Zhou Jinquan, Ho Hong-Wai, Chan ChiBiu
Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, China.
Centre for Gaming and Tourism Studies, Macao Polytechnic University, Macao, China.
JMIR Form Res. 2024 Apr 22;8:e45700. doi: 10.2196/45700.
This study examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the gambling behavior of individuals who were already actively engaged in such pursuits. We aimed to uncover the intricate consequences of the pandemic on this specific demographic, emphasizing the importance of understanding the complex connection between public health concerns such as the COVID-19 pandemic and gambling behavior from a public health perspective. In addition to identifying immediate impacts, this study holds significance in assessing potential long-term public health implications for the broader gambling industry.
This study investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the gambling behavior of Mainland Chinese tourists in Macau from a public health perspective. We aimed to understand the changing patterns of gambling habits within this specific demographic by comparing their behavior before and during the pandemic, with a particular emphasis on the evolving dynamics of gambling and their public health consequences. This study provides a detailed exploration of the impact and implications of global health emergencies on this particular demographic's gambling behaviors and preferences.
This study used a robust cross-sectional analysis involving a sample of 334 Mainland Chinese gamblers with prior experiences in casinos in Macau. The sample deliberately encompassed individuals involved in gambling before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected through carefully designed questionnaires to gather information on gambling habits, preferences, and observed behavioral changes in the sample.
This study unveiled a notable shift in Mainland Chinese gamblers' behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. A considerable number of participants opted for web-based platforms over traditional land-based casinos, resulting in reduced budgets, less time spent on gambling, and decreased participation in social gambling. Remarkably, there was a notable surge in online gambling, indicating a noteworthy adaptability of gamblers to changing circumstances. These findings emphasize the dynamic nature of gambling habits during global public health emergencies, revealing the resilient and evolving preferences of Mainland Chinese gamblers in response to the challenges posed by the pandemic.
This study highlights the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on casino gambling, notably evident in a significant decline in Mainland Chinese tourists visiting Macau for gambling. There is a noticeable shift from traditional gambling to web-based alternatives, with individuals seeking options within the pandemic constraints. Furthermore, the findings point out an increase in gambling among the younger generation and behavioral changes in individuals with mood disorders. The findings of this study emphasize the critical need for proactive measures to address evolving gambling preferences and associated risks during public health crises; furthermore, these findings underscore the importance of adaptive strategies within the gambling industry, as well as the necessity for effective public health interventions and regulatory frameworks to respond to unprecedented challenges with efficacy and precision.
本研究考察了新冠疫情对已积极参与赌博活动的个人赌博行为的影响。我们旨在揭示疫情对这一特定人群的复杂影响，强调从公共卫生角度理解诸如新冠疫情等公共卫生问题与赌博行为之间复杂联系的重要性。除了确定直接影响外，本研究在评估对更广泛的赌博行业潜在的长期公共卫生影响方面也具有重要意义。
本研究从公共卫生角度调查了新冠疫情如何影响中国大陆游客在澳门的赌博行为。我们旨在通过比较疫情前和疫情期间这一特定人群的行为，了解其赌博习惯的变化模式，特别关注赌博动态变化及其公共卫生后果。本研究详细探讨了全球卫生紧急情况对这一特定人群赌博行为和偏好的影响及意义。
本研究采用了有力的横断面分析，样本为334名有过在澳门赌场赌博经历的中国大陆赌徒。该样本特意涵盖了在新冠疫情之前和期间参与赌博的个体。通过精心设计的问卷收集数据，以获取样本中关于赌博习惯、偏好以及观察到的行为变化的信息。
本研究揭示了新冠疫情期间中国大陆赌徒行为的显著转变。相当多的参与者选择基于网络的平台而非传统的陆上赌场，导致预算减少、赌博时间缩短以及社交性赌博参与度降低。值得注意的是，在线赌博显著增加，表明赌徒对变化环境具有值得关注的适应性。这些发现强调了全球公共卫生紧急情况期间赌博习惯的动态性质，揭示了中国大陆赌徒为应对疫情带来的挑战而具有的适应力和不断变化的偏好。
本研究突出了新冠疫情对赌场赌博的负面影响，在前往澳门赌博的中国大陆游客显著减少方面表现明显。从传统赌博向基于网络的替代方式有明显转变，人们在疫情限制下寻求其他选择。此外，研究结果指出年轻一代赌博行为增加以及情绪障碍个体的行为变化。本研究结果强调在公共卫生危机期间迫切需要采取积极措施来应对不断变化的赌博偏好及相关风险；此外，这些发现强调了赌博行业内适应性策略的重要性，以及有效公共卫生干预和监管框架以高效且精准地应对前所未有的挑战的必要性。
