Multi-Venue Self-Exclusion for Gambling Disorders: A Retrospective Process Investigation

Abstract

This study describes an exploratory investigation of retrospective data related to the experiences and outcomes of individuals enrolled in a centralized multi-venue self-exclusion program for up to 24 months. The program was designed to offer convenient registration and to empower individuals to prevent their entry into multiple gambling venues or to restrict their access to non-gaming areas. A self-selected sample of 44 individuals participating in the program completed an online survey that assessed gambling history, motivations, and behaviours related to self-exclusion. Approximately two-thirds of the sample reported self-excluding in response to financial loss and hardship. Just over one-third breached the program by gambling in a nominated exclusion venue, the primary reason being a failure to cope with negative emotions. Concomitantly, fear of embarrassment, if detected, was cited as the main variable contributing to compliance. The paperless system eased enrolment procedures for a large majority of individuals, with the capacity to simultaneously exclude them from multiple venues being endorsed as the most helpful program feature. Self-reported benefits included reduced gambling for the majority of participants and a sense of greater control over urges and behaviours. Abstinent participants were less stressed than were non-abstinent participants, had fewer symptoms of depression, and reported a higher quality of life. Findings suggest that a self-exclusion program with convenient registration that prevents entry into multiple venues fosters positive outcomes for self-excluded gamblers, particularly those striving to maintain abstinence. RésuméDans cette étude, on décrit une étude exploratoire de données rétrospectives liées aux expériences et aux résultats de personnes inscrites dans un programme centralisé d’auto-exclusion de multiples lieux pendant une période maximale de 24 mois. Le programme a été conçu de telle manière qu’il soit facile de s’y inscrire et pour habiliter les personnes à éviter de multiples sites de jeux de hasard ou à se restreindre à des zones exemptes de jeu. Un échantillon de 44 participants volontaires au programme a répondu à un questionnaire en ligne pour évaluer l’historique de jeu, les motivations et les comportements liés à l’auto-exclusion. Les deux tiers des répondants ont dit avoir adopté un comportement d’auto-exclusion par suite de pertes financières et de difficultés. Un peu plus d’un tiers n’a pas respecté le programme en jouant dans un lieu exclu désigné, la principale raison étant l’incapacité à faire face à des émotions négatives. Parallèlement, la crainte du sentiment de honte (si on se faisait prendre) a été citée comme principale variable de la conformité au programme. Pour une grande majorité de personnes ayant la capacité d’exclure simultanément de multiples sites, le fait de simplifier la procédure d’inscription sans remplir de papiers a été vu comme la fonction la plus utile du programme. Parmi les bénéfices cités par les participants, on a nommé la diminution des jeux de hasard et une meilleure maîtrise des pulsions et des comportements. Les participants abstinents, comparés à ceux qui ne l’étaient pas, étaient moins stressés, présentaient moins de symptômes de dépression et ont mentionné avoir une meilleure qualité de vie. Avec ces résultats, il est permis de penser qu’un programme d’auto-exclusion dans lequel il est facile de s’inscrire limite l’accès à de multiples lieux et donne des résultats positifs pour les joueurs inscrits, particulièrement ceux qui s’efforcent de maintenir l’abstinence.

Systems of funding for gambling research

“…For example, the industry trade group ClubsNSW has funded two recent studies through a deed of gift directly to the researchers. 53,54 The authors declare that the research was conducted with no input from ClubsNSW in the design and methodology of the study; however, as described in the introduction, these are only two of many potential sources of bias, and research funded in this way is considered to be at highest risk of conflict of interest.…”

Online self-exclusion from multiple gambling venues: Stakeholder co-design of a usable and acceptable self-directed website

“…Staff in land-based venues are authorized to remove self-excluded individuals from the premises if detected breaching agreements ( Ladouceur et al, 2017 ); whereas online operators suspend a self-excluded user's wagering account until the exclusion period expires ( Gainsbury et al, 2020 ). Individuals involved in self-exclusion interventions self-report reduced gambling urges and behavior and increased psychological and social functioning among other benefits ( Hayer and Meyer, 2011 ; Kotter et al, 2018 ; Ladouceur et al, 2007 ; Nelson et al, 2018 ; Pickering et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Situational factors, such as stress, can impair inhibitory control functions that support behavior self-regulation, leading individuals to prioritise immediate desires over long-term interests ( Brand et al, 2019 ). Once self-exclusion is enacted, rates of individual noncompliance range between 8 and 59% ( Kotter et al, 2018 ), with venues detecting between 23 and 52% of breaches ( Pickering et al, 2018 ; Schrans et al, 2004 ; Verlik, 2008 ).…”

Who chooses to enroll in a new national gambling self-exclusion system? A general population survey in Sweden

“…Among the few exceptions, Pickering and co-workers reported interview data from a small sample of self-excluders in an Australian multi-venue exclusion system for landbased gambling. Here, the possibility of self-excluding from numerous gambling venues was cited as the most important advantage of the system studied, and financial consequences were among the most cited reasons for enrolling [22]. In addition, the obvious advantage of not having to exclude from every separate gambling operator, and the possibility and ease of self-excluding without entering the actual venue, have been cited as important features of a self-exclusion system [22,23].…”

“…Here, the possibility of self-excluding from numerous gambling venues was cited as the most important advantage of the system studied, and financial consequences were among the most cited reasons for enrolling [22]. In addition, the obvious advantage of not having to exclude from every separate gambling operator, and the possibility and ease of self-excluding without entering the actual venue, have been cited as important features of a self-exclusion system [22,23]. Thus, obviously, an easy-to-use system, available through an independent non-commercial body, may theoretically provide an attractive option to individuals who experience loss of control of their gambling.…”