Causal inference methods in gambling research

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Reports

Author(s): James, Richard J. E. ; Kim, Hyungseo ; Hitcham, Lucy ; Tunney, Richard J.

Publisher: Greo Evidence Insights

Year Published: 2023

Date Added: January 18, 2025

Resource Type: Research report

This research report explores whether there is a causal relationship between specific gambling products and individual gambling harms, specifically problem gambling. The researchers reviewed and used methods from other social science disciplines to make stronger claims about the cause of gambling harm. The study looks at the relationship between eight types of gambling activity (online betting, offline betting, pools, scratchcards, lotteries, pools, offline bingo, and slot machines/FOBTs) on problem gambling. Several British gambling prevalence survey datasets were used: the Health Survey for England in 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2016; the Scottish Health Survey in 2012, 2015, and 2016, and the British Gambling Prevalence Study in 2007 and 2010. The findings suggested that most gambling activities were associated with some degree of an increased risk of addictive behaviour. Certain types of gambling were more associated with addictive behaviour (i.e., online gambling, slots) than others (i.e., lotteries).

Citation: James, R.J.E., Kim, H., Hitcham, L., & Tunney, R.J. (2023) Causal inference methods in gambling research. Report prepared for Greo Evidence Insights (Greo), Guelph, Ontario, Canada. https://doi.org/10.33684/2024.004

Keywords: bingo ; Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs) ; fantasy sports pools ; Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) ; gambling behaviours ; gambling harm ; online betting ; problem gambling ; scratch cards ; slot-machine gambling

Topics: Fantasy Sports ; Game Types ; Information for Operators ; Slots and VLTs ; Sports Betting

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Types ; Cultural - Gambling Cultures ; Exposure - Gambling Setting ; Types - Structural Characteristics ; Resources - Risk Assessment ; Gambling Resources

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom

Related Resources:

Inferring causality in gambling research using matching methods and sample selection models

Study Funding:

The funding for this study came from Greo through a grant for secondary data analysis using gambling harm data in Great Britain. Funding for these grants was derived from regulatory settlements in lieu of financial penalties from gambling operators in Great Britain. The Gambling Commission reviews and approves proposals for destinations of regulatory settlements. Under the terms of a settlement, there is to be no publicity or benefit for the operator in connection with the regulatory settlement.

Greo supported the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms in Great Britain as a neutral, arm’s-length organisation that managed the solicitation, review, funding, and project management of safer gambling initiatives. Greo was not involved in the ideas presented herein and imposed no constraints on publishing.