Internet-Based Interventions for Problem Gambling: Scoping Review

Data on the percentage of people with gambling addictions who recover is not readily available. Numerous free resources are available for those looking for support or guidance as they seek to manage a gambling disorder. Most of the studies published on gambling and harm do not allow us to determine that gambling came before the harm. We intended to draw on previous reviews as well as primary studies, but we could not identify any reviews that focused on longitudinal studies. It’s possible that there are more longitudinal studies that we did not identify through this method. With the exception of commercial stakeholders, there was consensus across different types of stakeholders that gambling is a public health issue, and it requires a public health approach.

You can find the full technical reports on the gambling-related harms evidence review main page. Gambless is the #1 mobile app to prevent and help you recover from gambling addiction. Some studies showed that the centrality of the machines’ location has high effects on improving gambling. On the contrary, many other studies report that players who were isolated from others were more likely to play excessively and that players reduced time played and bet sizes when they were observed versus when they were not.

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• For example, in the state of Victoria, the introduction of smoking bans led to an immediate reduction of gaming revenue, indirectly reducing gambling expenses 47.
• Aspects of interpersonal communication such as facial expressions and body language can be important tools for counselors in detecting distress in their clients 45,46.
• Overall, 7 studies were based on data collected from Gambling Help Online, an Australian online counseling and support website 14-19.
• In online gambling, availability restrictions are not as straightforward, as particularly mobile gambling is characterised by 24 h availability.

Some authors suggest that the efficacy of these actions is susceptible to contextual variations, such as demographic profile, socio-economic characteristics, and other risky behaviors’ availability 34,40,41. However, there is some evidence that shows that gambling harm may be higher in locations closer to gambling venues and that distance from venues matters more than gambler preferences about the kind of location. One of the most critical aspects of recovery from gambling addiction is learning to manage triggers. Recognizing and understanding these triggers can significantly reduce the risk of relapse. Managing these effectively involves both avoiding triggers and developing healthier responses. Studies were selected for the review if they involved a primary analysis of any type of problem gambling intervention through internet or in online environments.

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A possible explanation for the low rates of treatment seeking is that there are several barriers that discourage those experiencing gambling-related harm from seeking professional help. In addition to behavioural variables, other information about gamblers’ risk levels can be observed by online operators. Analysis of customer communication with online operators identified risk markers that predicted customers closing their accounts due to stated gambling problems.

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There are inequalities in the extent to which sub-groups of the population are affected by gambling. People at the greatest risk of harm are more likely to be unemployed and living in more deprived areas, have poor health, low life satisfaction and wellbeing, and have an indication of probable psychological health problems. Non-commercial stakeholders took a broader view that harms can be experienced by any gamblers and can also be experienced indirectly by families and society. Commercial stakeholders believe that harms are experienced by a minority of gamblers only.

Several studies explored the use of the internet to host a group discussion with multiple clients and mental health professionals 24,25,31,40. The group discussion either took place in online chat spaces with simultaneous use by several clients, by mental health professional–moderated discussion boards 24, or by the use of webinars with a mental health professional facilitator 31. In addition to these components, it is crucial to have a contingency plan in place for high-risk situations. Life is unpredictable, and there may be times when the urge to gamble becomes overwhelming.

In 2020, the clinic provided Danske Spil with expertise appraisals of online gambling patterns, aiding the improvement of AI software aimed at early detection of problematic gambling behavior. The clinic was paid for this advisory service per standard tariffs on Aarhus University Hospital. Eliminating the barriers and the stigma that still keep many from accessing mental health support. Williams et al. 40 consider the restriction of the consumption of tobacco while gambling as one of the most effective strategies; other reviews confirm this conclusion 3,33. Even if few gamblers perceive a change in their behavior, smoking bans have shown nine casino that they influence gambling expenses.