Home > Voluntary self-exclusion from gambling: expert opinions on gaps and needs for improvement.

Kraus, Ludwig and Bickl, Andreas M and Hellman, Mathilda and Kankainen, Veera E and Loy, Johanna K and Neyer, Marieke and Norman, Thomas and Rolando, Sara and Room, Robin and Rossow, Ingeborg and Volberg, Rachel and Ornberg, Jenny Cisneros (2024) Voluntary self-exclusion from gambling: expert opinions on gaps and needs for improvement. Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 41, (5), pp. 491-508. https://doi.org/10.1177/14550725241264628.

External website: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/145507252...


Aims: Voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) programmes are intended to minimise gambling-related harm. They are considered effective for the individual but several weaknesses have been reported that deter individuals from enrolment. The present paper summarises opinions about and experiences with VSE strategies and assesses gaps and needs with regard to the current self-exclusion regulations and programmes in seven jurisdictions. Methods: A total of 102 representatives from various sectors (research community; addiction help and care services; prevention; regulatory bodies; gambling providers) in Finland, Germany, Italy, Massachusetts (USA), Norway, Sweden, and Victoria (Australia) were surveyed about their experiences with and opinions about VSE strategies, as well as gaps and needs of the current VSE regulations in their jurisdiction. Results: The respondents agreed on the need for and importance of VSE programmes. However, in all participating jurisdictions, VSE regulations at the time of the survey were considered insufficient, and the respondents suggested potential improvements to facilitate the exclusion process, increase utilisation and reduce gamblers’ breaching VSE. Representatives of the gambling industry also emphasised the individual's responsibility. Conclusions: Individuals with gambling disorder require effective VSE programmes to cope with their addictive behaviour. To effectively reduce breaches, technical and legal solutions are necessary. This includes access controls based on complete nationwide registries, strict enforcement and preventing excluded gamblers from accessing unlicensed online operators.

Item Type
Article
Publication Type
International, Open Access, Article
Drug Type
Behavioural addiction
Intervention Type
Harm reduction
Date
2024
Identification #
https://doi.org/10.1177/14550725241264628
Page Range
pp. 491-508
Publisher
Sage
Volume
41
Number
5
EndNote

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