Sociodemographic correlates of internet gambling: findings from the 2007 british gambling prevalence survey.
This study provides the first analysis ever made of a representative national sample of Internet gamblers. Using participant data from the 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey (n = 9,003 adults aged 16 years and over), all participants who had gambled online, bet online, and/or used a betting exchange in the last 12 months (n = 476) were compared with all other gamblers who had not gambled via the Internet. Overall, results showed a number of significant sociodemographic differences between Internet gamblers and non-Internet gamblers. When compared to non-Internet gamblers, Internet gamblers were more likely to be male, relatively young adults, single, well educated, and in professional/managerial employment. Further analysis of DSM-IV scores showed that the problem gambling prevalence rate was significantly higher among Internet gamblers than among non-Internet gamblers. Results suggest that the medium of the Internet may be more likely to contribute to problem gambling than gambling in offline environments.
Griffiths
Mark
M
International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Division, Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom. mark.griffiths@ntu.ac.uk
Wardle
Heather
H
Orford
Jim
J
Sproston
Kerry
K
Erens
Bob
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009790:Occupations; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult