In the field of gambling research, accurately identifying problem gambling is
crucial for both preventive measures and therapeutic interventions. Traditionally,
problem gambling has been assessed using tools that focus on the negative
consequences of gambling, such as financial losses, social isolation, and
emotional distress. However, recent advancements in this area have led to the
development of a new tool that shifts the focus from the consequences of
gambling to the behaviors that underlie problem gambling itself. This tool is known
as the Online Gambling Behavior Index (OPGBI), developed by Auer et al. in 2023.
Historically, instruments like the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) and the
Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) have been widely used to assess
problem gambling behaviors. While these tools are valuable, they have limitations.
For example, the SOGS has been criticized for overestimating the prevalence of
problem gambling in community samples. Similarly, the PGSI, although reliable
and validated across various populations, primarily focuses on the consequences
of gambling rather than the behaviors leading to these consequences.
The PGSI, often considered the "gold standard," evaluates problem gambling
through nine items that examine the gambler's feelings, financial problems, and
social consequences of their actions. However, only two of these items are
directly related to gambling behavior itself, such as the need to gamble with
increasing amounts of money (tolerance) or the act of chasing losses.
Aware of these limitations, Auer and his colleagues developed the OPGBI, a 12-
item index that primarily focuses on gambling behaviors that may indicate a
developing problem. This shift from a consequence-based to a behavior-based
assessment reflects a broader understanding of gambling as a behavioral disorder, where early identification of problematic behaviors can lead to more effective interventions.
The development of the OPGBI involved administering the new index, alongside
the PGSI, to a sample of 10,000 online Croatian gamblers. The study aimed to
validate whether focusing on actual gambling behaviors, such as frequency,
duration, and betting patterns, could effectively identify problem gamblers.
The OPGBI consists of items that assess specific behaviors associated with
problem gambling. These include questions about the frequency of online wallet
reloads during a session, increasing bets after a loss, gambling for more than four
hours a day, and using multiple payment methods during a gambling session.
These behaviors are recognized in the literature as potential indicators of problem
gambling, and the OPGBI was designed to capture these behaviors in a
straightforward and non-intrusive manner.
The study's results are promising. The OPGBI showed a significant correlation
with the PGSI, with three latent factors being identified: gambling behavior, setting
limits, and communication with operators. These factors were all significantly
related to PGSI scores, suggesting that the OPGBI is a valid tool for identifying
problematic gambling behaviors.
One of the main advantages of the OPGBI is its applicability in real-world contexts,
particularly for online gambling operators. Since the index is based on observable
behaviors, it can be integrated into player tracking systems, allowing operators to
identify problem gamblers early and intervene before severe consequences occur.
This proactive approach could lead to the implementation of personalized
responsible gambling measures, such as setting time or spending limits or encouraging players to take breaks.
For health professionals, the OPGBI offers a new tool that complements traditional
problem gambling screens. By focusing on behaviors rather than consequences,
therapists can better understand the patterns leading to gambling addiction and tailor interventions accordingly. This could be particularly useful in setting therapeutic goals, where reducing certain gambling behaviors may be a more tangible and achievable objective for clients.
The development of the Online Gambling Behavior Index marks a significant
advancement in the assessment of problem gambling. By shifting the focus from
the negative consequences of gambling to the behaviors that precede these
consequences, the OPGBI provides a more nuanced and potentially more effective
tool for identifying and addressing problem gambling. As gambling continues to
evolve, especially in the online sphere, tools like the OPGBI will be essential for
promoting responsible gambling and protecting individuals from the harmful
effects of gambling addiction.