Who uses self-exclusion to regulate problem gambling? A systematic literature review

Abstract

Background and aimsSelf-exclusion programs offer an intervention for individuals with problem gambling behavior. However, these programs are insufficiently used. This review describes sociodemographic features and gambling behavior of self-excluders as well as goals and motives for initiating self-exclusion from terrestrial and online gambling. In addition, use of further professional help and barriers to self-exclusion are examined.MethodsBased on systematic literature search and quality assessment, n = 16 original studies (13 quantitative, 2 qualitative, and 1 mixed method) published between 1997 and 2017 in English or German language were analyzed. Results are presented for online and terrestrial gambling separately.ResultsOnline self-excluders were on average 10 years younger than terrestrial self-excluders. Self-exclusion was mainly motivated by financial problems, followed by feelings of losing control and problems with significant others. Financial problems and significant others were less important for online than for terrestrial gamblers. Main barriers for self-exclusion were complicated enrollment processes, lack of complete exclusion from all venues, little support from venue staff, and lack of adequate information on self-exclusion programs. Both self-excluders from terrestrial and online gambling had negative attitudes toward the need of professional addiction care.ConclusionTo exploit the full potential of self-exclusion as a measure of gambler protection, its acceptance and its utilization need to be increased by target-group-specific information addressing financial issues and the role of significant others, simplifying the administrative processes, facilitating self-exclusion at an early stage of the gambling career, offering self-determined exclusion durations, and promoting additional use of professional addiction care.

Modeling Early Gambling Behavior Using Indicators from Online Lottery Gambling Tracking Data: Longitudinal Analysis

“…Moreover, they played forms of lottery that are more associated with gambling problems (ie, instant lotteries). More importantly, this class was the only class in which voluntary self-exclusion was present in a proportion (10.8%) that was higher than that observed in general online gambling (1%) [ 55 ], but close to that found in at-risk individuals who gamble online (11%) [ 56 ]. Voluntary self-exclusion is a harm-minimization strategy for individuals who experience gambling problems.…”

A systematic review of educational programs and consumer protection measures for gambling: an extension of previous reviews

“…Despite the availability of a relatively large number of review studies in the field of prevention of gambling problems (e.g. Williams et al 2012;Ladouceur et al 2013;Motka et al 2018), to our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that assesses the certainty of evidence in a structured manner. We present the shortcomings evident in the reviewed studies on preventive education programs and RG measures.…”

Use of Consumer Protection Tools on Internet Gambling Sites: Customer Perceptions, Motivators, and Barriers to Use

“…This paper highlights the importance of careful consideration of the intended targets and aims of consumer protection tools. Interventions that place strict limits on gambling, such as self-exclusion, are intended to be used by those experiencing gambling problems who have failed to control their gambling within affordable levels (Motka et al, 2018). In contrast, tools that enable gamblers to track and limit the time and money they spend gambling are intended to be used by a broad segment of Internet gamblers, including those who wish to be proactive and have assistance to keep their gambling within sustainable levels.…”