Internet, App-Based, and Casino Gambling: Associations Between Modality, Problem Gambling, and Substance Use

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Prevalence of technology-based gambling (internet, smartphone apps) is understudied.
• Lack of relevant questions in health surveillance limits understanding of gambling behaviors.
• Young adults represent a key demographic for emerging gambling trends.

Purpose of the Study:

• Estimate prevalence of internet, smartphone app, and casino gambling in U.S. young adults.
• Examine associations between gambling modality and problem gambling symptoms.
• Investigate links between gambling type and substance use patterns.

Main Methods:

• Survey data from the 2022 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey (N=1,022, ages 18-25).
• Analysis included 414 lifetime gamblers, comparing demographics and behaviors.
• Logistic regression used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• Smartphone app and internet gambling were more prevalent in heterosexual cis-males than cis-females.
• Internet gambling was less common among employed students.
• Smartphone app gambling was associated with higher odds of problem gambling symptoms (OR=3.23).
• All gambling forms linked to alcohol consumption; stronger association with app/internet gambling.
• Casino gamblers showed higher risk for marijuana and illicit drug use.

Conclusions:

• Smartphone app gambling presents a potential pathway to problem gambling.
• Associations exist between gambling modalities, problem gambling, and substance use.
• Consideration of internet gambling bans or strict wagering guidelines is recommended to mitigate risks.