New evidence from the grey area

The paper investigates the differences between at-risk gamblers and no-risk gamblers by using a unique data set to provide a closer inspection of the characteristics and gambling behavior of at-risk gamblers. The data stem from the first Danish large-scale nationwide study conducted in 2005, followed by a second wave interview in 2006. The first wave sample consists of 4,932 current gamblers with no current gambling problems or pathology, and the second wave re-interviewed 379 of them. The analysis involves both a logistic regression and cross-tabulations. The results show that at-risk gamblers and no-risk gamblers have significantly different socio-demographic profiles and gambling behaviors. At-risk gambling is more prevalent for men, young people, and immigrants. Moreover, at-risk gamblers are more likely to have no living-at-home children, to have low income and low education. Most importantly the paper shows that playing high-risk games (i.e., games whose characteristics constitute a high-risk for vulnerable players in terms of developing problem gambling) substantially increases the odds for at-risk gambling and this finding should be used in preventive work.