Understanding Positive Play: An Exploration of Playing Experiences and Responsible Gambling Practices

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Gambling Studies
• Online Consumer Behavior

Background:

• Limited research exists on non-problematic gambling behaviors.
• Understanding 'positive players' is crucial for developing effective responsible gambling (RG) strategies.
• Existing RG messaging may not resonate with all player demographics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore behaviors, attitudes, and motivations of 'positive players' (non-problem gamblers).
• To compare positive players with problem gamblers.
• To identify effective responsible gambling strategies and player terminology.

Main Methods:

• Online survey administered to 1484 positive players and 209 problem players.
• Lie/Bet screen used for problem player identification.
• Analysis of player motivations, engagement with RG practices, and gambling media.

Main Results:

• Two distinct positive player groups identified based on motivation and RG engagement.
• Frequent positive players utilized more personal RG strategies.
• Positive players gambled for leisure; problem gamblers gambled for mood modification.
• Online gambling was popular among positive players, with easier limit adherence reported.
• Problem players were more likely to gamble socially, challenging RG assumptions.

Conclusions:

• 'Positive play' may be a more inclusive term than 'responsible gambling' (RG).
• Online gambling is not inherently riskier and can facilitate RG.
• Social gambling may not be safer than solitary play for all individuals.
• Tailored RG strategies and communication are needed for different player types.