I Dont Have Any Limits: A Qualitative Analysis of Individual Gambling Self-Control Strategies

Furthermore, these findings will provide people with evidence-based information to help them make better decisions about their gambling, which is a necessary but insufficient condition to reduce gambling-related harms within the population 31. As some have noted the limitations of gambling related prevention messaging, additional initiatives should be considered, such as adopting a public health approach to prevent and reduce gambling-related harms and encouraging policy change 43. The data presented in this paper were part of a larger study exploring gamblers’ conceptualisations of gambling risk and harm. The study used a critical qualitative inquiry approach which applies a social justice lens to address power, inequality, and injustice to improve the social order 49, 50. Green and Thorogood 2018 propose that critical researchers cannot and should not conduct value-free research 50. Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (HEAG-H 227_2020) gave ethical approval for the study.

Balancing Intervention with Player Autonomy

Through their unwavering commitment and encouragement, they help individuals build a strong foundation for recovery, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and addiction-free life. As individuals embark on this challenging yet rewarding journey, the presence of an accountability partner can make all the difference, transforming the path to recovery into a shared journey of hope and healing. In the journey of gambling addiction recovery, building a robust support network is crucial, and at the heart of this network lies the concept of accountability. Accountability partners play a pivotal role in helping individuals navigate the often tumultuous path to recovery. By fostering a sense of responsibility and providing unwavering support, these partners can significantly enhance the recovery process, making it more manageable and less isolating.

Participants were recruited using advertisements in Montreal (free-of-cost newspapers, libraries, community organizations, social media, bars, and convenience stores). Potential participants were also encouraged to share information about the study with peers who may also fit the inclusion criteria. To meet the inclusion criteria for the study, participants had to have gambled in the past 12 months, be 18 years of age or older, and be able to complete an interview in English or French. These interests carve out new pathways for time and energy that might have otherwise been consumed by gaming pursuits, aiding in the cessation of gambling habits while ensuring a more beneficial allocation of funds originally earmarked for wagering. Societal preconceptions painting those battling a gambling addiction as lacking self-discipline or accountability add to stigma—obstacles that can impede their recovery journey.

Establishing a Financial Boundary:

The process begins by assessing how much money can be allocated to gambling without affecting essential living expenses. This involves evaluating monthly income and necessary expenditures such as rent, utilities, and groceries. For example, if your primary aim is entertainment, set a goal to enjoy gambling without experiencing financial stress.

One participant believed governments viewed gambling taxation as “easy money” and “preyed on vulnerable people by encouraging gambling”. Two participants supported increased regulation but suggested that government reliance on gambling revenue meant that reform was unlikely and that governments may be motivated by their own interests. One participant compared gambling to other unhealthy commodities the government also taxes and implied that the government was conspiring with industry to ensure they received their “share” of the revenue. To maintain adherence to the plan when faced with temptation, several strategies can be employed. These include setting time limits, avoiding gambling when experiencing negative emotions, and seeking support from friends, family, or professional counselors.

These findings are consistent with previous research, in which tracking and limiting money spent gambling were common self-control strategies used by people who gamble 4,21,24,35,36,37. A study by Hing et al. (2019) identified that having a budget dedicated to gambling and setting a fixed monetary amount for gambling were also effective self-control strategies in preventing gambling-related harms 4. It is now well recognised in the gambling literature, and many government policy statements, that gambling is a complex public health problem 1, 37, 70, 71. New policy and practice paradigms recognise the need for public health models which recognise the complex range of determinants that may contribute to harm 13, 14. However, these evidence-based shifts in how gambling harm has been conceptualised may not have translated to how gamblers as a group think about harm. Rather there are still significant moralising stereotypes amongst gamblers about the ‘irresponsible’ consumer, and clear divides between how gamblers conceptualise their own responsible behaviours and the behaviours of others.

• Instead, it’s a chance for you to reflect, learn, and adjust your plan moving forward.
• This approach helps prevent financial strain and ensures that gambling remains an enjoyable activity rather than becoming financially burdensome.
• Many participants stated that preventing harm from gambling was relatively simple if gamblers controlled their behaviour or, as one participant stated, made “better choices”.
• Founded in 2009, the organisation aspires to become a globally admired media that offers valuable information to its readers through responsible reporting.
• As studies have demonstrated that substance use seems to impact gambling behaviors 21, its role in the utilization of self-control strategies is an important consideration that will need further research.

Therapists specializing in gambling addiction can assist in identifying underlying issues and developing coping strategies. Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions. Instead, it’s a chance for you to reflect, learn, and adjust your plan moving forward. Pay attention to the situations, emotions, or people that prompt your urge to gamble.

This concept encompassed mindful management of winnings, use of knowledge and skill to minimize risks, and acknowledging the chance-based nature of gambling outcomes. Findings aligned with previous research, emphasizing strategic decision making 8,10 and self-regulation in gambling behavior 20, which included being mindful of when to stop in order to manage risk 9,10. While previous research has explored informed decision making in responsible gambling 8,10, participants also emphasized understanding the rules of the game and employing logic-based strategies.

This underscored the proactive role of skill and strategy in shaping gambling experiences, suggesting that individuals perceive their gambling experiences as being enriched through an informed approach. Participants stressed the need for self-awareness and realistic expectations, where they remained mindful of the nature of chance-based games while employing strategic approaches to maximize favorable outcomes and minimize risks. Though most participants reported self-control strategies helped them gamble within their limits, they also discussed the challenges of adhering to these strategies. Similarly, Currie et al. found that 45% of online survey respondents failed to “adhere to self-determined quantitative limits for spending, frequency, and time spent gambling” 21. Participants in our study described several factors that influenced compliance with self-control strategies, which appeared to either increase their predetermined gambling limits, decrease them, or both. For instance, both social influences, as well as winning or losing money, either influenced participants to abstain from gambling, or encouraged them to keep playing.

Reports indicate that since its launch, Spelpaus has seen over 100,000 registrations, showcasing its impact in fostering responsible gambling habits. Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. This included reading and re-reading the data to become familiar with it while noting thoughts about responsibility. Author 1 led the coding process with a specific focus on how participants described responsibility in relation to the development and prevention of gambling harm. Initial coding focused primarily on semantic codes, representing the surface-level meaning of the text.

Finally, “gambling-related harms” also appeared to result in confusion, as participants often required further clarification or examples of such harms. This suggests that public health messages should include clear and comprehensive definitions of what is meant by “gambling” and “gambling-related harms” as well as provide concrete examples to ensure better understanding. The UK has been at the forefront of promoting responsible gambling through initiatives like the Bet Regret campaign.

Ongoing research, investment in advanced analytics, and collaboration with academic institutions will be key to ensuring that proactive strategies remain effective in an ever-changing landscape. Reactive strategies often rely on self-reporting or the observation of external parties. In many cases, a gambler must first admit that they have a problem or reach a crisis point before they can access support services. This reliance on self-reporting is problematic because gambling addiction often involves denial and concealment. Many individuals are reluctant to seek help due to stigma or fear of judgment, meaning that many cases remain hidden until they become acute emergencies. In addition to peer support, involving family and friends in the recovery process can significantly enhance accountability.

Despite this, the recruitment efforts produced a diverse sample in terms of age, gender, and PGSI scores, which likely reflects some diversity in participants’ lived experiences. While recall bias and social desirability bias are potential limitations, probing techniques were used to clarify responses, and a trained interviewer created a safe environment for open dialogue. Because the data were collected for a related study with a different objective, this may limit the depth of the findings, although probing was employed to explore emerging themes around strategies.

South Africa: AI-Driven Tools

Additionally, longitudinal studies are needed to examine how these policy changes contribute to long-term behavioral change and sustained harm reduction. Findings from this study will provide additional insight on how to better adapt existing gambling related public health initiatives. The self-control strategies explored in this study, paired with clear quantitative limits developed for the LRGGs, will refine a broad range of existing messaging that currently advise people to “set a limit and stick to it”.

And R.S.; resources, E.M.; data curation, E.M.; writing—original draft preparation, E.N., R.S. And E.M.; writing—review and editing, E.N., R.S., T.H., A.M., E.Y.J. and E.M.; supervision, E.M.; project administration, E.M.; funding acquisition, E.M. as per expert sources All authors reviewed the manuscript and provided substantial feedback, validated the findings, and assisted in article preparation and writing.

Some spoke about how they tailored their budget to individual sessions or specific time frames. These budgets were diverse, often reflecting the unique financial circumstances of each participant. Some individuals prioritized creating a financial cushion within their budgets to mitigate potential losses. Overcoming a gambling addiction requires the formulation of a robust plan for recovery, incorporating treatment strategies specifically designed to address this type of addiction. This entails enlisting support from others, steering clear of situations that provoke the desire to gamble, and finding beneficial substitutes for gambling activities.