Responsible gambling programs may be more useful if designed for specific types of people who gamble

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Author(s): Jonsson, Jakob ; Hodgins, David C. ; Munck, Ingrid M. ; Carlbring, Per

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2020

Date Added: December 24, 2020

In this study, the researchers explored whether different types of people who gamble respond to a responsible gambling (RG) program in different ways. The researchers reviewed data that were collected in a previous study. Some participants received a telephone call about their gambling behaviour and possible strategies to make changes. Other participants received a letter about their gambling behaviour and possible strategies. The researchers identified six different types of gamblers. In general, the telephone call was more effective at encouraging participants to spend less money on gambling than the letter. The letter worked as well as the telephone call for gamblers who spent a lot on lottery. Thus, the letter seemed more cost-effective for lottery gamblers.

Citation: Jonsson, J., Hodgins, D. C., Munck, I., & Carlbring, P. (2020). Reaching out to big losers: How different types of gamblers are affected by a brief motivational contact initiated by the gambling provider. Journal of Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-020-09978-7

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-020-09978-7

Keywords: motivational interventions ; personalized feedback ; prevention ; problem gambling ; responsible gambling

Topics: Gambling Resources ; Information for Operators ; Information for Treatment Providers ; Prevention

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

Study Design: Secondary Data Analysis

Geographic Coverage: Norway

Study Population: Customers of Norsk Tipping who were among the top 0.5% of customers who had lost most money during the past 12 months (N=3,009)

Sampling Procedure: Purposive sampling: The researchers randomly selected participants who had lost the most amount of money from Norsk Tipping in the past year.

Study Funding:

The authors did not receive any funding for writing this article. The original data collection was funded by Norsk Tipping.