Thesis (M.A.) - Simon Fraser University, 2005. / Theses (Dept. of Political Science) / Simon Fraser University.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Nevada, Reno, 2008. / "December, 2008." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 30-35). Online version available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--State University of New York at Buffalo, 2000. / Adviser: Leadelle Phelps. Includes bibliographical references.

The impacts of the introduction of casino gambling in Plainville, MA and surrounding communities are of interest in developing informed policy. Problem gambling is a public health issue as associated harms include physical and mental illness, impaired relationships with one’s close social network, impacts on school or work, financial difficulties and illegal behavior. The results of surveys prior to and after the introduction of the casino were used to evaluate potential differences in the prevalence of at-risk and problem gambling, associations amongst health and gambling behavior covariates with at-risk and problem gambling status by year, and changes of covariate relationships with at-risk and problem gambling between years (2014 Total n = 1,090; 2016 Total n = 999; Total N = 2,089). No change in prevalence of at-risk and problem gambling was observed. A borderline significant higher rate in casino gambling between survey years was observed for at-risk and problem gamblers. Future research should aim to explore the influence of gambling availability on vulnerable subgroups of the population to create fully informed policy.

No description available.

Pathological gambling is a treatable, but complex addiction. Defined as out of control gambling that disrupts relationships, employment and/or education. People from all social, economic and cultural groups are affected. Pathological gambling is a problem throughout this country, and in Oregon 61,000 people are estimated to have this disorder. There is a lack of information and extensive misinformation about gambling; and gambling has, historically, been considered a moral weakness. Treatment for pathological gambling is a recent development, and still is not widely available. Pathological gambling is pervasive, poorly understood, and costly and deserves further study. Existing literature on pathological gambling, both the profile of the disorder and treatment is thoroughly reviewed. The portrait of the pathological gambler is contradictory. The only clear demographic trend is that the majority of pathological gamblers are men. Psychodynamic theories explain pathological gambling through developmental and psychological determinants. Behaviorists and learning theorists delineate a series of environmental and physiological factors which combine to "teach" pathological gambling behavior. Researchers who study pathological gambling have enumerated three to four phases of progression of the disorder. There are a variety of disorders and physical problems correlated to pathological gambling, and depression and dual addictions are clearly an issue for many. GA has a high drop out rate and tends to work better for pathological gamblers who have few or no relapses. The intake interview should: initiate the therapeutic alliance, provide crucial data for assessment and diagnosis, and provide information about the nature and scope of the treatment. Individual therapy has a relatively long and respected history as helpful treatment for pathological gambling. Group therapy is a common and effective mode for treatment of pathological gambling. Psychodynamic treatment of is popular and effective, works at achieving abstinence, and helping the pathological gambler make deeper personality changes. Cognitive-behavioral approaches have a role in helping pathological gamblers change irrational beliefs surrounding gambling and themselves. A program which uses cognitive-behavioral, behavioral and psychodynamic approaches in individual, group and family/marital counseling settings designed by author is presented and discussed. The program has four stages and includes an education component.

No description available.

The purpose of this study is to examine, from past, present and future perspectives how registered clubs in New South Wales (NSW), Australia strategically manage problem gambling in their machine gambling operations. Seven stages of research are presented and discussed in some detail. The final stage considers implications of key developments during 1998-1999 for the future management of problem gambling by NSW clubs. It was found that by the end 1999, the future direction of NSW in addressing problem gambling pointed toward a combination of legislation and self-regulation, under the leadership of the Registered Clubs Association of New South Wales. The thesis concludes by identifying seven key factors that emerged from the findings as influencing the way in which NSW clubs have managed problem gambling. These are presented as a theoretical framework with potential utility for future investigations of how organisations manage their social impacts. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This study represents the first phenomenological investigation of problem gambling. The subjective experiences of six problem gamblers are explored. Heideggerian, hermeneutic phenomenology provides the constructs and framework that underpin this research. Four themes, each reflecting the participants' experiences, emerged from conversations conducted. These themes were: being alone, buying time, magical thinking and critical voices - themes are independent and have no ranking. The study articulates the needs of problem gamblers, as well as providing an opportunity for them to be heard. It allows health professionals to gain insight into underlying problems. The implications of the findings for the participants, health professionals and government are discussed / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Three hundred and fifty Years 10,ll and 12 students from six coeducational schools in metropolitan Melbourne were surveyed regarding their gambling behaviour with the use of a survey which included the Australian Gambling Scale (AGS) (Senn, 1996), The questionnaire also included a Gambling Activities Checklist, Superstition Scale and Leisure Activities Checklist. The first hypothesis, that being male would be a predictor of gambling fiequency and problem gambling, was not supported. However, the second hypothesis, that early age of onset of gambling, experience of a big win, family interest in gambling and superstitious beliefs would predict gambling frequency, and that gambling frequency along with the previously listed variables would predict problem gambling was partly supported. Having had an early big win, parental gambling, western superstition (but not eastern), gambling for excitement, gambling to win money and gambling with friends predicted gambling frequency. Gambling fiequency, gambling for excitement and gambling to win money predicted problem gambling. Ethnic differences were found in predictors of gambling frequency and problem gambling. Reliability analysis on the newly-developed AGS indicated high internal consistency (1 =.90). The scale needs to be validated by comparing it to a well-established problem gambling scale, such as the South Oaks Gambling Screen.