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Effectiveness of an Online Self-management Program for Individuals
who Self-exclude from CasinosDavid C Hodgins
Igor Yakovenko
University of Calgary
European Conference on Gambling Studies and Policy Issues
Malta, 2018
Disclosure of Potential Conflict of Interest
• This research was conducted in collaboration with the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission
• The study was supported by a grant from the Alberta Gambling Research Institute
What is Voluntary Self-exclusion (VSE) in Alberta
• Individual elects to be banned from gaming venue(s)
• Signed contract
• 6 months – 5 years in Alberta
• Self-awareness educational group within 90 days
• Breach may involve being escorted from premises or termination of contract (in Alberta)
General VSE Program Support Goals
• Gateway to treatment
• Treatment tool/strategy
• Self-management tool
Previous research findings• People see VSE as a tool to quit gambling and to
reduce related problems• Some use it as stepping stone to treatment• Some see it as useful tool in the long-term• There is room for improvement in effectiveness
and satisfaction• Motivational treatment components have been
shown to be effective in supporting recovery and treatment engagement
VSE online program goals
1. Facilitate access
2. Include motivational and self-management tools
3. Make tools and support available immediately and continuously
4. Encourage assessment and evaluation at the end of the exclusion term
Online VSE program
Self-assessment, motivation, treatment information, self-management tools
Opportunities to re-evaluate, access self-management tools, treatment throughout the term
Opportunity to re-evaluate progress, decision to end or renew commitment
Online Program Structure
Online workshop
Monthly emails
Online workshop
Online Content Part One• Interactive activities focusing on
– Self-assessment of concerns, effects, problem-level, motivation, etc.
– Goal setting
• Personal responses saved to a Learning Journal
Online Content
• Cafeteria-style menu of self-management tools
– Dealing with urges, finding new leisure activities, money management, seeking social support, self-talk, understanding randomness, etc.
• Info on treatment options
Online Content Part Two
• Opportunity to review self-assessment and goals set earlier
• Opportunity to renew involvement or leave the program with eyes wide open
Study Design
• 200 participants randomly assigned to new online program or face-to-face program
• 3, 6, and 12 months telephone follow up
Participants
• Male- 59%
• Age M = 42
• Employed full-time 77%
• Previous VSE enrollment? 45%
• PGSI = 15 (SD = 6)
• Days of gambling (past 3 months) M = 24
• Expenditure M = $18,264.
Workshop Completion
• No significant differences between groups with regard to workshop completion rates
• 35% of face-to-face completed workshop within 90 days
• 30% of online completed Part 1 within 90 days
14,2
5,56,2
7,5
14,4
5,85,3
6,7
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Baseline 3 mos 6 mos 12 mos
PGSI
face-face online
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
baseline 3 mos 6 mos 12 mos
Dollars lost Gambling
face-face online
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
baseline 3 mos 6 mos 12 mos
Days of Gambling
face-face online
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
baseline 3 mos 6 mos 12 mos
Perceived Control over Gambling (0-10)
face-face online
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
baseline 3 mos 6 mos 12 mos
Proportion Abstinent
face-face online
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
baseline 3 mos 6 mos 12 mos
Quality of Life
face-face online
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
baseline 3 mos 6 mos 12 mos
Proportion in Treatment
face-face online
ONLINE PROGRAM SATISFACTION SURVEY (N = 291)
Summary• The online program is a good alternative to face-to-face• Over time, participants in both groups gambled less,
reported greater control over their gambling, and reported greater quality of life
• Possible rebound effect• Uptake is limited – needs improvement• Main feedback from online users:
– more interactivity, variety, and stimulation– clarifying registration and objectives– content quality is good
