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UK: New analysis shows problem gamblers are more likely than others to have suicidal thoughts, attempt suicide and to harm themselves
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GambleAware and the Gambling Commission have last week published the results of a small-scale research project that examines the link between problem gambling and suicide. The report will contribute to the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms and is based on findings from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey (APMS). Out of over 7,000 respondents, 41 were found to be problem gamblers and were identified as being more likely than others to have thought about suicide and to have attempted suicide in the past 12 months.
The results showed that of those identified by the survey as problem gamblers, one in five (19%) had thought about suicide in the past year, compared with 4% of non-problem gamblers/non-gamblers. 5% of problem gamblers reported they had made a suicide attempt in the past year, compared with 0.6% of those who showed no sign of problem gambling.
The survey analysis shows an association between problem gambling, suicidal behaviours and loneliness that warrants further investigation. Problem gamblers were more likely to feel lonely and isolated from other people than the rest of the population. Problem gamblers appeared to have a smaller network of people they felt close to and were less likely to feel that their friends and family gave them encouragement and support.
This analysis is based on data from the 2007 survey. The APMS survey repeated in 2014 but did not include questions on gambling. It is hoped that the Department of Health and Social Care will commission another Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey for 2021 and the authors recommend that questions on gambling behaviour be included in that study to explore the association between gambling and suicidality further.
In order to scope out what further research may be needed, a range of stakeholders, including those with lived experience of gambling harms, including addiction and bereavement due to suicide, attended a one-day workshop. The aim of the session was to better understand what knowledge gaps there were regarding gambling and suicide and to develop recommendations for future work.
Recommendations include:
- The development of educational packages for clinicians, primary care providers and coroners to raise awareness of the association between gambling and suicidality.
- The commissioning of a systematic review of evidence of the relationship between gambling and suicidality
- The conduct of a psychological autopsy study to explore cases where gambling is related to suicide.
Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware has said:
“There is limited data and research on the link between gambling and suicide and this research is just the start. This report has clearly identified the significant gaps in the data that is currently available and what steps we should be taking to get more evidence to help improve our knowledge and understanding of the relationship between gambling and suicide.
It is vital we all know what signs to look out for in a gambling addiction, so we can point people in the direction of help as and when they need it. We look forward to continuing to work with Government, particularly the Department of Health and Social Care, and all those involved to promote the help and services available at BeGambleAware.org.”
Dr Heather Wardle, Assistant Professor at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine said:
“The harms from gambling are profound and can be devastating for individuals, families and communities. These results show how people with gambling problems are a higher risk group for suicidality. Everyone involved in providing, legislating and regulating gambling should recognise this risk and take action to prevent harm”.
Professor Ann John, Swansea University and Chair of the National Advisory Group to Welsh Government on Suicide and Self-harm prevention said
‘Death by suicide is usually in response to a complex interplay of a number of factors, it is rarely due to a single reason and is never inevitable. However, there is no doubt that there has been a lack of recognition that there is an association between problem gambling and suicide.
‘Our research is a first step in understanding that association. Problem gamblers should be included as a high-risk group in suicide prevention strategies, efforts made to improve awareness, particularly in those providing services, and we need to encourage people to seek help before they reach a crisis point.’
Neil McArthur, chief executive of the Gambling Commission, said:
“This research is based on data from 2007 but nonetheless the findings clearly show a connection between suicide and gambling, something that has a real and devastating impact on people’s lives. Whilst further research and more timely data collection is essential, we are taking further action now to protect people from the risk of gambling harm.
“As a result of this research, the Commission and Samaritans will work together to bolster the existing requirements on gambling businesses to identify those at risk and take action to address and reduce harm.
“However, progress cannot be made by us alone, we need to work together to implement the priorities outlined in the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms, and the key recommendations of this research. This is vital to ensuring we have the best research, prevention and treatment services available for vulnerable individuals, their families, friends and communities.”
The three research documents are available below, along with a summary of the key findings and recommendations.
Report 3: Scoping Current Evidence and Evidence-Gaps in Research on Gambling-Related Suicide
- The survey was conducted over a decade ago and the sample was relatively small, with just 172 people identified as at risk of problem gambling and 41 identified as problem gamblers. Both problem gambling and past-year suicide attempts/thoughts are relatively rare, and the analyses were underpowered. The survey is cross-sectional in design and the data cannot be used to establish temporal sequencing in problem gambling and suicidality, nor causality.
- The Commission’s Research Programme in support of the National Strategy includes an emphasis on measuring and understanding harm. A better understanding of gambling harms for adults and children and young people will help to target prevention and education initiatives where they will have most impact.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: UK: New analysis shows problem gamblers are more likely than others to have suicidal thoughts, attempt suicide and to harm themselves
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Win Systems has appointed Chad Dickie as Executive Vice President and General Manager, USA. He will be responsible for boosting and accelerating the company’s strength and growth in the US market. Chad has more than 25 years of experience in the gaming and entertainment sector.
Win Systems has had presence in the US for years. However, this year, there has been significant growth in the market with the installation of its renowned CMS Wigos and its premium Gold Club electronic roulettes in prominent casino groups.
“It is a great pleasure for me to join the Win Systems Group. The strong growth that the company has had worldwide and particularly in the USA is a challenge for me and encourages me to contribute to achieving the ambitious goals that the company has in the region,” Chad Dickie said.
“Being able to have top-notch professionals with extensive experience in the sector, as is undoubtedly the case of Chad, will help us achieve our development and growth plans in the country as well as allowing us to maintain the highest demand in terms of standards of the services offered to our customers. The passion and ability to recruit people like Chad bring great value to the company,” Eric Benchimol, CEO of Win Systems said.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Win Systems Appoints Chad Dickie as EVP & GM USA
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The generation gap is a subject of discussion that continues to be relevant year on year. Why is it that those born since 1981 are so important to the gambling industry and its future? According to Betinvest COO Max Dubossarsky, every new generation contributes to the development of the entertainment industry, raising the standards for how gambling products and services are created.
Millennials caught the peak of digital technology at a young age, at a time when some of the Generation Z babies were being born already with a smartphone in hand.
The issue of continuity of the generations carries from one age to the next and takes on new dimensions. The gambling industry has its finger on the pulse, aware that the characteristics and preferences of each generation provide detailed information about current and potential players.
During recent years, society has had its eyes fixed on the so-called “millennials” – Generation Y – born between 1981 and 1996, and Generation Z – the “New Silent Generation” – born after 1995—1996. Why are their views and way of thinking important to the gambling industry? Mainly because millennials and Gen Z are products of the digital age.
Modern-day innovations, which previous generations could only have dreamed about, are now the norm for Gen Y and Gen Z. So if it is hard to amaze millennials with high-tech “perks”, it is nigh on impossible to surprise Gen Z – who have fully adapted into the world of 3D technology, VR and AR.
To attract and retain the attention of young players and avoid their games becoming a boring alternative to others on the market, operators created products that borrow features from videogames.
The millennial generation is the first to have grown up with videogames, so their way of life has become one of the reasons for developing online gambling.
This first “internet generation” divides their lives between an online and an offline reality. Many things have become possible to do with the use of gadgets, without the need for physical input. In contrast to well-off baby boomers who were big fans of visiting casinos and the luxury entertainment of gambling, millennials lived in unstable economic conditions and are therefore notable for their rationalism. As a result, they prefer more affordable entertainment, including activities which do not involve leaving the house. The gambling industry grasped the attitude of the new generation and changed its approach accordingly: the first gambling websites started to emerge, and the big casinos began organising events with new kinds of entertainment, such as concerts by famous musicians and DJs, opening exclusive malls, and the like.
Another important move in the battle to earn the attention of younger players is product customisation, responsive design, and additional gamification during the gaming process.
Gen Z, who more or less stormed into the digital age fresh from the cradle, have tough demands. In the modern-day world of gambling, it is no longer enough for games to have just high resolution, gripping storylines and 3D effects. Players want light, fun and quality solutions with compatibility across different devices, secure data and convenient payment methods. Products which cannot easily be adapted to the specific characteristics of regional markets lose their standing and risk being unable to keep up with the competition.
Millennials and Gen Z tend to be cautious in what they do online.
Almost every user leaves behind a digital footprint, which is analysed by marketing experts. It “shows” the user’s interests and gives clues as to what the potential customer might like, helping operators to cater to each player better. But at the same time, data confidentiality and secure payment have become two key issues that users consider when completing any online activities.
It is safe to say that each new generation has contributed – and continues to contribute – towards the change in attitudes towards gambling. Each generation develops the industry by demanding more, thereby raising the standards for how gambling products and services are created.
Because of the rapid development in digital technology, today’s players live in two worlds – an online and an offline world. With the huge amount of offers available, they select the products that are easily understandable. Time has become too expensive to waste on figuring out how things work, especially when it comes to the entertainment industry. Their leisure time is therefore crucial for operators to consider.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: The world of gambling – as seen by millennials and Generation Z
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The INTRALOT Group announces the appointment of Mr. Lampros Klironomos (to date Chief Internal Audit Officer) as Chief Financial Officer of its 100% subsidiary INTRALOT Inc. in the USA. The Board of Directors of INTRALOT during its meeting that held on December 3rd, 2019, following a recommendation by the Audit and Compliance Committee, elected Mrs. Alexandra Moulavasilis for the position of Director (Head) of Internal Audit.
The appointment of Mr. Klironomos at INTRALOT Inc. is part of the overall policy and actions to enhance the subsidiary’s Management Team that plays a pivotal role in achieving our strategic objectives and improving the Group’s financial performance. Mr. Klironomos will undertake his responsibilities in the USA upon the completion of the procedures required by law.
Source: Latest News on European Gaming Media Network
This is a Syndicated News piece. Photo credits or photo sources can be found on the source article: Intralot Appoints New Chief Financial Officer At Its USA Subsidiary
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