Abstract
In the U.K., the major commercial gambling activity in adolescents is the playing of slot machines (commonly known as “fruit machines”). Over the past few years, the negative effects of “fruit machine addiction” have been reported by various helping organizations (e.g. Gamblers Anonymous) and the national press, including allegations of attempted murder, suicide and prostitution as well as a wider incidence of petty crime.
Fifty adolescent fruit machine players from a ‘user population’ participated in a face-to-face interview and questionnaire study examining factors in the acquisition, development and maintenance of gambling behaviour. Nine adolescent males were deemed to be pathological gamblers as measured by the American Psychiatric Association DSM-III-R diagnostic criteria, and a number of serious consequences were reported including gambling debts, truancy and stealing.
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The author would like to thank the United Kingdom Economic and Social Research Council for funding this work through a research studentship. The author would also like to thank S.E.G. Lea for his invaluable advice during the preparation of this manuscript.
A copy of the questionnaire used in this study can also be obtained from the author at the same address.
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Griffiths, M.D. The acquisition, development, and maintenance of fruit machine gambling in adolescents. J Gambling Stud 6, 193–204 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01014578
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01014578