Risks of Gambling Normalization

This study discusses the relationship between members/stakeholders of Belgian sports organisations and sports gambling. This text particularly highlights factors that may be linked with higher levels of problem gambling in sports. The study emphasizes the need for gambling regulations and educational measures to denormalize gambling in sports and tackle its associated harms, such as relationship breakdowns, debts, anxiety, depression, and suicide. The text also sheds light on the characteristics of sports bettors in Germany and Australia and identifies socialization mechanisms in sports clubs that contribute to the normalization of gambling. Important to notice the limitation of this study being by its small sample size and possible self-selection bias. Yet, this text provides valuable insights into the normalization of gambling and its potential harm to society.

Authors of this review:

Nikita Goncharenko

Date of Publication:

16/04/2023

Academic Reference:

Constandt, B., Rosiers, J., Moernaut, J., Van Der Hoeven, S. and Willem, A. (2022). Part of the Game? Exploring the Prevalence and Normalization of Gambling in Belgian Sports Clubs. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19.

Tags:sports gambling sports management

Key Ideas

Being male and aged 26-35 years old are factors linked to higher levels of problem gambling in sports.

Being involved in football (soccer) is also linked to higher levels of problem gambling in sports.

The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) was used as part of self-report method within this study to analyze problem gambling in sports betting.

Gambling regulations and educational measures are key to raising awareness of gambling harms and denormalizing gambling.

Many sports organizations rely heavily on the generous sponsoring of gambling companies.

Gambling can lead to relationship breakdowns, debts, anxiety, depression, and suicide.

There have been numerous incidents of gambling-related match-fixing [particularly sensitive topic in Belgium].

Aggressive gambling advertisements mark a potential turning point concerning society's perspective on gambling.

Authors claim that the recreational gambling can have potential positive outcomes on stress levels and life satisfaction.

The 'gamblification' of sports contributes to a rise in problem gambling and associated harms.

Interestingly, elite athletes are more susceptible to problem gambling.

Normalization theory helps to understand how social practices become institutionalized.

Gambling has turned into a fast-growing and economically profitable business.

The risks of gambling are often inadequately highlighted by gambling companies and authorities.

Social acceptance, peer discussions, and dominant social norms contribute to the normalization of sports betting.

Gamblers tend to overestimate the actual prevalence of sports betting over the time.

Also interestingly, peer pressure to engage in gambling is largely absent in Belgian sports clubs.

Gamblers often misbelieve that financial losses can be limited when one gambles according to a sophisticated system. Another common misbelief is that winning in sports betting depends on one's knowledge of sports.

Red signal for policy-makers: most gamblers appeared to lack knowledge on where to go when experiencing gambling-related questions and issues.

An interesting psychological factor intristically pulling players into sports betting: young males are more inclined towards risk-taking.

Citations

"Ferris and Wynne (2001) developed the PGSI as part of their Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI)."

the normalization of gambling ... : "The interplay of socio-cultural, environmental, commercial, and political processes which influence how different gambling activities and products are made available and accessible, encourage recent and regular use, and become an accepted part of everyday life for individuals, their families, and communities."

"gambling behaviour itself does not need to be problematic to cause harm"

External References

Ferris, J. and Wynne, H. (2001). The Canadian Problem Gambling Index: Final report. Ottawa, ON: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.

Hing, N., Russell, A., Tolchard, B. and Nower, L. (2015). Risk Factors for Gambling Problems: An Analysis by Gender. Journal of Gambling Behavior. 32.

Latvala, T., Lintonen, T. and Konu, A. (2019). Public health effects of gambling - debate on a conceptual model. BMC Public Health. 19.

Lopez-Gonzalez, H. and Griffiths, M. (2018). Betting, Forex Trading, and Fantasy Gaming Sponsorships—a Responsible Marketing Inquiry into the 'Gamblification' of English Football. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. 16.

McGee, D. (2020). On the normalisation of online sports gambling among young adult men in the UK: a public health perspective. Public Health. 184.