The researchers created an automated chat program called GAMBOT. GAMBOT was developed to help people with problem gambling and used cognitive behavioural therapy principles. GAMBOT sent messages to participants via a messaging app based on pre-determined rules. It did not include any therapist contact. Participants were randomly assigned to the GAMBOT or assessment only control condition for four weeks. Data were analyzed from 197 participants. All participants reported reducing their problem gambling. No differences between groups were found for the primary measure of problem gambling (the Problem Gambling Severity Index). But, participants in the GAMBOT condition reported lower scores on another measure (the Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale). Most (77%) participants used GAMBOT throughout the four weeks. These results suggest that GAMBOT may help reduce problem gambling without therapist contact.
