The Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling: A revised framework for understanding gambling harm

Session Title

Session 3-4-B: Responsible Gambling Programming

Presentation Type

Event

Location

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

Start Date

30-5-2019 3:30 PM

End Date

30-5-2019 4:55 PM

Disciplines

Economics | Indigenous Studies | Neuroscience and Neurobiology | Psychology | Public Health | Public Policy | Sociology | Substance Abuse and Addiction

Abstract

The harmful effects of gambling have been studied for decades in an attempt to understand individual differences in gambling involvement and the risk of gambling-related problems. In this presentation, we outline a recently updated, internationally relevant Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling that moves beyond a symptoms-based view of harm and addresses a broad set of factors related to population risk, community, and societal effects. Interrelated factors depicted in the framework represent major themes in gambling that range from the specific (gambling environment, exposure, gambling types, and treatment resources) to the general (cultural, social, psychological, and biological influences). Coauthored by international research experts and informed by multiple stakeholders, Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO) facilitated the framework development, mobilization, and retains responsibility for regular updates.

After outlining the framework, we highlight new topics such as the convergence of gaming and gambling, social and economic impacts, and an expanded gender section. Implications for education, funding proposals, and treatment will be presented. We also describe the process of bringing together a diverse group of experts to collaborate on the project, while respecting the range of disciplinary training and perspectives that need to be supported to create a comprehensive framework.

Statement of Implications:

The framework reflects the current state of research evidence related to factors influencing harmful gambling. It can guide the development of research programs and stakeholder education on harmful gambling issues. The multi-disciplinary perspective contributed by a panel of international research experts ensures a comprehensive approach to understanding harmful gambling.

Keywords

harmful gambling, state of evidence, research resources, policy resources, educational resources, frameworks

Author Bios

Margo Hilbrecht:

Dr. Hilbrecht is the Director of Knowledge Management and Innovation at Gambling Research Exchange Ontario. She oversees the Evidence Centre, a repository of information resources, datasets, and other materials that help advance knowledge of gambling-related issues. Before joining GREO, Margo was the Associate Director, Research for the Canadian Index of Wellbeing. She holds a PhD in Leisure Studies from the University of Waterloo, and has research expertise in time use, well-being, and the work-leisure relationship.

David Baxter:

David Baxter is the Information Curation Specialist at Gambling Research Exchange Ontario. He is responsible for the information architecture of the Evidence Centre, a repository of information resources, datasets, and other materials that help advance knowledge of gambling-related issues, as well as development of GREO’s grey literature collection. Before joining GREO, David was the Informatics Manager at University and Jepson Herbaria, University of California, Berkeley. He holds a Master of Information from University of Toronto.

Funding Sources

This project was not supported by any external funding sources. Gambling Research Exchange Ontario is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, which had no involvement in this project. The views expressed in this article are the authors’ and do not necessarily reflect those of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Competing Interests

The authors declare that they have no financial or non-financial conflicts of interest. Gambling Research Exchange Ontario occasionally receives knowledge translation project funding from external organizations, including gambling operators and regulators. No such funds were received in relation to this project.

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May 30th, 3:30 PM May 30th, 4:55 PM

The Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling: A revised framework for understanding gambling harm

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

The harmful effects of gambling have been studied for decades in an attempt to understand individual differences in gambling involvement and the risk of gambling-related problems. In this presentation, we outline a recently updated, internationally relevant Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling that moves beyond a symptoms-based view of harm and addresses a broad set of factors related to population risk, community, and societal effects. Interrelated factors depicted in the framework represent major themes in gambling that range from the specific (gambling environment, exposure, gambling types, and treatment resources) to the general (cultural, social, psychological, and biological influences). Coauthored by international research experts and informed by multiple stakeholders, Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (GREO) facilitated the framework development, mobilization, and retains responsibility for regular updates.

After outlining the framework, we highlight new topics such as the convergence of gaming and gambling, social and economic impacts, and an expanded gender section. Implications for education, funding proposals, and treatment will be presented. We also describe the process of bringing together a diverse group of experts to collaborate on the project, while respecting the range of disciplinary training and perspectives that need to be supported to create a comprehensive framework.

Statement of Implications:

The framework reflects the current state of research evidence related to factors influencing harmful gambling. It can guide the development of research programs and stakeholder education on harmful gambling issues. The multi-disciplinary perspective contributed by a panel of international research experts ensures a comprehensive approach to understanding harmful gambling.