gaming, gambling & the new mobile age
DESCRIPTION
Presenter: Julie Hynes, MA, CPS. Four Directions: Tree of Healing Conference, October 2, 2013 www.preventionlane.orgTRANSCRIPT
Julie Hynes, MA, CPSFour Directions: Tree of Healing
October 2, 2013
GAM ING
Identify several recent trends and technological issues related to gambling and social gaming
Identify strategies for using technology and keeping youth safe
Share in your own settings
www.preventionlane.org/4directions
Some content here could present as a “trigger.”
If you feel yourself starting to be triggered, please feel free to excuse yourself or do whatever you need to do to feel safe.
They both stimulate dopamine
People play for similar reasons (escape, relax, stimulate, etc.)
Disassociation
Potential for addiction?...
I work with assumption is that gambling is not innately “bad” or “good.” I don’t expect you to agree with this assumption.
Most people who gamble are able to do so for entertainment without harm. A significant number, however, develop problems.
Photo: Hynes
originally didn’toutput money. They output prizes because gamblingwas illegal.
Image source: eBay user duramax1989
Source: Oregon Health Authority (2012; ibid)Photo source: Daniel Berman.
Week of September 24‐Oct 1; Source: appdata.com
Source: insidefacebook.com
made it illegal to make interstate sports bets
While this is technically legal today at licensed racetracks, the government has cited the act to prevent online sports betting services.
made it illegal for banks and credit card companies to allow money to be transferred to online casinos or gambling websites
Fostered growth in third party (PayPal-esque) accounts for money transfers
switched gears
gambling technically not illegal
up to the states to decide
Source: ABC News
http://youtu.be/j0shB567K4Mhttp://youtu.be/j0shB567K4M
individual states sometimes have very specific, restrictive laws about online gambling.
Some states expressly prohibit online gambling by residents while others have no clear laws.
States currently with legalized online gambling:
Nevada
New Jersey
Delaware
Something for everyone
Source: betclic.com
SourceIGT.com
Source: silveroakcasino.com
Source: vegascasinoonline.com
Source: mrgreen.com
Source: mrgreen.com
?
“Internet Gaming Disorder”
a condition warranting more clinical research and experience before it might be considered for inclusion in the main book as a formal disorder.
Source: http://www.dsm5.org/
A sample of 1,178 youth in the U.S.: 8.5% of youth gamers were classified as “pathological gamers”
>80% play video games at least occasionally
“Pathological” gaming: (using 5 of 10 of DSM-IV; this was prior to DSM-5)
Some
information
we do
have
Source: Pediatrics, 2011 Feb; 127(2): e319‐29
Pathological gamers:
Less empathy
More impulsivity
Reinforcing
mental health
issues
Source: Pediatrics, 2011 Feb; 127(2): e319‐29
http://youtu.be/pQnE-ViHqk8
5.6% college age (18‐24)
2½ % all adults (18+)
4% teens (13‐17)
This is the first generation of widely available electronic gambling.
We really don’t know the effects yet.
Why? Is it the generation? Technology? Or what?
brain
For more info: see article “The Almost Winning Addiction” (The Economist, 2010)
It’s really about the action, not the money!
“ALMOST WINNING” causes dopamine to be activated the same as ACTUALLY winning.
Problem gamblers are more likely to see their near misses as “NEAR WINS”
People play LONGER when machines give them NEAR MISSES.
The PREFRONTAL CORTEX is the LAST PART to develop.
years old!
The brain is still
developinguntil
The PREFRONTAL CORTEX is responsible for higher levelthinking, like decision making, holding attention, copingskills, controlling impulses, problem solving and planning.Starting unhealthy behaviors at young ages can mess upthis development!
Neurotransmitter
Serotonin
Norepinephrine
Opioids
Dopamine
Role in Relation to Gambling
Behavior Initiation/Cessation
Arousal, Excitement
Pleasure, Urges
Reward, Reinforcement
Dopamine: most studied neurotransmitter in problem gambling
Serotonin -- risk taking
Gambling - β-endorphin
PGs - NE levels
PGs - dopamine response
Neurotransmitter “PGs” = problem gamblers | Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that transmit nerve impulses. Dopamine is known as the brain’s “reward system.”
Source: Brain Briefings (2007, October), Society for Neuroscience, Washington, DC
Dopamine
Dopamine not released when expecting a loss.Flooded with dopamine when expecting a win!
It’s not about the money – it’s about the action of the game and the hope of winning.
Sources: Tonneato, T. (1999). Cognitive psychopathology of problem gambling. Subst Use Misuse. Sep;34(11):1Anecdotal reports from problem gamblers in treatment and recovery.
How are the following cognitive distortions more (or less) apparent with newer technology?
Cognitive distortions.
Image source: Anheuser‐Busch
COGNITIVE Distortions
Lucky #’s Favorite shirt “My” machine
Superstition
Rituals/habits that are believed
to affect the outcome.
COGNITIVE Distortions
Example (win): “Yeah buddy! I was just waiting on my card. I know this game inside and out.”
Example (loss): “I would’ve won if that idiot didn’t get lucky and draw an ace.”
Biased EvaluationAttributing wins to one’s special skill or luck, while losses are blamed on external circumstances.
Image source: Anheuser‐Busch
Forgetting about losses, only remembering wins.
COGNITIVE DistortionsSelective Memory
COGNITIVE Distortions
Failure to see each event as independent. Examples:• Trying to see patterns in coin flips.• “This slot machine is DUE to hit!”
Gambler’s Fallacy
For good or bad, we are wired to see
patterns in things. When it comes to gambling, it’s good to remember that.
THIS was “supposed” to be next.
How are these cognitive
distortions more (or less) apparent with newer technology?
Reflecting:
APPS: check them.
PASSWORDS: get them.
PRIVACY: all profiles.
CONTROLS: set them (yours, not just the device!)
CHECKS: spontaneously, do it.
• Keep computer use in open area. Consider restricting mobile browsing hours or plan.
• Monitor, monitor, monitor.• Sites – gambling, parties, “how‐to” videos, etc.
• Social media accounts.
Teens “care about their privacy (but) it’snot always the same kind of privacy thatwe as adults have. Teens are moreconcerned about privacy from theirparents, their teachers, their schools.”
– Amanda Lenhart (source: Forbes.com, 8/22/13)
Check out the games/apps with your kids
Play with your kids or sit with them while they play. You will have fun and learn about their gaming, too.
Check the ratings of the games your kids want to play. In the U.S. and Canada, most games sold at retail stores are described and rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Use these ratings as you discuss the most appropriate games with your child or teen.
to your advantage.
Communicateexpectations.
Remember about drinking/gambling. Zero.
xo
Be home by 11. Have fun & text if you need a ride.
Yep got it
ok thanks mom
Jordan6:49PM
5:11PM
Major mobile services (e.g., AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon) offer family protection plans
Features include: GPS, purchase blocking, turning off browsing/data/texting, time of day, etc.
See www.preventionlane.org/online-safety for a list of helpful links to these services
Practicality alert: Some features CANNOT be blocked when user has access to WiFi (so…you may need to change your WiFipassword often!)
timetoact.drugfree.org
