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Use of Arcade Gambling Machines: Demographic Characteristics of Users and Patterns of Use

NCJ Number
119973
Journal
British Journal of Addiction Volume: 84 Issue: 5 Dated: (May 1989) Pages: 555-562
Author(s)
R P Bentall; D Fisher; V Kelly; E Bromley; K Hawksworth
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Despite widespread public concern about the putative harmful influences of arcade gambling machines on young people, little empirical data exists on the use of machine arcades in Great Britain.
Abstract
Machine users from seven arcades in the Liverpool area were interviewed to find out who uses arcades, how frequently, how much they spend, and how important an activity it is to them. Although the subjects were all ages and from all occupational classes, a sizable majority were young males. Habitual machine use was indicated by a cluster of variables including frequency of arcade visits, time spent on each visit, amount spent, and overspending. However, the evidence did not determine a clear line between controlled and excessive machine use. Moreover, habitual machine use was not related significantly to length of history of use or perceived luck. 1 figure, 3 tables, 6 references. (Author abstract modified)

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