Skill-Based Electronic Gaming Machines: Features that Mimic Video Gaming, Features that could Contribute to Harm, and Their Potential Attraction to Different Groups.

New gambling products have been developed over time as technology permits. For example, early mechanical slot machines were later replaced by electronic gaming machines (EGMs), which enabled a faster speed of play and more immersive experience. EGMs have in the decades since their invention become one of the main drivers of gambling expenditure worldwide and are one of the gambling products most strongly associated with harm. This literature review considers research relevant to a new subcategory of EGM, 'skill-based' EGMs, termed 'SGMs' here. SGMs can be highly varied in content, with some representing a minimal departure from EGMs, where the typical bonus round is replaced by some skill-based activity, such as a simple video game, which could increase the machine's appeal. Other SGMs feature more radical departures from conventional EGMs, such as multiplayer games using intellectual property from popular TV shows or video games. These skill-based elements could tap into common gambling fallacies such as the illusion of control, and therefore facilitate harmful engagement. SGMs could also be less harmful than current EGMs, if skill-based elements break the dissociative states associated with EGM gambling. The intellectual property used in SGMs may increase their appeal among people who generally do not gamble, and the skill-based elements could increase their interest among gamblers who predominately prefer skill-based gambling formats such as sports betting. The novelty and varied content of SGMs present many open questions, which research should aim to address in future.

The influence of age on gambling problems worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis of risk among younger, middle-aged, and older adults.

Background and Aims: Problem gambling (PG) represents a significant public health concern with widespread effects in various cultures and regions globally, with younger individuals and males at a particularly higher risk. This disparity is attributed to a mix of cultural, developmental, and biological influences. To date, there has not been a comprehensive examination to determine whether this risk pattern holds consistently across different jurisdictions. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis using the PRISMA framework, identifying 21 eligible studies from 18 countries, encompassing 156,249 participants (47.6% male and 52.4% female). Results: The studies varied considerably by region (Asia: 19%, Europe: 52%, Oceania: 19%, North America: 10%), the diagnostic criteria for PG, and participation rates in gambling (ranging from 12% to 92%). Data on PG prevalence was categorised by gender and three age groups (young: 18-35, middle: 30-55, and older: 45-65). Using a random-effects meta-analysis, we found a global PG prevalence of 1.9%. Europe reported a significantly lower prevalence (1.3%) compared to North America (5.3%). Men were found to be 3.4 times more likely than women to engage in problem gambling, although the gap narrows in North America. The young demographic showed a 1.51 times higher likelihood of reporting PG compared to the middle-aged group, whereas older adults were 0.80 times less likely to report PG. Notably, age-related effects varied significantly across regions. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that age and gender significantly influence PG risk across cultures, with significant heterogeneity observed across jurisdictions.