating the item-total correlations of the items in the NMS form, items with low item total-correlation values were excluded from the scale and 30 items were analysed statistically. In the study, it was seen that the factor loads of the relevant items in NMS were between .715 and .896. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that a single factor model in the scale was valid. NMS had a positive correlation with SOGST (r = 0.601) and GCS (r = 0.752). The 2-week test-retest results of NMS with a Cronbach alpha of 0.981 were determined as 0.972. The validity and reliability results suggest that NMS is a valid and reliable as 30-item, one-dimensional measurement tool for assessing gambling tendency among gamblers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid-19 pandemic has reignited discussions about the prevalence of and treatment options for problem gambling and gambling disorder (PGGD). Since affected persons seldom seek professional help, online interventions can improve accessibility. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psychological online interventions on PGGD. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis and searched in PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed experimental and quasi-experimental research published between 2010 and 2021. We calculated two meta-anlyses, one for treatment control comparisons (TCC), and one for pre-post-comparisons (PCC). We included six studies (ten TCC and n = 2076) in meta-analysis 1 and five studies (six PCC and n = 781) in meta-analysis 2. Online interventions turned out to be effective in both analyses with Hedges g = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = [0.22 to 0.60], p <.001, for meta-anaylsis 1 and Hegdes g = 1.28, 95% confidence interval = [0.85 to 1.71], p <.001, for meta-analysis 2. We identified significant effects of online interventions on PGGD in both analyses, indicating the potential of online applications. We discuss methodological aspects and further research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the ghrelin receptor antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 on elements of gambling behavior and monoamine metabolism in the brain in rats were studied. A feeding reflex was developed in male rats over 21 days in a three-arm maze. The reward consisted of sunflower seeds. During the first five days, the animal received one seed at the end of arm 1, two seeds at the end of arm 2, and three seeds at the end of arm 3. The reinforcement delivery regime was then altered: in arm 1, each entry by the rat continued to yield one seed, while only every second entry into arm 2 yielded two seeds and only every third entry into arm 3 yielded three seeds. Thus, reward size on visiting arm 1 was minimal and while the probability of receiving it was maximal. Visiting arm 3 produced the maximal reward but with the lowest probability. Rats acquiring the stable skill of entering the maze were given intranasal 0.9% NaCl solution or [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 and their behavior was evaluated. Three days after behavioral testing on the background of drug, animals were given 0.9% NaCl or [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6. Rats were decapitated 80 min later and the hypothalamus, hippocampus, striatum, and olfactory bulb (a component of the ventral striatum) were harvested from brains and HPLC assays were used to estimate contents of dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites. The ghrelin receptor antagonist [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 (20 μl, 1 mg/ml, intranasally) increased the number of excursions into maze arm 1 (with the highest probability but smallest reward). The substance had no effect on measures of dopamine and serotonin metabolism in the hypothalamus. [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 significantly increased serotonin content in the left hippocampus. Measures of monoamine metabolism in the olfactory bulb and striatum changed only in the right hemisphere, with increases in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid: serotonin ratio in both structures. In the right striatum, these changes were also accompanied by increases in serotonin and dopamine metabolite contents. Thus, the ability of [D-Lys3]-GHRP-6 to change selection strategy in favor of the highest probability but smallest reinforcement is based on age-related activity of the dopaminergic and serotoninergic systems in the dorsal and ventral striatum of the right hemisphere of the brain and serotonin content in the left hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many factors that appear to be directly related to the development of gambling addiction problems, and it is important to understand these relationships from a clinical perspective in order to develop prevention and intervention programs. This research seeks to analyze the relationships these problems have with gambling motives, cognitive distortions and irresponsible gambling behavior, and proposes an explanatory model of gambling addiction. The sample was made up of 258 adults residing in the province of Valencia (59.5% women), with a mean age of 20.95 years (SD = 2.19). A series of questionnaires were applied to measure the variables involved, and bivariate correlations, simple and multiple linear regressions and a structural equation model were analyzed. The results indicated that gambling motives were positively related to cognitive distortions, acting as predictors of these. Additionally, the proposed theoretical model showed goodness of fit on various indices and explained 69% of variance in cognitive distortions, 37% of that in irresponsible gambling and 43% of that in gambling addiction. The main limitation of this research is that the sample belongs to a very specific population, who did not necessarily have gambling problems. The main contributions are uncovering some of the relationships between gambling motives and cognitive distortions and the proposal of a mediating role of irresponsible gambling in the relationship between cognitive distortions and the development of gambling problems. If the proposed model replicates, it can be of help to research and health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Internal Security is the property of Police Academy in Szczytno and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study was aimed at developing a scale to determine the level of addiction to online gambling. For the study, a draft scale with 57 items related to online gambling addiction was prepared, and ten experts evaluated it for content validity. A candidate scale consisting of 28 items with a content validity index (CVI) of 0.893 was obtained. The study was completed with 650 participants in total. Cronbach's alpha value was calculated as 0.920 for the reliability analysis. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used for the validity analysis. The three-factor and 26-item structure obtained with EFA was confirmed by CFA. With a few minor modifications, the final structure consisting of 3 factors and 21 items was obtained. In conclusion, the Online Gambling Addiction Scale (OGAS) is a valid and reliable scale consisting of 21 items and 3 sub-dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathological gambling is an addiction that has caused a public health problem in recent years. It is an addiction that is generated in the social context, so different socio-environmental risk factors have influenced this problem. Given this situation, this study aims to describe the manifestations of socio-environmental risk factors that affected the triggering of the pathological gambling in people with pathological gambling problema under treatment in the city of Culiacán. This is a qualitative research with descriptive and exploratory scope, using a method with a phenomenological approach, the testimonial narrative was used as the axis of analysis and the in-depth interview as an instrument of data collection, in a sample of 8 people, composed of 5 men and 3 women. In the results, it was found that the socio-environmental risk factors that influenced gambling addiction are found in social interactions, the availability and easy access of casinos, as well as their environment and their offer of play through different. Therefore, it is concluded that this addiction is generated in the social context, so the problem must be analyzed from the disciplines of the social and health sciences, as well as in public policies.

In the prevailing era, Gaming addiction is becoming more often in society. Children from a very early age begin to get involved in cyber culture and e-sports. The problem of gambling addiction in teenagers and young people in the contemporary world is becoming increasingly current and this can be clearly seen between students in educational system. In connection with the high importance of this problem, the authors of the article conducted a comprehensive theoretical and methodological analysis of gambling addiction as a social phenomenon, as well as factors and mechanisms of emergence and development of gambling addiction among children and adolescents. Based on the results of the study, the authors of the article propose forms and methods of prevention and combating gambling addiction, in particular, the gamification method described as a tool to overcome the psychological addiction of children and adolescents in games.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the levels of possible internet addiction, gaming addiction, gambling addiction and associated mental health difficulties in a secondary school population in Ireland., Methods: An online survey containing questions related to internet addiction, gaming addiction, gambling addiction and associated mental health difficulties was administered to secondary school adolescents in Ireland. Participants were self-selecting and answered questions on the characteristics of each topic and screening questionnaires for addiction to each behaviour, as well as their respective effects on mental health., Results: A total of 234 children participated in the survey (156 males; aged 12-18 years; average age of 14.2 years; S.D. 1.60). Internet addiction as assessed using the Chen Internet Addiction Scale was present for between 11.5% and 22.6% and levels of gaming addiction as assessed using by the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form was present for between 0.5% and 1.6%. Weak positive correlations were found between time spent on the internet and time spent gaming with internet addiction and gaming addiction, respectively. There were weak positive correlations between higher internet addiction scores, higher gaming addiction scores, and increased depression and anxiety scores. Using the South Oaks Gambling Screen-Revised for Adolescents, two participants were classed as 'at-risk' for gambling addiction and one participant was classed as a problem gambler., Conclusions: The present study examined behavioural addictions and their effects on mental health on a self-selecting sample of schoolchildren at two schools in Ireland. A low number were identified as being at risk or problem gamblers.

The COVID-19 pandemic, both in Poland and worldwide, has a huge impact on social, demographic and economic processes. The situation we are currently facing is particularly difficult because it is highly unpredictable. Isolation, breaking social relations, fear of infection and any other violation of everyday functioning may pose a serious threat to people maintaining abstinence. Virtual communication proved to be the only alternative to live face-to-face communication during the pandemic. Across the country, meetings of therapy groups have been suspended until further notice. This has led to an unprecedented situation where, out of necessity, GA had to move online. This begs the question of whether this form of contact can replace the traditional face-to-face meetings? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Actual Problems of Jurisprudence / Habaršy. Zan̦ Seriâsy is the property of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Mounting evidence suggests that youth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) find themselves increasingly drawn to gambling related activities; an issue, that if left unchecked, can lead to adverse consequences including financial difficulties, crime and mental health problems. To better understand the psychosocial mechanisms underlying problem gambling, there is a pressing need to conduct more research on gambling related disorders amongst this vulnerable stratum of society. Against this background, the present review explores gambling patterns, attitudes and behaviors among youth in SSA—in a manner aligning with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We systematically searched 8 databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, ProQuest, Wiley Online, Google Scholar, PsycINFO and PsycARTICLES for published research articles up until July 2019. A total of 1624 articles were screened, of which, only 13 studies met inclusion criteria. All of these studies were cross-sectional in nature and the quality of each study was evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Studies varied considerably ranging from neuropsychological and personality trait assessment to application of item response theory. Due to this study heterogeneity we could not conduct a meta-analysis. The results presented here suggest that the existing body of evidence pertaining to patterns of gambling-related harm among youth in SSA is weak. This study highlights the need for additional good quality studies focusing on gambling related behaviors and prevalence levels among the continent's youth. Additionally, the findings reported herein emphasise the need for implementing social policies alongside effective public health interventions to tackle gambling addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) is one of the most widely used screening instruments for evaluating addiction to gambling. Method: The main objective of this study is to analyze whether the SOGS is a reliable instrument and what characteristics of studies on the SOGS are linked to its reported reliability. Results: A meta-analysis was carried out with 63 studies including 65 independent samples. The mean value of a was .86 (95% CI of .84-.88), with high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.27%). The variables that explain the most heterogeneity were the continent where the study was performed (R2 = .61), application to participants with or without clinical problems (R2 = .58), the form of administration of the questionnaire (R2 = .56), and the standard deviation in the SOGS score (R2 = .13). Conclusions: The results show that the SOGS is a reliable instrument for evaluating gambling addiction. However, the meta-analysis highlights the need to report the reliability values for each empirical study and to provide a set of recommendations for researchers and professionals who use this instrument. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gambling in moderation is a socially acceptable behavior and over 60% of the Swedish population gambles every year. It has been seen that slot machines are one of the most addictive and problematic forms of gambling and contribute highly to an addictive behavior. It is unclear why some individuals intensify their gambling behavior over time to extreme levels while others do not. Initial positive response of a drug or as in this case a gambling behavior, most likely influences the likelihood of continuing use in non-addicted individuals. Therefore, we wanted to investigate if recreational gamblers show an altered subjective response to an online gambling challenge, e.g. to casino gambling. The present study was designed to examine the subjective effects after an acute gambling challenge, in healthy recreational gamblers compared with non-gamblers. Eighty-two subjects participated in the study. They were challenged with an acute online slot machine gambling challenge and self-report questionnaires of mood and blood pressure were taken before and after gambling. The gamblers, and more specifically the high recreational gamblers, reported increased stimulative effects after the gambling challenge in comparison to the non-gamblers. Findings suggests that gamblers experience significantly higher arousal effects to an acute online slot machine challenge. This response may be a uniquely predictive behavior for increased risk of gambling addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ljetopis Socijalnog Rada / Annual of Social Work is the property of Pravni Fakultet Sveucilista u Zagrebu, Studijski Centar Socijalnog Rada and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: This paper aims to clarify whether the staff of gambling operators are at increased risk of showing symptoms of gambling-related disorders. Method: Primary studies could be identified by means of a rule-based search strategy in three databases as well as an accompanying hand search. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were considered. The literature search resulted in a total of 12 relevant publications. Results: All primary studies originated from non-European countries and were published until 2013. Among the nine quantitative primary studies, sample sizes varied considerably (from N = 56 to N = 6,067); one source included longitudinal data. Overall, the findings pointed to an increased extent of gambling-related problems within the target group (up to 33.7 %). In particular, the prevalence of subclinical manifestations of gambling-related maladjustments appeared to be unusually high. Job-specific factors, such as a high exposure to gambling in certain working environments, contributed to the development of gambling-related problems in a significant proportion of those affected. Conclusions: On the one hand, there is a need for further research related to various gambling settings (e. g. betting offices). On the other hand, there is a necessity for action for gambling operators that ranges from optimized personnel selection procedures to the implementation of occupational addiction prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Der nationale Glücksspielmarkt zeichnet sich durch mannigfaltige Spielanreize aus. Gleichzeitig gehen mit Glücksspielangeboten zum Teil erhebliche Suchtgefahren einher. Dabei ist das Erkrankungsrisiko auf Bevölkerungsebene ungleich verteilt, zu den Risikogruppen zählen auch Jugendliche. Die Verhinderung glücksspielbezogener Probleme im Jugendalter muss als Public Health Aufgabe verstanden werden, die nur bei Umsetzung eines breiten Präventionsansatzes mit aufeinander abgestimmten verhältnis- und verhaltenspräventive Maßnahmen gelingen kann. The national gambling market is characterized by a wide variety of gaming incentives. At the same time, certain gambling products can be strongly addictive. The prevalence of gambling-related problems is unevenly distributed among the population. Adolescents belong, among other population segments, to the high-risk groups. The prevention of gambling-related problems in adolescence must be understood as a public health task that can only be achieved with the implementation of a broad preventive approach with both behavioral and structural measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]