1、Internet Gambling in Canada: Prevalence, Patterns, and Land-Based Comparisons,Dr. Robert Wood (presenter) Dr. Robert Williams (co-researcher) University of Lethbridge,Pilot Study,Present study builds upon a 2004 pilot study, funded by the Alberta Gaming Research Institute.Non-random sample of 1920 I
2、nternet gamblers recruited at Internet gambling portals, using banner advertisements.Survey assessed demographic characteristics, problem gambling status (CPGI), online gaming behavior, and general Internet activity.,Pilot Study,High incidence of problem gambling. 42.7% either moderate (22.6%) or se
3、vere (20.1%) problem gamblers, according to the CPGI criteria.Particular characteristics predictive (using logistic regression) of problem Internet gambling. Time spent gambling / Male gender / African ancestry / South and East Asian ancestry / Preference for Internet gambling over land-based gambli
4、ng. Reasons for preferring Internet gambling were primarily related to convenience, comfort, and ease (compared to land-based gambling).,Pilot Study,Pilot study confirmed that online sampling techniques are effective for generating a sufficiently large sample of Internet gamblers. However, given the
5、 low follow-through rates of banner advertising, it is probable that self-selected online samples are systematically biased. Random sampling techniques, such as random digit dialing (RDD) , can yield relatively representative samples .However, given the very low prevalence rate of Internet gambling
6、in Canada, RDD studies can be prohibitively lengthy and costly.,Current Study,Funded by a three-year grant from the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre.Random digit dial survey of Canadian adults. Managed by Institute for Social Research, at York University. Adults surveyed from all 10 province
7、s. Response rate of 46% (completions over eligible numbers, times 100). N = 8,496. 71.2% Gamblers. 3.21% Internet gamblers (N = 273).Online, self-selected survey of gamblers. Survey hosted at www.gamblinginformation.org, in seven languages. Banner ad-links placed at gambling portal. 2 million expos
8、ures, over 5 months. N = 12,524. 44% Internet gamblers (N = 5,511).,Current Study,Questionnaires asked about: Land-based gambling activity (i.e. time, expenditure, game preference) Internet gambling activity Stock market speculation Definitions of gambling (i.e. which activities constitute gambling)
9、 Gambling attitudes (i.e. morality, legality, social harm) Gambling knowledge and beliefs (i.e. fallacies, knowledge of odds) Problem gambling (CPGI, SOGS, NODS) Online questionnaire provided additional interactive feedback: Graph comparisons to other gamblers, regarding gambling attitudes, knowledg
10、e / beliefs, propensity for problem gambling, and projected expenditures. Online treatment resources for problem gamblers.,Current Study,Data analysis is in the very early stages for the RDD survey.Data cleaning is still underway for the online survey.Todays presentation is based on data from the RD
11、D survey only.,Comparative Characteristics,Comparative Characteristics,Comparative Characteristics,Comparative Characteristics,Comparative Problem Gambling Status (CPGI),Online Gambling Patterns,Online Gambling Patterns,Online Gambling Patterns,Online Gambling Patterns,Online Gambling Patterns,To be
12、 continued.,To what extent do Internet gamblers systematically differ, demographically, from land-based gamblers?Why do Internet gamblers consistently show a greater propensity for problem gambling, compared to land-based gamblers?What characteristics and patterns of play are predictive of problem I
13、nternet gambling?Does problem Internet gambling require a unique approach to prevention and treatment?,To be continued,To what extent do Internet gambling rates, and rates of problem Internet gambling, differ cross culturally?In what ways is the online gambling experience qualitatively different tha
14、n the land-based experience (sensually, socially, and psychologically)? Would the legalization and government regulation of Internet gambling in Canada serve the “greater good?”What is the most appropriate policy position (with respect to legality, regulation, access) for Internet gambling in Canada
15、?,Recent Relevant Publications,Wood, Robert T. and Robert J. Williams. (2007). “Problem Gambling on the Internet: Implications for Internet Gambling Policy in North America.” New Media & Society, 9(3):169-191.Wood, Robert T, Robert J. Williams, Paul K. Lawton. (2007). “Why Do Internet Gamblers Prefe
16、r Online Versus Land-Based Venues? Some Preliminary Findings and Implications.” Journal of Gambling Issues, 20: 235-252. Wood, Robert T. & Robert J. Williams (2007). “Internet Gambling: Past, Present, and Future.“ In Gary Smith, David Hodgins & Robert Williams (eds.), Research and Measurement Issues
17、 in Gambling Studies (pp. 491-514). Toronto: Elsevier Publishing.,Researcher Contact Info:,Dr. Robert WoodDepartment of SociologyPhone: (403) 329-5137Email: robert.wooduleth.ca,Dr. Robert WilliamsSchool of Health SciencesPhone: (403) 382-7128Email: robert.williamsuleth.ca,University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada,
