The impact of a voluntary self-exclusion program on problem gambling

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Author(s): McCormick, Amanda V. ; Cohen, Irwin M. ; Davies, Garth

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2018

Date Added: June 27, 2018

This study examined change in symptoms of problem gambling among participants of a self-exclusion program in British Columbia, Canada. Within the first six months of the program, many participants were able to reduce their problem gambling symptoms. The greatest reduction was observed for those who stopped gambling completely and those who gambled informally outside the casino. Participants who tried to violate their exclusion had a smaller reduction in problem gambling symptoms. Unfortunately, many participants who tried to violate their exclusion were successful. Gambling venues need to be stricter about identifying program violators. Future research is also needed to study the characteristics of gamblers who can gamble informally without re-triggering symptoms of problem gambling.

Citation: McCormick, A. V., Cohen, I. M., & Davies, G. (2018). Differential effects of formal and informal gambling on symptoms of problem gambling during voluntary self-exclusion. Journal of Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-018-9743-5

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-018-9743-5

Keywords: gambling disorder ; gambling operation ; gambling venues ; problem gambling ; relapse ; responsible gambling ; self-exclusion ; self-exclusion breach

Topics: Gambling Resources ; Information for Operators ; Prevention

Conceptual Framework Factors: Environment - Responsible Gambling

Response Rate: 69.1% (326/472)

Study Design: Observational: Cohort

Geographic Coverage: Canada, British Columbia

Study Population: Gamblers who were enrolled in British Columbia’s voluntary self-exclusion program between June 2013 to February 2014

Sampling Procedure: The researchers invited gamblers enrolled in British Columbia’s voluntary self-exclusion program. Security staff of the program presented information about the study to potential participants. If participants were interested, they signed a consent form that the security staff then mailed directly to the researchers. Participants were contacted within a few days of the researchers receiving the consent form via the preferred manner indicated (telephone and/or email) with an invitation to set up their ﬁrst telephone interview.