WLA launches microsite to address emerging adult gambling risks

New partnership will provide guidance for lotteries and emerging adults

Against this backdrop, the WLA and East Carolina University GRPI announced a new partnership to develop a microsite one stop shop, to address emerging adult gambling risk, during the event in Vienna.

The site was launched in November and enables lotteries around the world to share best practices, learn from each other and provide content developed by the GRPI, including:

• An overview of what is an emerging adult
• Risk Factors unique to emerging adults
• New emerging adult screen developed specifically to measure gambling risk for this population
• International research section
• Resources and efforts in place by member lotteries & sports betting operators to address emerging adults’ needs
• Information sheets & rack cards for any market, to inform patrons of gambling-related issues and resources.
• Suggestions on prevention, education, awareness, treatment & recovery

East Carolina University research

Malkin provided context for emerging adult gambling, explaining that with online gambling available on mobile phone devices, players don’t need a physical casino, require the need to get money out of the bank, nor do they need to plan gambling into their schedules, they can play anywhere, anytime.

Gambling on a phone can combine the compulsive behavior created by social media, which is the constant pursuit of dopamine hits, with the addictive qualities of gambling.

Moreover, online/mobile gambling sites make use of the same tracking software as other sites, to ensure gamblers are followed across the web by advertisements and enticements to keep betting.

Thus, it is important to reach these players wherever they are and make it as easy as possible for them to get help if required. Malkin underscored the importance of capturing emerging adult gambling risk early, for harm reduction and ultimately, prevention.

Use of gambling screeners

According to Malkin, most existing screens, only capture a small percentage of those between 18-24 experiencing gambling-related harms, and potentially at risk of gambling disorder, based on a large nationally representative sample.

East Carolina University conducted two studies, in order to develop and validate a new gambling screener for emerging adults:

– Study 1: Initial Screener Development

– Study 2: Screener Refinement & Validation

Moving away from traditional questionnaires, the GRPI screener aims to share information to help emerging adults who may be at risk, regardless of their answers, in order to reach more people.

Other useful tips shared included emerging adult gambling risk warning signs to watch for, and ways to help those who are or may become at risk.

Warning signs

• Frequent unexplained absences from work, school, family obligations or other important events
• Unusual interest in newspapers/magazines about stocks, sport scores and/or point spreads
• Excessive phone, text or internet use
• Problems with personal relationships, or withdrawal from family & friends
• Discomfort talking about money or financial management
• Lying about whereabouts; missing household or personal items; the sudden need to borrow money
• Unusual charges on credit card statements
• Visible changes in behavior (severe mood swings, personality or hygiene changes, disturbed sleep or eating patterns) or other symptoms of depression

Ways to help

• Be Proactive – If you observe possible signs of a problem for an emerging adult, seek help and support from various resources.
• Have the conversation – Talk with emerging adults about gambling and its risks
• Help those experiencing gambling-related harms to get support
• Treatment for gambling works, and emerging adults respond well to brief gambling interventions
• Ask college administrators to raise awareness of and address gambling on campuses
• Check out resources at: gamblyticsresearch.com

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