In this study, the researchers explored the content of direct messages (i.e., text messages and emails) that players received from betting operators. Participants were sports and race bettors in Australia who placed at least one bet every two weeks. Participants completed one survey every day for seven days. They also sent the researchers any direct messages they received from betting operators. The results showed that betting operators regularly sent incentives and reminders to bet, to both sports and race bettors, by email and text message. Policy makers could use this research to regulate advertisements in direct messages so that they are subject to the same laws as other forms of gambling advertising.
