This study examined positive play (i.e., gambling in non-problematic ways) in people who gamble in Ontario. The researchers analyzed player survey data from the Ontario Lottery Corporation (casino, charitable bingo, lottery, and online gambling) to identify profiles of people who engage in what is considered to be positive play. Some of the findings include:
- People who scored low on one or more of the positive play scales was more likely to be young, male, single, have a low or middle range income, have at least some university education, born outside of Canada, and be a recent immigrant.
- Older people, women, and people with a positive attitude towards OLG were more likely to engage in positive play.
- People who reported setting limits and those who engage in other responsible gambling behaviors scored higher on positive play scales.
- People who endorsed items on problem behaviors or erroneous beliefs scored lower on positive play scales.
- Positive play was highest for people who engage in lottery gambling, followed by people who engage in casino gambling.
The authors recommend targeting awareness-raising efforts about positive play at:
- Younger men
- People who are single
- People who are recent immigrants
- People who gamble online
- People who engage in charitable gambling
