A case study of coin pusher use in adolescence leading to gambling-related harm later in life

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Author(s): Torrance, Jamie ; Smith, Jessica ; Newall, Philip W. S.

Journal: Psychiatry Research Case Reports

Year Published: 2025

Date Added: September 02, 2025

Most research studies on adolescent gambling have focused on illegal use of age-restricted gambling products. Yet, adolescents can often gamble legally on products like coin pusher machines. This study is a qualitative case report of the use of coin pusher machines during adolescence that is linked with gambling-related harm in adulthood. The researchers interviewed a 57-year-old British male with a history of significant gambling-related harm. They identified three themes from the interview: (1) structural similarities between coin pushers and traditional gambling formats; (2) coin pushers as a gateway to adult gambling behaviour; and (3) the need for harm reduction measures for coin pushers and other gambling products that are legally available to minors.

Citation: Torrance, J., Smith, J., & Newall, P. (2025). ‘I wouldn’t have become addicted to fruit machines if it wasn’t for coin pushers’: A case report of adolescent coin pusher use leading to lifelong gambling-related harm. Psychiatry Research Case Reports, 4, 100246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psycr.2025.100246

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psycr.2025.100246

Keywords: adolescents ; age restriction ; gambling harm ; public health ; underage gambling

Topics: Children and Youth ; Priority Populations ; Public Health

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Types ; Psychological Factors ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Social - Social Demographics ; Psychological - Lifespan Development ; Social Factors

Study Design: Qualitative Case Study

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom, Great Britain

Study Population: The participant is a 57-year-old British male with 49 years of gambling experience and is now in recovery.

Sampling Procedure: One of the research team members met the participant at a gambling conference, where a conversation about the participant’s use of coin pusher machines during adolescence occurred. Therefore, the participant was selected purposively.

Study Funding:

No funding source was declared for this study.