The relationship between player tracking data and individual risk factors in online sports bettors: an explorative study

Online gambling has advanced responsible gambling using player tracking data. To detect at-risk gamblers early, it is crucial to understand how this data relates to individual risk factors for gambling disorder. Our exploratory study aimed to examine this relationship at two time points in players with and without gambling disorder. We analyzed the association between player tracking data and individual risk factors for gambling disorder (alcohol and tobacco use, impulsivity, difficulties in emotion identification, emotion regulation strategies, stress, comorbid mental disorders) in German online sports bettors. Associations were analyzed for overall samples from two online surveys (Nbaseline = 607, Mage = 34, 92% male; Nfollow-up = 325, Mage = 35, 94% male), with sub-analyses focusing on individuals with and without gambling disorder. Results showed low to modest associations between player tracking data and multiple risk factors, with differences between individuals with and without gambling disorder. This suggests that individual risk factors may not necessarily manifest in actual gambling behavior. Their interaction seems multidimensional and complex. Future studies should consider potential mediators and moderators (e.g. motives) of this relationship. Integrating player tracking and self-report data offers insights into understanding risky gambling in online sports bettors.