Experience of the Nationwide Gambling Self-exclusion Service Spelpaus - Effects and Limitations of a Unique Harm Reduction Instrument for Problem Gambling

Qualitative interview study addressing the effects and limitations of a unique, government-based, nationwide self-exclusion service for the reduction of gambling-related harm. This service, which allows for individuals at risk of gambling problems (and for anyone) to self-exclude from all licensed gambling in the country, is unique in its nationwide, non-gambling-operator-dependent and multi-operator design. It is a promising tool for the prevention and harm reduction in relation to problem gambling and gambling disorder, but emerging research data report considerable limitations including high access to non-licensed gambling allowing users to breach the voluntary self-exclusion and relapse into hazardous gambling practices. This study will examine effects and limitations of the system, for gamblers and for concerned significant others of gamblers, through qualitative interviews addressing their experience of the system.

Inclusion Criteria:Patient at a gambling disorder unit or self-recruited through social media advertising and defining as a person with a gambling problem, and/or concerned significant other of a patient at a gambling disorder unit or self-recruited through social media advertising and defining as a concerned significant other of a person with a gambling problem.Exclusion Criteria:Inability to provide informed study consent and to carry out a qualitative research interview, due to language difficulties and/or cognitive problems.