Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre

Member Login / Signup

Welcome to the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre. If you are a member, you can use the form on the right to log in. Not a member? No problem. Just use the form on the far right to sign up for an account - free.

Please note: you MUST have cookies enabled in order to log in and use this site.

Subscriber Login

Lost your password?

Not a subscriber yet? Sign Up!

Phase Two: Development of an Instrument for Identifying Risk for Problem Gambling among Slot Machine Gamblers in Ontario (Quantitative Evaluation)

Tony Schellnck, Focal Research
Tracy Schrans, Focal Research
Kerry Chambers, Focal Research
Michael Bliemel, Dalhousie University

Categories: · Assessment/Screening · Prevention · Slot machines/VLTs ·

Type of Award Amount Approved Project Status
Level II $42,000.00 Completed

ABSTRACT

Few gambling assessment tools have been developed to specifically identify gambling risk prior to the onset of problems (e.g., pre-consequence).  Given increasing focus on prevention there is a need for new instruments that identify pre-harm indicators of risk, can be self-administered and/or used specifically for general population applications (e.g., surveys), ideally, alerting, educating, and motivating individuals to reduce risk for development of gambling problems.  This study will refine and test a new instrument designed to independently identify risk and problem gambling among slot machine gamblers in Ontario and provide insight about the factors contributing to score outcomes.  The new instrument was based on a previously designed research model created to identify antecedents of problem gambling (e.g., risk factors contributing to the development of problem gambling).  A preliminary model was developed and tested in two jurisdictions (Nova Scotia, Canada and Victoria, Australia) and found to be successful in discriminating between risk for problem gambling and the experience of gambling harm (e.g., negative consequences).  Opportunities for improving instrument performance were identified related to recent developments in the area of construct design and method bias, as well as new information emerging in the gambling and problem gambling literature including the new Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre Problem Gambling framework (OPGRC, 2008) that outlines a range of risk factors contributing to the onset, reinforcement and maintenance of gambling problems. 

In August 2008, OPGRC provided Level II funding to conduct the first of a two-phase study to adapt the instrument for use in identifying risk and problem gambling among slot machine gamblers in Ontario.  Names and telephone numbers for approximately 650 regular monthly slot machine gamblers were gathered on-site at the Slots at Western Fair gaming facility in London Ontario.  During Phase 1, 63 slot gamblers were recruited to meet specific criteria for age (under 35 years of age; 35-55 years; 55 years +), length of time playing slots (< 2 years or 2+ years), and risk for gambling problems using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (PGSI-CPGI score <5 versus 5+).  Participants completed a survey comprised of an expanded list of possible instrument items (i.e., 190 statements) and then took part in one of six in-depth discussion groups evaluating various sample versions of the instrument in order to reword and add items to suit the Ontario gambling environment, explore new components to add to the predictive ability of the instrument, and revise the model for testing in this new jurisdiction.  The findings obtained in Phase 1 were used to refine the instrument items and constructs for quantitative testing in Phase 2 of the study among a larger and more representative sample. 

In Phase 2 an up-dated survey including the revised statements and screen items identified in Phase 1 will be administered by telephone to all those initially recruited to take part in the study.  It is expected that that approximately 60% of the 650 regular monthly slot machine gamblers comprising the pre-screened player panel will be available and willing to take part in the Phase 2 survey (n»350-400).  This sample size is sufficient for the proposed analysis examining item and constructs properties including testing for common method bias (CMB) as well as quantitative validation of the model using structural equation modeling techniques.  The results of the proposed research will be used to produce a further reduced list of instrument items, ideally comprised of 30 to 40 statements, for testing in a general population study (e.g. pilot study) or to determine if additional modifications and validation are required before proceeding further.