This paper presents the findings of a systematic search undertaken for the period January 1990 to June 2011 of references including original, empirical findings of the relationship between accessibility of electronic gaming machines and rates of gambling involvement, problem gambling, or gambling-related treatment seeking. Titles and abstracts of 2156 references were reviewed, yielding 39 references meeting inclusion criteria. The review has revealed that the relationships between the physical accessibility dimensions of proximity and density and gambling involvement and problem gambling are complex. Research is only beginning to elucidate these dimensions, and many questions and methodological challenges remain to be addressed. The strengths, limitations, and gaps in the literature are discussed, and recommendations are made for future research. Cet article présente les résultats d'une recherche documentaire systématique, effectuée entre janvier 1990 et juin 2011, incluant des résultats empiriques initiaux qui portaient sur la relation entre l'accessibilité aux appareils de jeu électroniques et les taux de participation au jeu, le jeu compulsif ou la recherche de traitement lié au jeu. On a étudié les titres et les résumés de 2 156 références, parmi lesquelles 39 correspondaient aux critères d'inclusion. Cette recherche a révélé la complexité des relations entre les dimensions d'accessibilité physique, c'est-à-dire la proximité et la densité d'une part, et la participation au jeu et le jeu compulsif d'autre part. La recherche commence à peine à élucider ces dimensions et de nombreuses questions et problèmes méthodologiques demeurent en suspens. L'article discute des forces, des limitations et des lacunes de la littérature spécialisée et formule des recommandations pour de futurs travaux de recherche.

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All Australian home aged care packages have been delivered on a 'consumer directed care' (CDC) basis

This study applied a holistic, strength-based lens to better articulate the impetus for, and processes of, informal recovery from gambling problems. Two research objectives framed the parameters of the study: to explore (a) the process by which gamblers move from recognition of a gambling problem to action for recovery and (b) the experiences, perceptions and contextual factors that shape the features of this process. Narrative telephone interviews were conducted with adult residents of Victoria, Australia. Thirty-two adult participants (22 males and 10 females) were recruited from the general community. All participants were self-identified as recovering or recovered from gambling problems. Participants primarily used informal recovery strategies, rather than professional services or support groups. The impetus for informal recovery was identified broadly as either (a) dissonance between desired and actual self-image and goals, (b) an uncontrollable adverse event, or (c) confrontation and decisive action by others affected by the individual’s gambling involvement. The impetus, process and goals of recovery were best described by pathways that were distinguished by agency in recovery: externally directed and self-directed. The application of a strength-based lens helped to illuminate the role of agency in informal recovery. A proposed pathways framework may inform strength-based informal recovery strategies for gamblers and affected others, and therapeutic approaches. The pathways, which have not been articulated in previous gambling recovery literature, generally cohere with pathways articulated in the alcohol and substance recovery literature.