Research Examines Gambling & Substance Use in Young Adults

Research

“Internet, App-Based, and Casino Gambling: Associations Between Modality, Problem Gambling, and Substance Use.” Journal of Gambling Studies, January 2024

Researchers

Associate Professor Jonathan K. Noel, Ph.D., MPH
Associate Professor Samantha R. Rosenthal, Ph.D., MPH
Steve Jacob '26

Project Objective

Steve Jacob '26, a current student in JWU’s Health Science program, contributed to a study led by Associate Professor Noel. The study worked to understand the connection between gambling modality (internet, app-based or in-person casino gambling) and substance use in young adults, since technology-based gambling is often not well documented by health and disease studies.

Project Goals & Skills

Individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 years old who lived in Rhode Island were recruited to complete the survey. The survey asked about gambling habits, behavior related to gambling, alcohol, marijuana and illicit drug use, age, social and economic identifiers, and educational or employment status.

“I have gained a much deeper understanding of research and how it affects the communities around me.”

Results & Future Implications

Results suggest that young adults who participate in smartphone gambling are more likely to experience problem gambling and higher alcohol consumption. Heterosexual cisgender males ranked as having the highest rate of gambling on the internet or smartphone, and young adults who were non-students or unemployed were more likely to internet gamble. High-risk marijuana and illicit drug use was more prevalent in casino gamblers.

Findings suggest that due to the easy access of internet and smartphone gambling, as well as the programming of gambling apps exploiting feelings of suspense and anticipation, young adults are at an increased risk of problem gambling. The researchers recommend considering bans or strict guidelines on internet gambling to help decrease gambling addiction and substance use in young adults.

The Benefits of Working on Research

Jacob noted the benefits of working with the Center for Student Research & Interdisciplinary Collaboration (CSRIC): “CSRIC has given me the opportunity to learn from faculty mentors and work firsthand with real world data. Through this experience, I have gained a much deeper understanding of research and how it affects the communities around me.”

_{Top Inset: Steve Jacob '26, a current student in JWU’s Health Science Program.}

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