Problem Gambling Treatment The future arrives!

58 Pages·2012·1.31 MB·English

Problem Gambling Treatment
The future arrives!
Sean Sullivan PhD
ABACUS

Current challenges for all addictions
• Alcohol abuse and resistance to legislate
• Smoking – risking international sanctions and
penalties because of „free trade‟ conflicts with
public health
• Legal „party‟ drugs – some initiatives but
uncertain outcomes regarding proof of harm
and levels for e.g. synthetic cannabis
• Internet addiction – what is „normal‟ use?
Longer use becoming the norm
• Gambling – some controls but technology
challenges, social acceptance, and attractive
taxation source – uncertain growth in problems
PG differences to AOD
• A relatively „pure‟ behavioural addiction (no
external drug influence) – often perception the
addiction due more to choice
• The reinforcer is a general reinforcer (e.g.
money, praise) – it is resistant to satiation
• Solution to problems arising from the
behaviour may include continuation in the
behaviour (has a built in solution i.e. a win!)
• Money is a powerful reinforcer that most
people want (drugs perhaps less so) – gives
choice, respect, safety, peace of mind,
hope……….
• PG may be less likely to seek help
The old days
• Gambling semi-controlled under Gaming &
Lotteries Act 1977
• Lotto introduced 1987
• Gambling machines existed, but not
recognised under the Act – became „legal‟ in
1988
• No casinos pre 1994– Committee of Enquiry
into casinos 1988-1989
• First casino opens 1994, by 2003, a total of
6 casinos open
Into the new era
• 2003 Gambling Act – no NZ Internet
gambling except Lottery & racing/sports
• Online betting – Racing Board monopoly on
racing and sports betting or Lotto
• Internet gambling – allowed if based
overseas
• Technology and accessibility the challenge –
can be accessed 24 hrs a day
Global online gambling growth
Ferguson 2012
Mobile gambling growth
• UK – 20% wagers are via online mobile
devices
• Now in NZ: In play betting can prompt
gambling– „next try/yellow card?‟
• Estimated world-wide growth of
gambling via mobile devices will
increase from the $20B in 2011 to
$100B in 2017
Juniper Research (May 2012)
An important income
resource for governments
• Because gambling is a substantial source of
duty/tax, a large employer, and is part-owned
by the state (Lotto), conflict of interest may
be perceived when gambling
expansion/reduction
• NZ Gambling Act – no „for profit‟ gambling
permitted other than casinos
• Monopoly on Internet gambling in NZ given to
Lottery Commission and Racing Board
• In Australia, 11% (average) of all State
income is raised from gambling
But is problem gambling reducing?
Some suggest problem gamblers „adapt‟ &
reduce their harm