Problem gambling, familial violence and alcohol misuse: the triad in an Australian treatment-seeking sample

Tiffany Lavis, Peter Harvey, Malcolm Battersby, David Smith

    Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

    Abstract

    Research into the co-occurrence of problem gambling, familial violence, and alcohol misuse is limited. While these issues have been considered in combination (i.e. violence and alcohol misuse, problem gambling and alcohol misuse, problem gambling and violence), within Australia, in particular, there has been an absence of exploration of this triad. The current research attempts to fill the gap in the literature, to establish whether there is any difference between problem gamblers with co-occurring violence and problem gamblers who had not experienced violence in terms of their alcohol misuse and gambling behaviours. Interviews were conducted with 81 treatment-seeking problem gamblers to explore how a history of victimization only, perpetration only, victimization and perpetration, or no history of family violence impacted on gambling behaviours (including baseline Victorian Gambling Screen), as well as alcohol misuse. Results indicated that in this treatment-seeking sample there were no significant differences for gambling behaviours or alcohol misuse between problem gamblers with issues of violence and those without. Males demonstrated (on average) a greater tendency toward hazardous drinking or disordered alcohol use. It would be prudent for treatment services to routinely examine problem gamblers' history of violence and alcohol misuse until research verifies the nature of this triad.
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusPublished - 2016
    Event16th International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking - The Mirage Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, United States
    Duration: 6 Jun 201610 Jun 2016
    https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/gaming_institute/2016/ (Conference link)

    Conference

    Conference16th International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityLas Vegas
    Period6/06/1610/06/16
    OtherThe International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking brings together a diverse array of researchers and industry professionals from across the globe to discuss wide-ranging topics in gambling studies. Launched in 1974 by Dr. Bill Eadington—an innovative thinker and founding figure in gambling research—the conference has maintained its status as the largest, oldest, and most prestigious conference of its kind by always looking towards the future and remaining on the cutting-edge of gambling insights. Encompassing academics, researchers, industry representatives, professional gamblers, regulatory and government officials, and treatment providers, the conference seeks to encourage new ways of thinking, drive innovation and change, and provide interdisciplinary access to the world’s brightest gambling minds. Held only every three years, IGI encourages all students, early-career scholars, established researchers, and gaming industry authorities to submit their latest and most groundbreaking research for the chance to present to the world’s largest gathering of gambling intellectuals. Held in 2019, the last conference drew 550+ attendees from 34 countries and covered topics including: economics, public policy, mathematics, social sciences, psychology, and treatment.
    Internet address

    Keywords

    • Problem gambling
    • Violence
    • Alcohol misuse
    • Treatment

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