Patterns and Motives for Electronic Cigarette Use in a Sample of Community-Recruited Gamblers

Many smokers are replacing tobacco with electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or are engaging in dual-use. Evidence indicates that smoking rates are higher amongst gamblers; however, the extent to which gamblers use e-cigarettes is unknown. The current study examined rates of e-cigarette use in gamblers, identified associations between e-cigarette use and gambling, and assessed motives for e-cigarette use during gambling. A community-recruited sample of gamblers (N = 564) completed questionnaires on e-cigarettes, smoking, and gambling. 'Ever use' of e-cigarettes was 38.7% with 17.6% reporting 'past 30-day use'. Furthermore, 11.9% used e-cigarettes while gambling in the past 12 months. Regression analyses for 'past 30-day use' revealed that occasional smoking, gambling severity, and number of gambling activities were associated with the highest odds of use. Reasons for use while gambling included: relaxation/stress, nicotine dependence and legal in casinos. These findings suggest e-cigarette use is common in gamblers and may be used to circumvent casino smoking bans.