Journal
HEALTH PROMOTION JOURNAL OF AUSTRALIA
Volume 33, Issue 2, Pages 533-541Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1002/hpja.500
Keywords
EGMs; gambling; older people; qualitative research; social determinants
Categories
Funding
- Australian Research Council
- Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation
- New South Wales Office for Responsible Gambling
- European Union
- Beat the Odds Wales
- ACT Gaming and Racing
- Royal College of Psychiatrists Wales
- SNSUS (Stiftelsen Nordiska Sallskapet for Upplysning om Spelberoende) the Nordic Society Foundation for Information about Problem Gambling
- Australian Department of Veteran's Affairs
- Victorian Department of Education and Training
- Defence Health Foundation
- Weary Dunlop Foundation
- Colliers Charitable Fund
- Helen Macpherson Smith Trust
- Gandel Philanthropy
- Avon Primary Care Research Collaborative
- National Institute for Health Research
- Economic and Social Research Council
- Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (Australia)
- Gambling Research Exchange Ontario (Canada)
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This study investigated the motivations of older adults engaging in electronic gambling machines (EGMs) and their perceptions of risk associated with EGM gambling. Most participants considered EGM gambling as a secondary activity, had misconceptions about how the machines operate, but believed that they were not at risk of gambling harm, which may increase their susceptibility.
Issue addressed Older adults are at an increased risk of experiencing gambling harm, which may be due to their use of high-intensity gambling products such as electronic gambling machines (EGMs). However, little research has explored the motivations behind older adults' engagement with EGMs, their understanding of the structural characteristics of EGMs, or their perceptions of risk associated with EGM gambling. This paper aims to address this gap in the literature. Methods Focus groups were conducted in Melbourne, Australia with n = 126 adults aged 55+, who had attended a club or pub in the last 12 months. Topics included EGM attitudes and behaviours, structural characteristics of EGMs, and the potential risks associated with EGM gambling. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Results For most participants, EGM gambling was secondary to their participation in other activities available within venues. Participants identified structural characteristics of EGMs; however, there were some misconceptions about how EGMs operated, including how or why machines paid out. Most participants perceived that they were not at risk of gambling harm because they engaged in responsible gambling practices such as setting limits. Conclusions Older adults often engaged in EGM gambling because of its availability in community-based venues. Older adults' perception that they are implementing responsible gambling practices may be increasing their susceptibility to harm. So what? There is a need to reduce the availability and accessibility of EGMs in community settings and develop public education programs that are tailored to the needs of older adults.
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