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Changes in Self-Reported Web-Based Gambling Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study
Emma Claesdotter-Knutsson1, Anders Håkansson2
1Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
JMIR Serious Games
|November 3, 2021
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic increased psychological distress and gambling problems for some individuals in Sweden. Increased web gambling was linked to psychological distress, problem gambling severity, and male gender, particularly for sports and casino games.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global mental health, contributing to a crisis.
- Pre-existing addictions were exacerbated, with gambling behavior also showing concerning changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate self-reported web-based gambling behavior changes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden.
- To identify associations between gambling changes and risk factors or lifestyle modifications.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous web-based survey of 1501 participants in Sweden was conducted.
- Logistic regression models analyzed changes in gambling activity against sociodemographic data and psychological distress.
Main Results:
- Most gamblers reported no change in habits; however, increased gambling was associated with problem gambling severity (PGSI), psychological distress (Kessler score), employment status, alcohol habit changes, and self-exclusion.
- In those with increased gambling, PGSI and Kessler scores were significant predictors.
- PGSI predicted all specific web gambling types, while Kessler scores impacted casino gambling. Male gender predicted increased sports and casino gambling.
Conclusions:
- While most gamblers' habits remained stable, a subset increased gambling, correlating with problem gambling indicators and psychological distress.
- Increased engagement in sports and casino gambling during the pandemic was linked to male gender and higher psychological distress.
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