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Contentious Issues and Future Directions in Adolescent Gambling Research

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Delfabbro

    (School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia)

  • Daniel L. King

    (College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia)

Abstract

Background. There is currently considerable public policy and regulatory interest in the nature and prevalence of underage gambling. Research in this area has purported to show that adolescents are at elevated risk of problem gambling and that early exposure to gambling or gambling-like activities could be a potential precursor to future harm. Method. In this commentary, we provide a critical appraisal of these arguments with reference to major studies in the field of gambling studies. It is argued that adolescent gambling research is a contentious area. Some questions remain concerning the validity of adolescent problem gambling measures, the strength of the association between adolescent and adult gambling and the impact of simulated gambling activities. Results. The paper summarises the conceptual and methodological issues that should be considered and addressed in future studies to strengthen the validity of research in this area. Conclusion. The paper encourages the greater use of harm-based measures, longitudinal and individual-level transition analyses and questions that capture the influence of activities rather than just their temporal sequencing.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Delfabbro & Daniel L. King, 2021. "Contentious Issues and Future Directions in Adolescent Gambling Research," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-11, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:21:p:11482-:d:669501
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Frédéric Dussault & Natacha Brunelle & Sylvia Kairouz & Michel Rousseau & Danielle Leclerc & Joël Tremblay & Marie-Marthe Cousineau & Magali Dufour, 2017. "Transition from playing with simulated gambling games to gambling with real money: a longitudinal study in adolescence," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(3), pages 386-400, September.
    2. Daniel L. King & Paul H. Delfabbro & Jeffrey L. Derevensky & Mark D. Griffiths, 2012. "A review of Australian classification practices for commercial video games featuring simulated gambling," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 12(2), pages 231-242, January.
    3. Aaron Drummond & James D. Sauer, 2018. "Video game loot boxes are psychologically akin to gambling," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 2(8), pages 530-532, August.
    4. Sally M. Gainsbury & Nerilee Hing & Paul H. Delfabbro & Daniel L. King, 2014. "A taxonomy of gambling and casino games via social media and online technologies," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 14(2), pages 196-213, August.
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