Acceptability of an online screening, brief intervention, and referral for treatment (e-SBIRT) program for gambling harm

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Author(s): Wright, Simon ; Smith, Jessica ; Dighton, Glen ; Quigley, Martyn ; Dymond, Simon

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2025

Date Added: January 06, 2026

One public health approach to addictive disorders is screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT). Electronic-SBIRT (e-SBIRT) programs have also become popular. The purpose of this study was to determine the acceptability of an e-SBIRT program for gambling. Participants had to be at least 18 years old, live in the United Kingdom, and have gambled in the past month. They had to score as moderate-risk or problem gambling on the Problem Gambling Severity Index. A total of 63 participants completed the quantitative phase, while 7 also provided qualitative feedback. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the e-SBIRT and found it helpful. Many indicated they would seek treatment after completing the e-SBIRT. Participants with problem gambling found the e-SBIRT more acceptable and were more likely to seek treatment after completing it. Qualitative feedback from participants also indicated high levels of acceptability.

Citation: Wright, S., Smith, J., Dighton, G., Quigley, M., & Dymond, S. (2025). Electronic screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (e-SBIRT) for gambling harm: A mixed-methods acceptability study. Journal of Gambling Studies, 41, 1583–1596. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-025-10424-9

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-025-10424-9

Keywords: Brief Intervention (BI) ; interventions ; problem gambling ; screening ; treatment ; treatment referral

Topics: Gambling Resources ; Information for Operators ; Information for Treatment Providers

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Study Design: Mixed Methods

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom

Study Population: Adults (18+ years) who lived in the United Kingdom, gambled in the past month, and scored in the moderate-risk or problem gambling categories on the PGSI (n=63 participants in the survey phase, n=7 participants in the interview phase)

Sampling Procedure: Participants were recruited from Prolific and directed to a survey hosted on Qualtrics. Recruitment took place over two phases in between December 2024 and January 2025. In phase one, participants were eligible if they were aged 18 and older, resided in the UK, and had gambled in the past month. In phase two, only those who scored in the moderate-risk or problem gambling categories of the PGSI were invited to take part in the main study.

Study Funding:

This study was funded by the Gambling Commission.