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Gambling, Gaming & Technology Use Community of Interest

The Gambling, Gaming & Technology Use Community of Interest brings together addiction and mental health service providers, researchers and subject matter experts in the fields of gambling, technology/Internet use and video gaming to collaborate and share knowledge on emerging trends and clinical best practices.

Tagged With "problem gaming"

Discussion Topic

CTV interview Should addiction to video games be considered a disease?

Registered Member ·
Hello, Yesterday morning, fresh off the heels of his attendance at the Royal Wedding, Ben Mulroney interviewed me about the inclusion of video game disorder into the ICD-11. Have a look: What do you think? Should it be classified as a disease?
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Blog: A Health Communication Campaign to Address Gambling Among College Students

Registered Member ·
A new blog released on Learn.ProblemGambling.ca discusses a research study on the use of health communication posters to raise awareness about gambling among college students. The piece was written by Aaron Diehr, PhD, CHES, Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Bachelor of Science in Public Health at Southern Illinois University and Marilyn Rule, MSW, Problem Gambling Program Director at Zepf Center in Toledo, Ohio. Read the blog here . Read the research article published in the...
Discussion Topic

Sports Bettors: Who Are They?

Registered Member ·
Admittedly, I've never considered what skills (if any) exist to successfully bid on both professional and amateur sporting events. What are the distinctions between chance and skill when betting on the outcome of, say, a hockey game? A new systematic review in the Journal of Gambling Issues attempts to address this question, and others, in order to better understand the profile of a sports bettor. It's an interesting read, and one that opens discussions on an important field of research.
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How "Fortnite" is changing the gaming market

Registered Member ·
The game Fortnite is a free game that can be played on mobile devices. Because of these savvy choices, more and more women are playing this game, helping to propel is to possibly generate 3.5 billion dollars in revenue. They also offer more representation for women, which is something different as well. How 'Fortnite' unlocked the most active gamers on mobile It's interesting how they have begun to cater to women, and that choice is really paying off for them.
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CBC News Article: Tech companies encourage us to be smart about phones

Registered Member ·
This newly released CBC News article discusses new Smartphone management tools that enable users to get daily and weekly activity reports about the total time they spend in each app, their usage and notifications as well as the ability for parents to put controls on usage. Featured in the article, @Registered Member points out that this may be one avenue to help reduce or minimize Smartphone use but that there are also other options such as turning off notifications and scheduling...
Discussion Topic

Blog: Parenting Through Video Game Disorder

Registered Member ·
A newly released blog on Learn.ProblemGambling.ca highlights some of the challenges of parenting a child with problem video gaming. The blog was contributed by Elaine Uskoski, a holistic health social service worker and author of the book Seeing Through the Cracks . She discusses the experience of finding out her 19-year old son has a video game disorder and how they worked together to get him to where he is today. Read her blog here .
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CBC News - Gaming disorder formally recognized

Registered Member ·
Elaine Uskoski and her son, Jake, shared their powerful and moving story of their struggle with video game addiction at our annual Forum * earlier this week *(Ontario Problem Gambling & Behavioural Addictions Provincial Forum June 18-19, 2018) Their presentation at the Forum happened to coincide with WHO's release of their new International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which CBC showcased on The National on June 18, 2018. To view the interview, click below!
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"Are video game transactions too much like gambling?"

Registered Member ·
Here is a link to the article in the Toronto Star: https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/gaming/2018/06/19/are-video-game-transactions-too-much-like-gambling.html One of the things that I said in the interview for the article that I wish the writer would have included, was that even though the transactions may not meet the technical definition of gambling, the fact that people may not get the item they want when they purchase something in a loot box, may result in them going back multiple...
Discussion Topic

"Loot Boxes" - gambling or not?

Registered Member ·
We have seen a rise in gaming/skill-based elements in gambling, and an increase in gambling-related elements in online gaming over the years. There are growing concerns surrounding the blurred lines between gambling and gaming, which is likely to become more widespread given the rise and reliance of technology (King et al., 2015). One such technological development is the emergence of "loot boxes" in various video games, which is a type of micro-transaction that players can purchase (with...
Discussion Topic

Research on Parent-Child "Technoference"

Registered Member ·
A recent research article published in the journal Pediatric Research looks at the effects of "technoference" (defined as digital/mobile technology use that interrupts interpersonal relationships) in a parent-child relationship. Here are some interesting findings from the study that looked at technoference in 183 couples & their children over a 6-month period: 55.5% of mothers and 43.0% of fathers reported having two or more technology devices that interrupt activities with their child...
Discussion Topic

Adolescent Problem Gambling

Registered Member ·
Our newly released evidence-informed practice web page on adolescent problem gambling discusses the key concepts, latest research and clinical best practices for clients with gambling problems between the ages of 12 to 24 years of age. It also includes handouts tailored for your clients that you can use in your practice. In your experience, what are the specific challenges when treating an adolescent with problem gambling? What resources would help you in providing the best possible care?
Discussion Topic

Do you use the Mental Status Examination in your practice?

Registered Member ·
Do you use the Mental Status Examination (MSE) in your practice? If so, you'll want to head to our newly released evidence-informed practice web section on the MSE . There, you will find refreshers on what the MSE entails, the latest research on its use and how to apply it to your work with people with gambling problems. You can also find our other evidence-informed practice web sections at https://learn.problemgambling.ca/eip . We also recently offered a webinar on Concurrent Disorders and...
Discussion Topic

Professional Poker Player Annie Duke

Registered Member ·
I heard an interesting podcast yesterday that I thought I would share here. The Moth is a storytelling podcast where people get up on stage and tell a story from their lives without notes. In this episode, professional poker player Annie Duke tells a story from a poker game where she was wracked with indecision as to what to do. While her story is interesting, she also shares as a bit of background, how she came to be a professional poker player which I found quite interesting. I've also...
Discussion Topic

Teens in urban regions are more likely to experience problem video gaming

Registered Member ·
Check out this post on the main EENet Connect site: https://www.eenetconnect.ca/topic/teens-in-urban-regions-are-more-likely-to-experience-problem-video-gaming?reply=366389314722069684#366389314722069684
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RCMP Youth Trends Report Fall 2018

Registered Member ·
This was forwarded to me, via email, and i am passing it along. There is a lot of great information to help us understand our youth and technology better.
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Ontario Place to be the new location for a casino?

Registered Member ·
Just in case you missed them, here are two recent articles published in the Globe and Mail on discussions to build a new casino at the Ontario Place location. Gambling industry eyes Toronto waterfront’s Ontario Place - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto/article-gambling-industry-eyes-downtown-waterfront/ Ontario Finance Minister open to idea of a casino on Toronto’s waterfront - ...
Discussion Topic

How to Improve Screening for Problem Gambling - Recruiting for Concept Mapping Study

Registered Member ·
Are you a health care or service provider? If so, please share your thoughts with St. Michael’s Hospital and U of T researchers on ways to improve screening for problem gambling. We are looking for a wide range of health care and service providers. You can participate in-person at group brainstorming sessions held at the University of Toronto, or online on your own time. Those who take part will be eligible to win a food basket and/ or an iPad. Please contact our research team at...
Discussion Topic

Older Adults & Problem Gambling: Journal of Gambling Issues - Special Issue 39

Registered Member ·
There is a distinct scarcity of research on problem gambling in the older population (+ 55 years of age) despite a steady increase in prevalence rates (see Matheson et al., JGI , 39 , 43-61). In this special issue of the Journal of Gambling Issues ( JGI ), released in September 2018, a work group funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Gambling Research Exchange Ontario, summarize recent work in this field and identify paths for future study. Contributions include...
Discussion Topic

Teens in Urban Regions Are More Likely To Experience Problem Video Gaming

Registered Member ·
Our colleagues at EENet have just released a research snapshot on their website based on research of Shi and colleagues published in the International Journal of Mental health and Addiction . The study found higher levels of problem video gaming in teens living in urban areas than in teens living in rural areas. Interestingly, they also found that teens in urban regions with a gambling problem were more likely to have a problem with video gaming when compared to teens who did not gamble.
Discussion Topic

Cashing in on Mental Health?

Registered Member ·
Interesting article from the CBC yesterday on problem gambling in BC. It's sobering to hear about the pitfalls other provinces face with respect to problem gambling prevention, protection and supports. The former Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario is referenced in here along with other Canadian sources, around the evidence supporting problem gambling. Take a read if you have a chance.
Discussion Topic

Canucks players put in video game ban on the road

Registered Member ·
I heard this on the news while driving into work this morning. The news article states that the Vancouver Canucks have decided that: “ No more Fortnite. No more bringing video games on the road. It’s strictly team meals, team dinners and hanging out with the guys. So we put an end to that. ” Canucks players put in video game ban on the road I liked that the article specifically talks about the importance of spending face to face time together. Working in this field, we constantly see the...
Discussion Topic

Inventory of Gambling Situations mobile app now available

Registered Member ·
We have just released the new Inventory of Gambling Situations (IGS) mobile app. Launched in mid-September, this app provides a mobile-friendly version of the IGS, asking clients with problem gambling or suspected gambling problems about their past-year gambling frequency in 63 different situations that may put them at risk. The app provides an easy-to-use, accessible layout and the option for clinicians to get instant results with their clients in the absence of a computer. You or your...
Discussion Topic

Gaming and gambling

Registered Member ·
Research has identified a link between loot boxes and gambling. Loot boxes are an in-game purchase that players can make that includes randomized items that they may value. This random element of loot boxes is similar to random outcomes in gambling and there have been concerns that loot boxes may put players at increased risk of problem gambling.
Discussion Topic

"Fortnite addiction is forcing kids into video-game rehab"

Registered Member ·
Interesting article in the Toronto Star about gaming addiction, specifically looking at the game Fortnite. Great read! https://www.thestar.com/business/technology/2018/11/27/fortnite-addiction-is-forcing-kids-into-video-game-rehab.html
Discussion Topic

Just Released: Journal of Gambling Issues, issue no. 40

Registered Member ·
Our Journal of Gambling Issues has just released its latest issue (no. 40). The issue includes six original articles on topics such as self-exclusion in Swiss casinos and the links between impulsivity, depression and gambling; a policy paper on government-operated gambling; and a paper on the evolution of gambling. Read the full issue here .
Discussion Topic

Searching for ways to improve screening problem gambling

Registered Member ·
St. Michael’s and U of T are looking for health-care providers to take part in a research study Are you a health-care provider? If so, please share your thoughts with St. Michael’s and University of Toronto researchers on ways to improve screening for problem gambling. We are looking for a wide range of health-care and service providers. In-person or online sorting and rating sessions will be held at U of T. Those who take part will be eligible to win a gourmet food basket. Contact Amanda...
Discussion Topic

Are Video Game Developers Really Helping Combat Addiction?

Registered Member ·
Nintendo is adding parent controls to their games. This is not a bad step to take. However, many kids are smart enough to find a way to get around these. I personally think that by advertising these parental controls, Nintendo is just hoping to attract more sales to their addictive games. They can do so much more and take more responsibility in making games less addictive. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Here's the article: ...
Discussion Topic

INQBOARD: Older Adults & Problem Gambling

Registered Member ·
EENet presents Inqboard... a collection of infographic posters. This Inqboard is based on the article, " The prevalence of problem gambling and gambling-related behaviours among older adults in Ontario " in the Journal of Gambling Issues by Mark Van Der Maas. Click on the image to download PDF version of the poster. To download the original study The prevalence of problem gambling and gambling-related behaviours among older adults in Ontario, click here .
Discussion Topic

New Problem Gambling Grant Opportunity

Registered Member ·
Does your work involve advancing problem gambling awareness and/or counseling programs for immigrants, refugees and ethnocultural communities in Ontario? If so, we are pleased to invite you to apply for a new grant opportunity for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. Four grants will be awarded for a total of $15k each. Click here for more information about this exciting grant and how to apply. Deadline to apply is March 29, 2019 .
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Deadline for Problem Gambling Grant Opportunity is Tomorrow

Registered Member ·
Tomorrow, March 29 is the last day to apply for our $15K grant to provide culturally & linguistically appropriate problem gambling awareness and/or counseling services for immigrants, refugees and ethnocultural populations in Ontario. Learn more at https://learn.problemgambling.ca/ethno-grant .
Discussion Topic

Gambling for Shoes?

Registered Member ·
A very interesting BlogTO article came out yesterday about an arcade-like game called Key Master that has been popping up in designer shoe consignment shops in Toronto. Players use a joystick to fit a key into a hole that unlocks the prize, which can include expensive designer sneakers such as Yeezys or Air Jordans. The game costs $5 to play. I would like to hear your thoughts - is this considered a form of gambling? If so, what are the implications of having these pop up in consignment...
Discussion Topic

Sleep problems in teenagers reversed in just one week by limiting screen use

Registered Member ·
Sleep in teenagers can be improved by just one week of limiting their evening exposure to light-emitting screens on phones, tablets and computers. The study indicates that by simply limiting their exposure to blue-light emitting devices in the evening, adolescents can improve their sleep quality and reduce symptoms of fatigue, lack of concentration and bad mood, after just one week. Those who had more than 4 hours per day of screen time had on average 30 minutes later sleep onset and wake up...
Discussion Topic

Google’s Play Store starts requiring games with loot boxes to disclose their odds

Registered Member ·
Detailed in an article published last week in The Verge , Google Play Store (Google's app store) will require app developers to disclose the odds of winning a prize through loot boxes in their games by September 1. Loot boxes are virtual items that players can purchase for a chance to win a prize, such as a "skin" (a cosmetic element that doesn't affect the outcome of a game, like a new outfit for your character). This new policy would also include free-to-play games that offer loot boxes,...
Discussion Topic

The increasingly blurred lines between gambling and gaming

Registered Member ·
Last week, we published an article on camh.ca highlighting how the lines between gambling and gaming are blurring. The article features quotes from @Registered Member speaking about her family's experience with video gambling problems and @Registered Member speaking about how gambling elements are increasingly found within video games. Read the full article here: https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/the-increasingly-blurred-lines-between-gambling-and-gaming I...
Discussion Topic

ESports: 16-year-old Fortnite video game world champ wins $3M

Registered Member ·
This past weekend, the world's largest Fortnite esports tournament took place at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. The tournament, where qualifying gamers compete to get the most points in the Fortnite video game in front of both in-person and online audiences, is one of many esports tournaments that take place annually. At this particular tournament, there was $30 million USD in cash prizes. The winner, a 16 year old gamer, took home a $3 million USD prize, while the second place winner...
Discussion Topic

Adult Problem Gambling Evidence-informed Web Content

Registered Member ·
Just in case you haven't heard, we recently posted a new evidence-informed web section on adult problem gambling . Learn about problem gambling in adults aged 18 years of age and older, the latest research evidence and tips for applying the evidence in your clinical practice. This is part of our evidence-informed practice web content on a variety of topics related to problem gambling and technology use. To read more, visit: https://learn.problemgambling.ca/eip
Discussion Topic

Addicted to Fortnite? Montreal law firm says video game company should pay up

Registered Member ·
Interesting read. A Montreal legal firm has requested authorization to launch a class-action lawsuit against the widely popular video game Fortnite. The legal notice was filed on behalf of the parents of two minors, aged 10 and 15. The article also states as part of their claim that the video game company purposely designs the games to be as addictive as possible. The article says that when players play the game they agree to the following: "To play the game, users must give up the right to...
Reply

Re: Teens in Urban Regions Are More Likely To Experience Problem Video Gaming

Registered Member ·
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, @Registered Member. This is based on the results of one article, so it may be possible that other studies looking at the differences in problem video gaming between teens in urban and rurals regions could yield different results depending on the region, access to technology and offline activities available, among many factors. And thanks @Registered Member, I agree that it would be vital to educate students (and parents/guardians) about gambling, video...
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Re: Teens in Urban Regions Are More Likely To Experience Problem Video Gaming

Registered Member ·
Great question @Registered Member. I wonder as gaming and smart phone use get more recognition, there will be more references in pop culture, which will in turn bring more awareness to the issues. Just this month in GQ magazine, there was an article on cutting back on smart phone use that included several practical strategies including turning your phone to grey scale. Apparently seeing apps/pictures/games etc in grey scale is less appealing and people were found to reduce their phone screen...
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Re: Cashing in on Mental Health?

Registered Member ·
This is a good article! Thanks Howie. CAMH has also advocated for closing hours and to not allow casinos to stay open for 24 hours. We have some other policy statements available here: https://learn.problemgambling.ca/policy
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Re: Inventory of Gambling Situations mobile app now available

Registered Member ·
That's good to hear! This is a great tool for identifying situations that can lead to gambling. If you work with people with gambling problems, you should check out the webinar mentioned above.
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Re: Gaming and gambling

Registered Member ·
Thanks for sharing this interesting article, Steve! This study showed that as problem gambling severity increased (in adults), so did in-game spending on loot boxes. These findings lead to even more questions, including the effects on youth with and without gambling problems, the role of loot boxes in introducing youth to gambling, and the impact that evidence-based legislation can have on preventing or limiting in-game loot boxes. What do others think?
 
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