Håkansson, Anders and Åkesson, Gunny (2022) Multi-operator self-exclusion as a harm reduction measure in problem gambling: retrospective clinical study on gambling relapse despite self-exclusion. JMIR Mental Health, 9, (8), e37837. doi: 10.2196/37837.
External website: https://mental.jmir.org/2022/8/e37837
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 web-based gambling market of Sweden is a rare and recent example. However, where web-based casino gambling and web-based betting are the predominate gambling types in those seeking treatment, the risk of breaching one's own self-exclusion through overseas web-based operators may also be high.
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the prevalence of a 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) 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 web-based casino gambling (49/74, 66%) and sports betting (19/74, 26%). The majority who participated in this study (62/85, 73%) were men. All women reported web-based casino gambling. Self-exclusion through Spelpaus was common (60/74, 81%). Among self-excluders, gambling despite self-exclusion was common (41/60, 68%), most commonly on unlicensed gambling websites.
CONCLUSIONS: The nationwide, multi-operator self-exclusion service of Sweden appears to reach many patients with a gambling disorder. However, the remaining gambling options in an web-based gambling setting present a major challenge despite self-exclusion. The recent data calls for further treatment efforts and potential improvements in services aiming to help voluntary self-excluders abstain from gambling.
F Concepts in psychology > Motivation
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Gambling
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Gambling > Gambling disorder / problem
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Gambling > Gambling type (betting, lottery, cards, sports, video games, loot boxes)
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder prevention or harm reduction
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder treatment or recovery
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder risks / initiation
VA Geographic area > Europe > Sweden
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