Multi-operator Self-exclusion as a Harm Reduction Measure in Problem Gambling : Retrospective Clinical Study on Gambling Relapse Despite Self-exclusion
(2022) In JMIR Mental Health 9(8).- 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 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.... (More)
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.
(Less)
- author
- Håkansson, Anders LU and Åkesson, Gunny LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2022-08-01
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- abstain, addiction, behavioral addiction, gambling, gambling disorder, harm reduction, prevalence, problem gambling, self-exclusion, web-based gambling
- in
- JMIR Mental Health
- volume
- 9
- issue
- 8
- article number
- e37837
- publisher
- JMIR Publications Inc.
- external identifiers
-
- pmid:35984678
- scopus:85139722615
- ISSN
- 2368-7959
- DOI
- 10.2196/37837
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- 8e7c56d8-f7ae-4b9b-bff1-43a76b5cca27
- date added to LUP
- 2023-01-20 08:46:02
- date last changed
- 2024-04-18 18:15:47
@article{8e7c56d8-f7ae-4b9b-bff1-43a76b5cca27,
abstract = {{<p>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.</p>}},
author = {{Håkansson, Anders and Åkesson, Gunny}},
issn = {{2368-7959}},
keywords = {{abstain; addiction; behavioral addiction; gambling; gambling disorder; harm reduction; prevalence; problem gambling; self-exclusion; web-based gambling}},
language = {{eng}},
month = {{08}},
number = {{8}},
publisher = {{JMIR Publications Inc.}},
series = {{JMIR Mental Health}},
title = {{Multi-operator Self-exclusion as a Harm Reduction Measure in Problem Gambling : Retrospective Clinical Study on Gambling Relapse Despite Self-exclusion}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/37837}},
doi = {{10.2196/37837}},
volume = {{9}},
year = {{2022}},
}