Problem gambling can cause harm (e.g., depression and financial distress). Even if people really want to limit or stop gambling, they may find it hard to do so. Implementation intentions can help people follow through on their desired behaviours. Implementation intentions are goal-directed plans that can help people connect cues or situations with appropriate behavioural responses. This review summarizes recent research on the use of implementation intentions in gambling. Implementation intentions have been found to be useful in supporting behavioural changes. But, there is not much research on the use of implementation intentions in limiting or stopping gambling. The author provides some examples of what implementation intentions may look like for people who gamble. The author also provides some suggestions around future interventions that use implementation intentions to help people change their gambling behaviour.
