Public opinions and expectations increasingly define what governments can and cannot do, particularly with “morality issues” such as gambling (McAllister, 2014). Given the importance placed on public perceptions in affecting gambling regulations, this literature review will explore Public Perceptions of Problem Gambling. The policy relevant to this topic is the National Gambling Reform Act 2012. Although the literature covers many different theories and ideas, this review will focus on two major ideas, problem gambling and public perceptions. It will examine the factors defining problem gambling behaviour and the influences behind public perception of gambling.
Problem Gambling
To study public perceptions of problem gambling, it is necessary to first examine the subject of problem gambling itself. As gambling encompasses many forms, it is important to consider the factors defining problem gambling behaviour in order to identify the areas governments should focus on when addressing the issue. In the literature reviewed, factors such as volume, frequency of gambling, harms to normal life and the ability to resist were raised when analysing problem gambling and addictive behaviour. Holtgraves (2009) found gambling activities that allowed for much larger betting amounts or were easily accessible such as internet gambling and Electronic gaming machines (EGM) were more likely to cause problem gambling as there was a greater risk for substantial financial losses and gamblers becoming frequent users. While studying the harms caused by gambling, the Productivity Commission (2010) also found problem gamblers suffer more financial, health, employment and psycho-social problems than other gamblers. Another factor highlighted in the readings was the ability to resist an activity. …show more content…
In an earlier study, Jacobs (1986) found three main reasons people may struggle to resist an activity and develop or maintain an addictive behaviour. Those reasons were positive reinforcement from the activity, overlearning and fear of anticipated distress. However, Cronce et al. (2007) added self perception of gambling problems, as another possible reason people may not be able to resist an activity and seek treatment. While studying adolescents’ self perceptions on problem gambling, Cronce et al. (2007) found adolescents who had family members with gambling problems, more likely to recognise problem gambling behaviour in themselves and seek help than those who had no familial gambling problems. This suggests many adolescents may not be fully aware of problem gambling symptoms and effects. Public Perceptions While Cronce et al. (2009) noted the influence of family behaviour on adolescents’ self perception; other studies have examined more general public perceptions of gambling and have found other influences that may affect public perceptions. Although public opinion about gambling is generally negative, they vary depending on the gambling activity. McAllister (2014) found that participants formed strong negative opinions about gambling with general gambling activities such as EGMs in mind, and not lottery tickets and scratchies. Similarly, the Productivity Commission (2010) found EGM players were more harshly judged than other gamblers. These findings show the activities that attracted negative opinions, reflect the activities that are high risk for problem gambling, as noted above. This indicates the public are mostly aware of the activities associated with problem gambling. Public perceptions can also vary when it comes to gambling regulations and is sometimes influenced by social background. McAllister (2014) found younger respondents were more likely to want tougher restrictions on gambling than people born overseas.
Problem Gambling
To study public perceptions of problem gambling, it is necessary to first examine the subject of problem gambling itself. As gambling encompasses many forms, it is important to consider the factors defining problem gambling behaviour in order to identify the areas governments should focus on when addressing the issue. In the literature reviewed, factors such as volume, frequency of gambling, harms to normal life and the ability to resist were raised when analysing problem gambling and addictive behaviour. Holtgraves (2009) found gambling activities that allowed for much larger betting amounts or were easily accessible such as internet gambling and Electronic gaming machines (EGM) were more likely to cause problem gambling as there was a greater risk for substantial financial losses and gamblers becoming frequent users. While studying the harms caused by gambling, the Productivity Commission (2010) also found problem gamblers suffer more financial, health, employment and psycho-social problems than other gamblers. Another factor highlighted in the readings was the ability to resist an activity. …show more content…
In an earlier study, Jacobs (1986) found three main reasons people may struggle to resist an activity and develop or maintain an addictive behaviour. Those reasons were positive reinforcement from the activity, overlearning and fear of anticipated distress. However, Cronce et al. (2007) added self perception of gambling problems, as another possible reason people may not be able to resist an activity and seek treatment. While studying adolescents’ self perceptions on problem gambling, Cronce et al. (2007) found adolescents who had family members with gambling problems, more likely to recognise problem gambling behaviour in themselves and seek help than those who had no familial gambling problems. This suggests many adolescents may not be fully aware of problem gambling symptoms and effects. Public Perceptions While Cronce et al. (2009) noted the influence of family behaviour on adolescents’ self perception; other studies have examined more general public perceptions of gambling and have found other influences that may affect public perceptions. Although public opinion about gambling is generally negative, they vary depending on the gambling activity. McAllister (2014) found that participants formed strong negative opinions about gambling with general gambling activities such as EGMs in mind, and not lottery tickets and scratchies. Similarly, the Productivity Commission (2010) found EGM players were more harshly judged than other gamblers. These findings show the activities that attracted negative opinions, reflect the activities that are high risk for problem gambling, as noted above. This indicates the public are mostly aware of the activities associated with problem gambling. Public perceptions can also vary when it comes to gambling regulations and is sometimes influenced by social background. McAllister (2014) found younger respondents were more likely to want tougher restrictions on gambling than people born overseas.