Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Mental Health
Date Submitted: Mar 8, 2022
Open Peer Review Period: Mar 8, 2022 - May 3, 2022
Date Accepted: May 5, 2022
(closed for review but you can still tweet)
Multi-operator self-exclusion is a viable harm reduction option for problem gamblers, but many self-excluders relapse despite self-exclusion on a predominantly online gambling market
ABSTRACT
Background:
Voluntary self-exclusion from gambling is a common harm reduction option for individuals with gambling problems. Multi-operator, nationwide self-exclusion services are rare, and a system introduced in the highly online-based gambling market of Sweden is a rare and recent example. However, where online casino and online betting are the predominating gambling types in those seeking treatment, the risk of breaching one’s own self-exclusion through overseas online operators may be high.
Objective:
This study aims to assess the prevalence of nationwide Spelpaus (‘gambling break’) self-exclusion, and the prevalence of gambling despite self-exclusion, in patients seeking treatment for gambling disorder in 2021.
Methods:
Health care documentation of recent treatment seekers (January 1 through September 1, 2021, N=85, 73 percent men) in a Swedish treatment facility was reviewed for data regarding problematic gambling types reported, history of self-exclusion, and history of breaching of that self-exclusion.
Results:
Common problem gambling types were online casino (66 percent) and sports betting (26 percent). All women reported online casino gambling. Self-exclusion history was common (81 percent). Among self-excluders, gambling despite self-exclusion was common (68 percent), most commonly on non-licensed online gambling sites.
Conclusions:
The nationwide, multi-operator self-exclusion service of Sweden appears to reach many patients with gambling disorder. However, remaining gambling options in an online gambling setting present a major challenge despite self-exclusion. This recent data calls for further treatment efforts and for potential improvements in services aiming to help voluntary self-excluders abstain from gambling.
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