L3 Characteristics and prediction of risky gambling behavior

Aims: The RIGAB study aims to characterize players with risky gambling behavior, participating in online sports betting, compared to players without risky gambling behavior concerning individual risk factors. Subsequently we can use this characterization to test whether it predicts (the progression of) risky gambling behavior and the onset of a gambling disorder. 

In the initial online survey, we will examine a group of online sports bettors with risky gambling behavior and a matching group of bettors without risky gambling behavior (according to a classification made by an algorithm) for known risk factors for a gambling disorder. In the following in-person study, randomly selected participants from the previous online survey take part in a clinical interview and several computer-based cognitive and decision making tasks. After 12 months, the whole sample will complete another online survey with questions on selected aspects of their gambling behavior. 

We expect the study’s results to improve the characterization of players with risky gambling behavior by integrating several known risk factors. The findings will also show how well the putative risk factors actually predict gambling disorder. Furthermore, the study’s results will contribute to prevention efforts and early detection of gambling disorder and players with risky gambling behavior.

PIs: Prof. Dr. Gerhard Bühringer and Dr. rer. nat. Anja Kräplin

Staff: Dipl. Psych. Robert Czernecka und M. Sc. Theresa Wirkus

Funding: unrestricted research grant from Tipico Co. Ltd. to TU Dresden in order to promote research on gambling disorder

Duration: 04/2020 – 07/2023