Examining if the HOPE-Gam intervention is feasible and acceptable for concerned significant others

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Author(s): Riley, Ben J. ; Battersby, Malcolm W. ; Baigent, Michael F. ; Smith, David

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: June 17, 2026

The Helping Others Promote Engagement in Gambling Support (HOPE-Gam) intervention was created to help concerned significant others (CSOs) motivate their loved ones experiencing problem gambling to enter treatment. HOPE-Gam was compared against standard care for families affected by problem gambling. A total of 30 CSOs were randomly assigned to HOPE-Gam or standard care. The researchers found that it was feasible to recruit CSOs into the trial through online outreach. At follow-up, more participants in the HOPE-Gam group reported that the person experiencing problem gambling had entered treatment. There was also some evidence that participants in the HOPE-Gam group showed greater improvements in wellbeing and family functioning.

Citation: Riley, B. J., Battersby, M. W., Baigent, M. F., & Smith, D. (2026). Helping Others Promote Engagement in Gambling Support (HOPE-Gam): A feasibility randomized controlled trial. Journal of Gambling Studies, 42, 109–130. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-025-10468-x

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-025-10468-x

Keywords: affected others ; family impacts ; interventions ; treatment

Topics: Family and Friends ; Gambling Resources ; Information for Operators ; Information for Treatment Providers

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Study Design: Experimental: RCT (randomized controlled trial)

Geographic Coverage: Australia, South Australia

Study Population: Adults (18+ years) who were living or in regular contact with a family member or friend whom they believed was experiencing problem gambling but was not seeking help (n=30)

Sampling Procedure: Participant recruitment took place between October 2023 and April 2025. An online recruitment campaign, including advertisement on social media (Facebook) and the health service webpage, was first used to recruit participants. Due to the slow recruitment, TrialFacts Australia was engaged to help with recruitment, which involved an online digital marketing campaign (including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) and an electronic pre-screening survey.

Study Funding:

This study was funded by the Southern Adelaide Local Health Network and Flinders Foundation.