The Prevalence of E-Gambling and of Problem E-Gambling in Poland

• Main Authors: Bernadeta Lelonek-Kuleta, Rafał P. Bartczuk, Michał Wiechetek, Joanna Chwaszcz, Iwona Niewiadomska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Subjects: e-gambling; e-gambling prevalence; forms of e-gambling; problem e-gambling
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/2/404

This study estimated the levels of involvement in e-gambling and problem e-gambling in Poland and identified selected sociodemographic variables associated with e-gambling activities. The study was conducted using a representative sample of the adult inhabitants of Poland (<i>n</i> = 2000). The survey contained questions measuring three aspects of gambling (involvement in e-gambling, types of e-gambling activity, and problematic e-gambling). Results suggested that 4.1% of respondents were involved in e-gambling and 26.8% of them could be classified as problem gamblers. The most popular e-gambling games were lotteries and sports betting. Gender, age, size of city of residence, level of education, and income were identified as significant predictors of involvement in e-gambling. The results indicated that men, younger people, and people who earnt less were more often involved in e-gambling. Having children, playing online scratch cards, and online sport betting&#8212;but not online lotteries&#8212;turned out to be typical for problem online gamblers. The prevalence of problem gambling among Polish e-gamblers suggests that extended research in this area is needed.