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Examining the predictive validity of low-risk gambling limits with longitudinal data
Article first published online: 26 OCT 2011
DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03622.x
© 2011 The Authors, Addiction © 2011 Society for the Study of Addiction
Additional Information
How to Cite
Currie, S. R., Hodgins, D. C., Casey, D. M., el-Guebaly, N., Smith, G. J., Williams, R. J., Schopflocher, D. P. and Wood, R. T. (2012), Examining the predictive validity of low-risk gambling limits with longitudinal data. Addiction, 107: 400–406. doi: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03622.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 17 JAN 2012
- Article first published online: 26 OCT 2011
- Accepted manuscript online: 18 AUG 2011 12:03PM EST
- Submitted 7 January 2011; initial review completed 21 March 2011; final version accepted 12 August 2011
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Keywords:
- Longitudinal cohort study;
- low-risk gambling limits;
- problem gambling;
- risk factors
ABSTRACT
Aims To assess the impact of gambling above the low-risk gambling limits developed by Currie et al. (2006) on future harm. To identify demographic, behavioural, clinical and environmental factors that predict the shift from low- to high-risk gambling habits over time.
Design Longitudinal cohort study of gambling habits in community-dwelling adults.
Setting Alberta, Canada.
Participants A total of 809 adult gamblers who completed the time 1 and time 2 assessments separated by a 14-month interval.
Measurements Low-risk gambling limits were defined as gambling no more than three times per month, spending no more than CAN$1000 per year on gambling and spending less than 1% of gross income on gambling. Gambling habits, harm from gambling and gambler characteristics were assessed by the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. Ancillary measures of substance abuse, gambling environment, major depression, impulsivity and personality traits assessed the influence of other risk factors on the escalation of gambling intensity.
Findings Gamblers classified as low risk at time 1 and shifted into high-risk gambling by time 2 were two to three times more likely to experience harm compared to gamblers who remained low risk at both assessments. Factors associated with the shift from low- to high-risk gambling behaviour from time 1 to time 2 included male gender, tobacco use, older age, having less education, having friends who gamble and playing electronic gaming machines.
Conclusions An increase in the intensity of gambling behaviour is associated with greater likelihood of future gambling related harm in adults.