A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Using latent class analysis to identify Finnish gambler types and potential risk
Authors: Macey, Joseph; Palomäki, Jussi; Castrén, Sari
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Publishing place: ABINGDON
Publication year: 2024
Journal: International Gambling Studies
Journal acronym: INT GAMBL STUD
Number of pages: 24
ISSN: 1445-9795
eISSN: 1479-4276
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2024.2401521
Web address : https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14459795.2024.2401521
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/458533724
The trend of increasing liberalization in gambling markets has been matched by a need for both effective approaches to promote responsible gambling practices and for improved prevention strategies. Given that the majority of players do not experience problematic gambling, it is in the public interest that knowledge is generated which helps identify activities or clusters of activities which are associated with at-risk behaviors. This study uses a representative sample of the Finnish population aged 15-74, to identify distinct types of gamblers based on their behavioral patterns and predictors of class membership via Latent Class Analysis. Cross-sectional random sample data were collected in 2019 (n = 3148). In addition to confirming existing knowledge for gamblers characterized by high engagement and high risk, it offered insights into three further classes: the largest (ME-HR, 45%), was characterized by moderate engagement, but participated in activities associated with higher levels of risk. Additionally, low-risk classes were differentiated by both gambling preferences and demographic characteristics. Given that the largest class was associated with significant potential for the development of problematic behaviors, this work makes several recommendations for preventative actions, including targeted awareness campaigns and psychoeducation addressing erroneous beliefs about gambling.
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Funding information in the publication:
The Finnish Gambling 2019 population study was funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland, within the objectives of the §52 Appropriation of the Lotteries Act. The Ministry had no role in the study design, analysis, or interpretation of the results of the manuscript or any phase of the publication process. In addition, funding was received from the Academy of Finland project Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies (CoE-GameCult, [353268]).
