Positive messages could help manage online gambling, Australian report says

Gambling Research Australia (GRA) funded a study to examine the effectiveness of the categories of messages employed in safer gambling messaging.

Australia.- Researchers at Central Queensland University have completed a study funded by Gambling Research Australia (GRA) to gather evidence on changes in the attitudes and behaviours of gamblers as a result of exposure to safer gambling messages.

Over 2,000 regular sports and competition consumers received random messages over five weeks. During this period, the researchers measured how much users bet, how long they bet, and the overall gambling harm they experienced.

According to the participants, positive information on how to control gambling money was considered the most helpful and easy to understand. Study leader Professor Mathew Rockloff said participants spent less money and time gambling during the five-week participation.

The study contained 27 messages like “betting fewer lets you spend more money on the important people in your life”, developed by the research team in consultation with a focus group consisting of researchers, gambling treatment providers and regulators.

Rockloff stated: “Over the decades, we’ve observed that people with gambling problems rarely seek help, and research shows perceived social stigma and feelings of shame are driving that reluctance.”

He added: “We believe it is likely the messages prompted self-reflection for the participants, especially when they related to having control over their expenses.”

Only a minority of regular gamblers had deposit limits 

Another study was conducted to analyse the impact of different features of pre-commitment deposit limits and the effectiveness of the measure, across different customer groups. It found that only 41 per cent of over 3,000 regular gamblers had deposit limits in place though most gamblers that had limits found them useful. 

Higher-risk gamblers were more likely to set limits, though many do not want to limit their gambling. Gamblers may not set limits as they are easy to circumvent and not all gamblers are aware they can set limits, researchers said.