Preventive Interventions and Harm Reduction in Online and Electronic Gambling: A Systematic Review

Moreover, adolescents exposed to gambling at an early age are more likely to have family members, peers, or acquaintances who engage in gambling activities. Such exposure suggests that many individuals become familiar with gambling through their social environment before actively participating themselves 3, 18. Prior research underscores the critical role of gambling accessibility as a key ecological factor in understanding adolescent problem gambling.

Engaging in support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, offers a sense of community and understanding, as members share similar experiences and challenges. These groups provide a safe space to discuss struggles and successes, fostering a sense of accountability and encouragement. Moreover, having a trusted sponsor or mentor can offer guidance and support during difficult times. In addition to setting goals, it is important to develop a daily routine that supports a gambling-free lifestyle. This routine should include activities that promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Research has mainly focused on youth prevention program evaluation, and few studies regard adult educational interventions 12. Most adult educational interventions focus on knowledge, misconceptions and fallacies, but they have little impact on behaviors 38. In some counties, “Responsible Gambling Information Centers” (RGICs) are located within gambling venues to provide information and education about the risks of gambling and to identify and support visitors who are experiencing problems with gambling. An evaluation of their effectiveness showed that visitors appeared to modify misconceptions about randomness but did not have any immediate or long-term impact on gambling behavior 40.

The online environment offers new opportunities to identify and target indicated interventions as well as treatment to those who have already been affected by gambling harms. Besides pop-ups, other nudges can also be used to help gamblers make better decisions. In behavioural studies, nudges are understood as small changes in the environment that encourage healthier or safer choices 66.

This scoping review was conducted to inform the development of a provincial online problem gambling treatment resource. To inform this project, it is necessary to map the current literature to identify the range of interventions being offered through internet-based resources and to identify gaps in our knowledge surrounding these types of interventions. The research question was, “How are internet-based resources being used to deliver problem gambling interventions? ” This review provides information on the different types of interventions that are available, the types of populations that have been exposed to these interventions, and identifies the gaps in the knowledge surrounding internet-based interventions. This review contributes to the dissemination of current knowledge on internet-based interventions and identifies possible areas for future research, given our current understandings of the potential of such intervention strategies. Creating a relapse prevention plan for gambling addiction involves several key steps.

• This lower confidence was in part due to methodological limitations (for example, most studies in the reviews were cross-sectional) despite some having large numbers of studies.
• For example, in an Australian nationally representative prevalence survey, the overall problem gambling rate among Australian non-Internet gamblers was 0.9 %.
• Restriction of gambling venues’ opening hours appears to have an impact on reducing gambling-related harms, although some results are inconsistent 3,33,34,40.
• This guide is designed to offer practical steps and resources to stop online gambling and reclaim control over your life.
• The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in the United States is advancing education and awareness through initiatives like Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

These systems require users to provide valid identification before participating to comply with legal age restrictions. This proactive approach not only protects young individuals but also promotes responsible gambling practices, setting a benchmark for emerging markets in regulatory innovation and player protection. Creating a culture of responsible gambling involves a multi-faceted approach that combines regulation, education, technology, and community involvement. Let’s look at some protection measures and success stories in the fight against gambling addiction from around the globe.

Support links

These tools can effectively reduce the temptation and accessibility of online gambling sites and apps, making it easier to focus on recovery. Problem gambling was evaluated using nine items on the General Problem Severity Subscale (GPSS) of the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Inventory 31. The GPSS is a scale that selects 9 items from the CAGI’s 24 items developed by Tremblay et al. 31. The KPGA data we used included questions about gambling experiences in the past year. A sample item is “How often have you skipped practice or dropped out of activities (such as team sports or band) due to your gambling?

How online therapy may help address and reduce gambling harms

These results are consistent with a wide body of research which suggests that gambling disorder is related to high levels of involvement (in terms of expenditure, time, frequency and variety of gambling forms used) 13, 36, 52, 59–63. Therefore, research suggests that highly involved gamblers are more likely to engage with Internet modes, including those with existing gambling problems, than less involved gamblers. This is an important finding as it demonstrates (unsurprisingly) that a single gambling index (such as a frequency of gambling, or expenditure) is not adequate to predict gambling problems. Due to the high level of accessibility, immersive interface and ease at which money can be spent, concerns have been expressed that Internet gambling may increase rates of disordered gambling.

This annual campaign focuses on educating the public and professionals about prevention, treatment, and recovery services. The campaign’s impact is evident, with a reported 25% increase in calls to gambling helplines during the awareness month, highlighting the growing awareness and need for support services. Professional help also ensures that the process of uncovering and healing from the underlying issues is conducted in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.

The Impact of Internet and Land-Based Gambling on Gambling Problems

Although HSE is a good data source, not all topics relevant to gambling are included and we had to rely on other sources of published data to fill gaps. Despite gambling reductions, the proportion of participants reporting being affected by someone else’s gambling increased from 6% to 7%. According to 2020 YouGov data on gambling treatment and support (PDF, 1.4MB), around 7% of the population of Great Britain (adults and children) were found to be negatively affected by someone else’s gambling. We used a mixed methods approach for this review, including quantitative, qualitative and rapid review methodologies. AF performed the literature search and screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment in collaboration with AS.

Only 5 of these included longitudinal studies which are essential to determine the direction of a relationship, and only one was rated as high quality. Targeted or dynamic forms of information are easy to implement online also for other groups. Data could allow personalised warnings and other information campaigns in online environments, in the same way as marketing campaigns are targeted and personalised. This can be done at a consumer-level but also at a more universal level of customer segments.

Many of the studies drew their samples from clients of existing gambling help websites 13-19,20-24,37. For these studies, participants accessed the internet-based inventions voluntarily and gave consent for their information to be used for research purposes. Media advertising was also used by several studies 20,25,26,31, and 1 study surveyed grade 9 students from a single high school in Italy 28. Setting realistic goals is another essential element of a successful relapse prevention plan.

Believing you’ve nine casino found a foolproof system to win at gambling is a form of denial about the randomness and risks involved. While it might start as fun, for someone with a gambling problem, it can quickly become an unhealthy obsession. This rationalization downplays the risks of gambling, ignoring the potential for loss to escalate. Credit counseling services can offer invaluable assistance in managing and consolidating debts accrued from gambling. These services can negotiate lower interest rates on your behalf and help set up a debt management plan.

Sweden has taken a proactive approach by implementing the Spelpaus service, a self-exclusion tool that allows individuals to block themselves from all licensed gambling activities temporarily. This initiative empowers individuals by placing control in their hands, significantly reducing the risk of problem gambling. Reports indicate that since its launch, Spelpaus has seen over 100,000 registrations, showcasing its impact in fostering responsible gambling habits. Diving into new activities isn’t just about keeping busy; it’s about redirecting your focus and energy toward something positive and constructive. When you’re absorbed in a challenging workout or deeply involved in a new hobby, your mind is engaged in a healthy way, leaving less room for thoughts of gambling. This shift not only helps break the cycle of gambling addiction but also contributes to building a new, more fulfilling lifestyle.

In cases of disagreement, a third reviewer with expertise in the field was consulted and made the final decision on inclusion. The second stage involved a review of the full-text versions of the selected articles by both reviewers. Preventing a gambling addiction saves a great deal of money, time, and effort in the long run. Although there are huge benefits to prevention, it is one of the most neglected aspects of addiction. Yes, you can use self-exclusion programs and blocking tools like GamStop or Gamban to block access to online gambling sites.

However, it’s recommended to work with a mental health professional who can provide evidence-based advice and guidance. As the popularity of online gambling surges, gambling addiction is becoming an increasingly significant concern in the United Kingdom. An estimated 50% of people in the UK participate in a gambling activity in a given year, and 2.8% of individuals engage in problem gambling behavior.

One of these found that some participants, particularly women, had already experienced suicidal events before starting to gamble. This suggests that gambling may trigger suicidal events in some people already prone to suicidal ideation. The link between gambling and suicide and self-harm was supported by qualitative studies. In May 2018, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport published its response to a consultation on proposals for changes to gaming machines and social responsibility measures. In it they announced that ‘PHE will conduct an evidence review of the health aspects of gambling-related harm to inform action on prevention and treatment’.

This digitalisation of gambling markets has also translated to an increasing interest in targeted harm prevention and reduction measures in online environments. Jurisdictions have focussed on questions including online advertisement and social responsibility, measures to block unlicensed online competition, as well as online-based treatment and information 1,2,3,4,5,6. While previous research has largely examined ecological and psychological factors in adolescent problem gambling separately, more research is needed to explore their complex relationship. This study applied a comprehensive approach by investigating the intricate interplay between ecological, psychological, and cognitive factors and problem gambling within an integrated model. By taking these steps, individuals can build a solid foundation for recovery and embrace a future free from the constraints of gambling addiction.