This report contains the results of a research project by the Behvioural Insights Team to study how behavioural tracking analysis and tools can be used to reduce harm in online gambling. This project included a literature review, a qualitative study, a mystery shopping exercise, a review of existing operator practices, a data science analysis, and two randomized control trials.
The researchers interviewed 16 online gamblers and two problem gambling treatment providers. The gamblers reported that online sites can encourage them to become engrossed in their play and that money spent online doesn’t ‘feel real’. Researchers also interviewed online gambling operators and registered on various online gambling sites and mobile apps in order to experience online gambling first-hand.
For behavioural data analysis, they analyzed existing data and found that higher and more erratic stakes were related to higher problem gambling scores. To evaluate potential interventions, they tested how "risky" players responded to making responsible gambling tools easier to access ("reducing friction") and to informing them that their gambling was riskier than other people's ("social norms"). Reducing friction did increase the use of deposit limits and setting a cooling-off period, but the social norms feedback was not effective.
In addition to reducing friction, the authors suggest that reducing large default numbers for bets and requiring users to set time and spending limits at the beginning of a session could guide people to less risky play. They also suggest systems that utilize social pressure, for example a notification that is sent to friends and family if someone exceeds their set limits. These interventions are currently being tested and will be discussed in a future report.
