A Comparison of Online Gamblers, Offline Gamblers, and Mixed Mode Gamblers on Gambling and Substance Use

The rise in online gambling has led to greater research focus being directed toward the relationship between gambling modality and gambling behaviour. Such attention is warranted, given the significant increase in people turning to online gambling. It is currently known that mixed-mode gamblers (i.e., those who gamble online and offline) demonstrate the highest rate of disordered gambling and gambling frequency. Alcohol use has also been shown to be higher in mixed-mode gamblers, which presents a concern given the effects of alcohol on gambling behaviour. Further, mental health concerns have been shown to differ across gambling modalities. While research has begun to investigate gambling modality, more studies are required to better understand the relationship between gambling modality, substance use, and gambling behaviour. The present study explored the relationship between gambling modality, gambling behaviour, and substance use outcomes in greater depth. Specifically, 303 online, mixed-mode, and offline gamblers were surveyed on patterns of substance use, mental health concerns, and gambling severity, behaviour, and motives. Exploratory analyses were also conducted to investigate the role of COVID-19 in self-reported migration to online gambling. It was found that mixed-mode and online gambling are associated with greater gambling severity, frequency, and substance use. Further, scores on a gambling motives questionnaire were found to differ across gambling modality. Finally, results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced gambling behaviour, such that many participants self-reported migrating to online gambling. Overall, the results of this study suggest that a relationship exists between gambling modality, substance use, and gambling behaviour.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MSc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Arts

Year dc:date.issued

2022

Author dc:creator

• Slack, Braydon

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• McGrath, Daniel

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Ellard, John
• Hodgins, David
• Smith, Jacqueline

• gambling
• substance use

Statement dc:rights

• University of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.

Language dc:language.iso

eng

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/40315

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ucalgary.scholaris.ca:1880/115309