A pragmatic mixed methods analysis of experiences, behaviours and perceptions of gamblers towards the efficacy of responsible gambling in minimising "problem gambling" MINIMISING ‘PROBLEM GAMBLING’ PERCEPTIONS OF GAMBLERS TOWARDS THE EFFICACY OF RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING IN MINIMISING ‘PROBLEM GAMBLING’

The premise of this thesis is that all business is embedded in society and needs to be responsible for the socio-cultural problems it creates. This thesis examines the social responsibilities operators should have to gamblers and wider society and seeks to understand if responsible gambling can empower gamblers to minimise harms. The aim of this thesis is to evaluate critically the extent to which responsible gambling is possible in relation to the interests of society and gamblers themselves and an examination of the efficacy of responsible gambling features in the online environment. Gambling-harms have been studied by researchers from many different disciplines however few are situated from the perspective of business. There has been a dominance of quantitative gambling research but a lack of qualitative investigation into harms from the perspective of gamblers. This thesis seeks to address these issues using a pragmatic, mixed methods approach and presents empirical findings drawn from the approaches used. A group interview gathered qualitative data about the behaviour and experiences of ‘problem gamblers’ in the development of their problems and specifically what measures would have been useful for them in controlling their ‘problem gambling.’ The rich information provided by the group-interview contributed to the development of an informed online questionnaire, completed by key stakeholders in the setting which provided insights on the phenomena of ‘problem gambling’ and responsible gambling. The lived experience of ‘problem gamblers’ is at variance with key stakeholders. The findings point to a need for a new model of ‘problem gambling’ one which recognises how gambling activity has become normalised in modern culture. Research findings are discussed in relation to implications for key stakeholders who need to participate in the socio-cultural debate that surrounds gambling becoming directly involved in its complex moral issues. Recommendations discuss policy changes, drawing on both health and consumer protection for the market to improve gambler safety and responsibility of the industry.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Jawad, Caroline

• H Gwyddorau Cymdeithasol (Cyffredinol)

Dc Identifier Grantnumber

UWTSD

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.uwtsd.ac.uk:1246