Evaluating an online self-management program for people who are enrolled in voluntary self-exclusion

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Author(s): Yakovenko, Igor ; Hodgins, David C.

Journal: Internet Interventions

Year Published: 2021

Date Added: April 06, 2021

This study compared the effects of an online self-management program and an in-person educational workshop for people enrolled in voluntary self-exclusion (VSE). Only 30–35% of participants completed their assigned program. Both programs worked equally well. Participants reported fewer gambling problems over time. Those who still gambled spent less money and gambled less frequently. But, there was evidence that many participants’ gambling started to increase again after 12 months. Most people rated the online program positively, but thought that it could be improved in some areas. These included being more interactive, adding more media variety, and making it more stimulating.

Citation: Yakovenko, I., & Hodgins, D. C. (2021). Effectiveness of a voluntary casino self-exclusion online self-management program. Internet Interventions, 23, 100354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2020.100354

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2020.100354

Keywords: gambling ; gambling disorder ; Internet-based interventions ; Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) ; self-exclusion

Topics: Information for Operators

Conceptual Framework Factors: Environment - Culture of Social Responsibility ; Environment - Responsible Gambling ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Gambling Environment ; Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Response Rate: Completion rates: 35% of the face-to-face group and 30% of the online group completed their mandatory program workshop requirements. Follow-up rates ranged from 72% to 79% for the two groups across the 12 months.

Study Design: Experimental: RCT (randomized controlled trial)

Geographic Coverage: Canada, Alberta

Study Population: Adults who were enrolled in a voluntary self-exclusion program managed by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (N = 201)

Sampling Procedure: Participants were adults who were enrolled in a voluntary self-exclusion program. They were randomly assigned to either an online self-management program (n = 100) or an in-person educational workshop (n = 101). Both programs were managed by the AGLC.

Study Funding:

This research was supported by the Alberta Gambling Research Institute (grant number 61).