Damian Sendler: Commercial gambling has been severely impacted in many jurisdictions around the world as a result of the lockdown response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey data and findings related to gambling and gambling disorder will be described in this review.
Damian Jacob Sendler: Cross-sectional assessments (n = 11, 65 percent) and longitudinal assessments (n = 6, 35 percent) comprised the majority of publications that met the inclusion criteria. In light of the closure of land-based casinos, all studies found a decrease in gambling frequency and expenditure. In both the general population and the gambling population, the percentage of people who increased their overall gambling or their online gambling was estimated to be variable. During the lockdown, increased problem gambling severity, younger age groups, and males were the most consistent correlates of increased gambling.
Dr. Sendler: There is evidence to suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on gambling and problematic gambling may be both positive and negative, depending on the individuals affected. Both the reduction in overall gambling, as well as the increase in some vulnerable groups, need to be assessed in follow-up studies. People with gambling addictions should be considered a vulnerable group in the short-term.
COVID-19 has had a significant impact on commercial gambling around the world as a result of the global response. During the first phase ‘lockdown’ in March and April 2020, many land-based gambling venues, including casinos, bingo halls, horseracing tracks, bars and clubs with electronic gambling machines (EGMs), lottery retailers, betting shops, and poker rooms, were forced to close. During the second wave of restrictions, some venues have closed while others have reopened partially or completely. As with the pandemic itself, the future availability of gambling is unknowable and unsure. These effects’ impact on individuals is examined in this paper, which summarizes the available evidence.
The availability of land-based gambling decreased at the same time that online gambling sites were operating. It was reported in the media that the pandemic served to promote this increasingly popular gambling format, and that the business had prospered. Most online gambling sites include a wide range of gambling options such as lottery ticket sales and casino table games such as roulette, blackjack and craps, as well as slot machines, online poker and sports wagering options. All other types of gambling, except sports betting, have been available from both legally regulated and unregulated site operators, despite the decline or cessation of professional sports around the world. As a precaution against the worst effects of a pandemic, some countries have restricted advertising [7] and imposed a daily betting cap [8].
People who engage in recreational gambling risk harming themselves and their families, as well as their communities [9–10]. It’s a behavior that has the potential to become addictive and, in some cases, lead to a gambling disorder (GD). In GD, people continue to gamble despite negative consequences, give more importance to gambling than other life interests, and have less control over their involvement in gambling. [11] EGMs and certain casino table games are considered particularly problematic for people with GD, who tend to gamble more frequently on all forms of gambling [12].
Because of the lack of restrictions on how and when it can be accessed, its solitary nature, and the wide range of gambling options, online gambling is seen as a particularly problematic gambling format. Online gamblers are more likely to suffer from GD than those who only gamble in land-based casinos [13,14]. However, it’s not clear which factor causes the other. Online gambling may have a link to GD because it gives those with GD more and more flexible options for accessing gambling than does traditional gambling. As a result, many online gamblers are also regulars at brick-and-mortar casinos. As a result of the pandemic lockdown of land-based gambling venues, one significant concern has been raised that individuals will begin to engage in online gambling for the first time, and this involvement will increase their vulnerability to negative consequences and GD. Another concern is that people who already gamble online will become more engaged, which could lead to an increase in their risk of developing a problem with gambling.
People’s desire to gamble may be affected by the pandemic’s social and financial effects, as well as the availability of gambling. The pandemic’s stress and social isolation can lead to gambling as an emotional escape, a well-known and frequently occurring motivation for gambling that is linked to GD [12]. People in recovery from GD may also be more likely to relapse because of these effects [17,18]. Gambling can be a way for people to deal with the financial stress of job insecurity and unemployment [19]. People who engage in gambling-like behavior, such as speculative stock trading, have been identified. Reports indicate that new investors used stock trading as a distraction during the lockdown and that major trading platforms added millions of new accounts in the first four months of this year [20,21]..
The closure of land-based gambling establishments may also have a positive impact on people with GD. People may be motivated to cut back or stop gambling if gambling is less readily available to them [22]. Canadian gambling helpline calls decreased after the closure of the casinos [23], indicating that fewer people were having acute gambling-related issues.
Because of the ongoing nature of the pandemic, any immediate effects on gambling and GD are likely to diminish or vanish altogether as the disease progresses and is finally eradicated. In addition to qualitative and mixed methods research designs, cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys are essential for monitoring the effects [15]. Individual gambling and GD are the focus of this review, which identifies and describes survey data and findings to date. For example, we looked for peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and unpublished manuscripts.
Damian Jacob Markiewicz Sendler: All 17 studies found a decrease in gambling frequency and spending, which is not surprising given the closure of land-based gambling establishments. Participants in two studies were asked to explain why they had cut back on their gambling. Participants in a New Zealand study were given a list of reasons by the Health Promotion Agency. The most common reason people reduced their online gambling was to save money (50 percent), followed by not wanting to gamble in front of their family (15 percent), believing they were gambling excessively (13 percent), and having someone suggest they reduce their online gambling (11 percent ) [39]. There was an online weighted panel in Great Britain that used open-ended questions and then presented a checklist to assess the reasons for gambling less In the open-ended questions, the most common responses were: not watching live sports (22%), shopping less generally (13%), occasionally playing the lottery (9%), lack of interest (8%), and having less money (8 percent ). Most frequently mentioned in the list were no desire to gamble (30%), occasional gambling (28%) and only betting on sports events that are cancelled (28%).
There was a wide range in the percentage of participants in both the general population and the population that gambles who reported an increase in overall gambling. Given the study methodology, these estimates are not likely to be accurate. Studies 29 and 30 used convenience samples, which were drawn from social media and previous research participants, respectively. Unweighted online panels were used in the other two estimates [33,39]. It’s impossible to accurately estimate prevalence using either of these designs.
Studies on online gambling have increased significantly over the past few years. YouGov weighted panel in Great Britain [31] provided the lowest estimate, which showed an increase of online gambling from 1.5% in October 2019 to 2.3% in May 2020. In contrast, the two highest estimates, 31% 37 and 26% 24, were based on online surveys of past year gamblers. There was an estimated increase in online gambling between 11% and 20% without taking into account the most extreme or most conservative estimates.
During the pandemic, a subset of people saw an increase in their gambling, which was examined in numerous studies. There were four studies that found an association between an increase in problem gambling severity index score and an increase in gambling [31–35,41]. Increased gambling was found to be associated with moderate risk, but not with problem gambling, according to a single study [30]. Five studies [24,26,28,35,39] found that younger age was a significant correlation, one of which also found that older age was a correlation [26]. Three studies [26,31,35] found an increased risk in men, while another [29] found an increased risk in women. Increased gambling was also made possible by more people working full-time [28,29] and earning more money [41]. Addiction to alcohol (33), marijuana (37) and cocaine (29) were all found to be significant in a single sample. Finally, nonsmokers [29] and New Zealanders who identify as Maori [39] were both more likely to report an increase in their gambling habits.
Damian Sendler
There were two studies that looked at how people viewed the reasons or motivations for their increased gambling. Among the reasons given for gambling by the Health Promotion Agency in New Zealand were boredom (34 percent), financial pressure (28 percent), the need for relaxation (25 percent), online social occasions (16 percent), and stress (13 percent) (15 percent ). A YouGov survey conducted in the United Kingdom found that 12 percent of respondents cited boredom as their top concern, followed by making money (55 percent ). Boredom (52 percent) and the chance to win money (40 percent) were the most frequently cited reasons for completing a checklist (48 percent ).
Damien Sendler: The Ontario survey, on the other hand, looked at the reasons why people gamble online [37,38]. (versus change in gambling). Gambling to recoup lost money and to earn money were both linked to job losses and other negative financial consequences as a result of the COVID-19. Gambling was linked to reduced work hours because of its calming effect on people who were anxious or depressed. The severity of problem gambling was also higher in those who said the pandemic influenced their decision to gamble online in this study [37].
Three studies [26,29,40] reported a follow-up assessment following a lockdown. Lockdown-increased gamblers in Great Britain were assessed in early August during a “relaxation of lockdown restrictions” period and found that 48 percent of those gamblers had maintained or increased their activity. Ethnicity, lower education, non-student status, and smoking were all associated with this. One study in November of Australia’s post-lockdown gambling market discovered an increase in activity compared to lockdown levels for the majority of gambling types, with some returning to 2019 levels [26] Similar to the findings from the Great Britain study, these risk factors included being an ethnic minority, smoking, and having a lower level of education. A post-lockdown re-evaluation in June 2020 in New Zealand found that the reduction in gambling compared to pre-pandemic levels was maintained, and that the percentage of people worried about their gambling fell from 17 percent to 11 percent during the lockdown [26].
COVID-19’s effect on gambling has been studied by a large number of independent researchers, but the quality of these studies varies greatly. In spite of the wide range of differences, there are some consistent patterns across jurisdictions. In the first place, the expected decrease in gambling frequency and expenditure occurred during the lockdown when land-based opportunities were reduced. Due to lack of accessibility, financial constraints, and a lack of interest among the general public, some have suggested that participation should be curtailed. People’s histories of gambling involvement are likely to be revealed in post-pandemic follow-up studies.
Damian Jacob Sendler
People who started or increased their online gambling involvement were also found to have increased their gambling involvement. Despite the fact that the results of various studies differ, there is some agreement on the existence of certain vulnerabilities. Higher levels of problem gambling were a consistent predictor of an increase in gambling. Additionally, younger age groups, males, and those with mental health issues have been found to be linked to gambling addictions. In addition, boredom and financial constraints were frequently cited as sources of inspiration. These indicators can be used to create a detailed picture of those who are most in need of health education, prevention, and treatment. Ethnicity, lower educational status, nonstudent status, and smoking have been identified as possible predictors of those who continue to gamble after a lockdown. It’s unclear if this rise will persist after the pandemic stress has subsided.
For the most part, researchers used cross-sectional studies that drew on reports of people’s gambling habits before the pandemic. After the pandemic is over, researchers can use the data collected from these surveys to make comparisons about the post-pandemic situation and its implications. Even before the onset of COVID-19, at least four longitudinal studies have gathered data on gambling. However, with the exception of Leonard and his colleagues, it is not clear if any further follow-ups are in the works. Auer et al.[25], who focused on online sports bettors, reported behavioral data from an online operator in their investigation A self-report survey is used in the other three longitudinal studies [26,31,36]. The best methodology [42] was used in all cases to collect data on gambling participation separately for each type of gambling activity. Researchers in the United Kingdom, such as YouGov, and in Australia, such as Biddle et al. (the Life in Australia panel), drew on long-standing general population panels to look at a variety of variables, including gambling. Due to the fact that participants can opt in or out of a survey that is specifically targeting gambling, these studies provide the most accurate estimates of prevalence. An existing Canadian online panel of people who were regular gamblers when recruited in 2018 was used in the Leonard and colleagues study [36]. Allows for the identification of differences in characteristics and trajectories among gamblers of various levels of involvement.
Despite the fact that the results of these studies were generally consistent, it is always beneficial to gather additional data to confirm and contextualize findings. In the YouGov panel study, for example, a small subset of individuals was interviewed in detail as part of the qualitative component. The pandemic effect in Sweden was assessed using industry sales data rather than individual gambling reports in one study that was excluded from this review. The study also found a 13% drop in overall gambling, with an increase in online casino gambling, but not in online gambling as a whole, according to the findings. Because of the difficulty in distinguishing between short-term effects of the pandemic and longer-term trends like the general decline in gambling participation seen in many developed gambling markets [45], this triangulation is critical. Post-pandemic gambling may be affected by the lingering effects of the pandemic or by preexisting trends.
Some people may see a decrease in current or future gambling problems as a result of taking COVID-19, but for others, it may lead to an increase in current or future problematic gambling. There are no clear long-term consequences of either the reduction in overall gambling or the increase in some vulnerable groups. Land-based gambling was unavailable in all jurisdictions at the time of the surveys reviewed in this paper. There will be more variation in the gambling landscape in terms of restrictions (land-based casino openings, online betting caps) which will complicate examination of overall trends during any follow-up studies. Individuals with gambling and other comorbidities need to be identified as a vulnerable group in the short term.