The total consumption model applied to gambling: an analysis of gambling accounts records in Norway

Abstract

Background: The total consumption model (TCM) posits a positive association between total consumption and rate of excessive consumption or related problems in a population. In this study we examined whether TCM applies to gambling. Method: We employed tracking data from 40 000 customers at a Norwegian gambling monopolist, Norsk Tipping (NT). For 14 population groups, we examined distribution characteristics of total net losses on gambling in a calendar year; total consumption (mean) and dispersion (percentile values) and rates of excessive gambling (i.e. exceeding the 95th or 98th percentile in the total sample). Associations between total consumption on the one hand and rates of excessive gambling and percentile values on the other were estimated in linear regression models. Results: We found positive and statistically significant associations between mean gambling consumption and rates of excessive gambling. We also observed positive and statistically significant associations between population mean and percentile values (25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 95th) and thus a clear pattern of regularity in the distribution of gambling losses across populations with different total gambling consumption. Conclusion: The findings lend support to the validity of the total consumption model with regard to gambling.