Improving the subtyping of gamblers by gambling type

In gambling research, gambling subtypes have traditionally been used to distinguish between games of skill or competition and games of chance. The former are referred to as strategic games, whereas the latter are classified as non-strategic games. Despite their similarities, individuals who engage in strategic and non-strategic gambling exhibit distinct characteristics. Consequently, a substantial body of research has examined how gamblers differ according to the types of gambling activities in which they engage. These differences in gamblers' profiles have important implications for the clinical assessment and treatment of individuals with gambling problems. Nevertheless, heterogeneous classification methods have been used to define gambling subtypes, compromising the comparability and reproducibility of research findings and hindering the implementation of evidence-based recommendations for the regulation, prevention, and treatment of gambling disorder.