Thesis (M.A.)--University of Canterbury, 2007. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (p. 137-147). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Queensland, 2005. / Includes bibliography.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Loyola College in Maryland, 2001. / Adviser: Joseph Ciarrocchi. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--The University of Memphis, 2004. / Major Professor: James P. Whelan. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2006. / "December, 2006." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 38-40). Online version available on the World Wide Web.

The current set of experiments sought to address a variable involved in slot machine gambling that has been termed the near-miss effect. In the present paper, the conceptual underpinnings of this `effect' were examined from a behavioral as well as a non-behavioral psychological perspective. The experiments and rationale for conducting them were prefaced with an in-depth analysis of problem gambling in general including prevalence, demographics, etiology, assessment, and treatment. A comprehensive review of behavioral analytic investigations on gambling in the areas of programmed contingencies, structural features, verbal behavior, the near miss effect, and treatment components was also presented. In terms of the empirical analyses, Experiments 1 and 2 examined the near miss effect as measured by response allocation to concurrently available simulated slot machines in non-pathological gamblers. The results of these studies indicated that verbal rule formation, only when it was presented through multiple exemplars, was significant enough to override programmed contingencies as well as near miss outcomes. Experiments 3 and 4 incorporated participants with a history of problem gambling and sought to reduce the verbal rule involved in the near miss effect through varying treatment strategies associated with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Experiment 3 demonstrated that one process of ACT was not sufficient in suppressing this behavior however, Experiment 4 showed that a brief ACT intervention incorporating all of its core processes was successful in treating the near miss effect. Implications of these findings are discussed in terms of a functional approach to the treatment of problem gambling and future extensions of this research are offered.

The current set of three proposed experiments focused on integrating neurological and behavioral levels of analysis in the context of pathological gambling. A thoroughgoing analysis on previous gambling research was explored and discussed in the first four chapters. Specifically, this analysis outlines: similarities between pathological gambling and other substance addictions, new technological advances (i.e. functional magnetic resonance imaging), verbal behavior in general and its role in pathological gambling specifically, and treatment assessments and interventions. Three experiments were then developed and designed based on the outcomes suggested by the literature review. Experiment I determined the effectiveness of the Gambling Functional Assessment (GFA; Dixon & Johnson, 2007) as a clinically relevant gambling assessment tool. Experiment II also investigated neurological differences between pathological gamblers. Similar to other behavioral and substance addictions, limbic and cortical brain systems are activated during gambling related tasks and activities. However, as gambling pathology increases, brain activation in these regions have been reported to decrease, and it is unclear how pathological gamblers brain activation patterns differ across function maintaining gambling (i.e. attention, escape, sensory, and tangible maintaining functions). Therefore, Experiment II built upon the findings of Experiment I by contrasting brain activation images from the two highest maintaining functions of play, as indicated by the GFA. Concomitantly, Experiment III assessed function based assessment and treatment of pathological gamblers, by comparing brief 30 min exposure to function based or non- function based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for gamblers. Results from both studies suggested differences in brain activation patterns, yet similarities across subjective closeness to win ratings of the slot machine. Furthermore, brain activation patterns did not change following function based therapy, while subjective ratings in the function based treatment group decreased. Implications for brain-behavior relationships both in a gambling context and in relation to behavior therapy will be discussed.

Background: In the last two decades, the rapid technological advancement in digital solutions had paved way for a transition of traditional gambling activities to internet-based platforms. Online casinos with video-game-like features have become a common platform for gambling. Consequently, gambling-like features is increasingly being adopted by mobile- and computer games. The latest example of these features called loot boxes, are getting a lot of attention from gamers and regulators alike.   Problem: Game publishers are reporting hundreds of millions of dollars of revenue from loot boxes and governmental agencies are struggling with determining whether to classify loot boxes as a form of gambling, therefore regulating it. The main reason for this conflict is the lack of empirical studies in the subject.   Purpose: This thesis aims to shed light upon the phenomenon. More specifically, it will do so from the gamers’ perspectives and reveal the underlying motivations for loot boxes activities, as well as their views on loot boxes.   Method: A qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews with twelve participants has been conducted. These findings have later been compared to existing literature regarding gambling.   Results: The findings showed that there are distinct similarities between gambling and loot boxing. In terms of motivations, the same nature is applied for socialization and amusement. Two new motivations were discovered, value-based motive and collecting purpose which are video-game specific. Additional components that influenced both gambling and loot boxing were found to be impulsivity and distorted beliefs. Other than that, the participants see loot boxes as a form of gambling based on the uncanny likeness of the mechanism and the emotional effects. Despite having a negative view on loot boxes, they do not wish the feature to be removed.

Financial and Legal Aspects of Online Gambling Games Abstract I chose the topic of online gambling and its financial and legal aspects as the subject of this thesis. This work focuses on issues of old and new gambling legislation and provides comparison and evaluation of its changes. This work aims to study and evaluate in detail selected aspects of gambling with prevailing focus on the financial aspects of online gambling and its transformation as a result of the new legal regulation. Particular aspects were chosen in the perspective of latest development in gambling on the Czech market and in the perspective of the latest changes and other development associated with the new legal regulation. Purpous of this work is to introduce this subject to readers and help them understand selected topics. The text of the thesis is divided into three parts. The first part defines gambling and introduces gambling issues in such a way that the reader familiarizes himself with the basics and main concepts that are essential for other parts of this work. In addition to the grounds of this subject, it also focuses on gambling operators, licensing and supervision of gambling operatos. The end of the first part deals with offenses, gambling related crimes and relationship between them. The second part deals with online...

The objectives of this study were to provide a detailed biopsychosocial description of the characteristics of a sample of 100 individuals screened and referred by the National Responsible Gaming Programme helpline for their outpatient treatment programme over an eighteen month period, and, importantly, to measure the success of this specific treatment programme at set intervals, up to a one year follow-up period. While 80% of the sample did not relapse during the six-week treatment programme, the number of treatment seekers without any gambling relapses during each follow-up period declined, and those falling back into gambling increased as time went on. After one year 47% of treatment seekers managed not to revert back to gambling – total abstinence. A further 28% reported having relapsed once or twice or that their gambling was controlled. 25% of treatment seekers reported that they reverted back to gambling fulltime which leaves the success rate of the treatment at 75%. Treatment seekers reported an overall reduction in gambling participation, debt and expenditure and an overall improvement in social and vocational functioning. There is evidence in this study to support the perspective that pathological gambling is a multidimensional disorder and that certain sub-groups of gamblers have distinct gambling behaviour. / Psychology / M.Soc.Sc.