Problem gambling during COVID-19: The effects of reduced exposure to gambling venues during lockdown

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Author(s): Donati, Maria Anna ; Cabrini, Silvia ; Capitanucci, Daniela ; Primi, Caterina ; Smaniotto, Roberta ; Avanzi, Maurizio ; Quadrelli, Eleonora ; Bielli, Giovanna ; Casini, Alfredo ; Roaro, Alessandra

Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Year Published: 2021

Date Added: March 31, 2021

During the initial COVID-19 lockdown in Italy, all gambling venues closed. How did this reduced access to gambling affect gambling harms? This study interviewed 135 adults in Italy who were receiving treatment for gambling disorder. The participants reported on their living conditions, emotional state, and gambling behaviour, symptoms, and cravings before and during lockdown. Overall, participants showed less gambling behaviour, fewer gambling disorder symptoms, and lower cravings during lockdown. Many felt the restricted access to gambling during lockdown helped improve their quality of life.

Citation: Donati, M. A., Cabrini, S., Capitanucci, D., Primi, C., Smaniotto, R., Avanzi, M., … Roaro, A. (2021). Being a gambler during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study with Italian patients and the effects of reduced exposition. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 424. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020424

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020424

Keywords: abstinence ; COVID-19 ; Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs) ; environment ; gambling disorder ; game restrictions ; harm reduction ; interviews ; prevention ; problem gambling ; structural characteristics ; treatment

Topics: Gambling Environment ; Gambling Resources ; Game Types ; Information for Operators ; Information for Treatment Providers ; Prevention ; Slots and VLTs

Conceptual Framework Factors: Exposure - Gambling Setting ; Types - Structural Characteristics ; Exposure - Accessibility ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Social - Family and Peer Gambling Involvement ; Gambling Exposure ; Social Factors ; Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Response Rate: Unknown, N=135

Study Design: Descriptive: Survey

Geographic Coverage: Italy

Study Population: Italian adults who were seeking treatment for gambling disorder prior to the start of the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy in 2020 (N=135).

Sampling Procedure: The researchers contacted potential participants through the National Health Drug Services (Ser.D) and through the private non-profit association AND-Azzardo e Nuove Dipendenze. The telephone interviews were administered by the healthcare professionals who were treating the participants before the lockdown.

Study Funding:

This research received no external funding.