Gambling and self-reported changes in gambling during COVID-19 in web survey respondents in Denmark.
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Håkansson A
Heliyon 7 (7) e07506 [2021-07-00; online 2021-07-08]
Problem gambling is among the public health hazards which may increase due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences on society. Results from a few countries have hitherto been diverse with respect to gambling during the pandemic. The present study aimed to study gambling behaviors during COVID-19 in Denmark, with the same methodology as previously used in Sweden, and also to provide a comparison to previously published Swedish data. A web survey was answered by 2,012 individuals, from December 2, to December 10, 2020. Four percent reported increased gambling habits, and three percent reported decreased gambling, during COVID-19. Self-reported increase in gambling was associated with spending more time at home, mental distress, and higher gambling severity. Prevalence of self-reported, increased gaming during COVID-19 was significantly lower in Denmark than in Sweden. Although the overall changes in gambling patterns during COVID-19 may be limited, people who increase their gambling during the pandemic may be at particular risk. Stakeholders should pay attention to individuals who report altered gambling habits during the pandemic.
PubMed 34337174
DOI 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07506
Crossref 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07506
pii: S2405-8440(21)01609-1
pmc: PMC8318852