%0 Journal Article
%@ 2368-7959
%I JMIR Publications
%V 9
%N 8
%P e37837
%T Multi-operator Self-exclusion as a Harm Reduction Measure in Problem Gambling: Retrospective Clinical Study on Gambling Relapse Despite Self-exclusion
%A Håkansson,Anders
%A Åkesson,Gunny
%+ Clinical Research Unit, Competence Center Addiction, Malmö Addiction Center, Region Skåne, Södra Tullgatan 4, plan 6, Malmö, 20502, Sweden, 46 40333883, anders_c.hakansson@med.lu.se
%K web-based gambling
%K gambling disorder
%K behavioral addiction
%K self-exclusion
%K addiction
%K gambling
%K prevalence
%K harm reduction
%K abstain
%K problem gambling
%D 2022
%7 19.8.2022
%9 Original Paper
%J JMIR Ment Health
%G English
%X Background: Voluntary self-exclusion from gambling is a common harm reduction option for individuals with gambling problems. Multi-operator, nationwide self-exclusion services are rare, and a system introduced in the highly web-based gambling market of Sweden is a rare and recent example. However, where web-based casino gambling and web-based betting are the predominate gambling types in those seeking treatment, the risk of breaching one’s own self-exclusion through overseas web-based operators may also be high. Objective: This study aims to assess the prevalence of a nationwide Spelpaus (“gambling break”) self-exclusion and the prevalence of gambling despite self-exclusion in patients seeking treatment for gambling disorder in 2021. Methods: Health care documentation of recent treatment seekers (January 1 through September 1, 2021, N=85) in a Swedish treatment facility was reviewed for data regarding problematic gambling types reported, history of self-exclusion, and history of breaching of that self-exclusion. Results: Common problem gambling types were web-based casino gambling (49/74, 66%) and sports betting (19/74, 26%). The majority who participated in this study (62/85, 73%) were men. All women reported web-based casino gambling. Self-exclusion through Spelpaus was common (60/74, 81%). Among self-excluders, gambling despite self-exclusion was common (41/60, 68%), most commonly on unlicensed gambling websites. Conclusions: The nationwide, multi-operator self-exclusion service of Sweden appears to reach many patients with a gambling disorder. However, the remaining gambling options in an web-based gambling setting present a major challenge despite self-exclusion. The recent data calls for further treatment efforts and potential improvements in services aiming to help voluntary self-excluders abstain from gambling. 
%M 35984678
%R 10.2196/37837
%U https://mental.jmir.org/2022/8/e37837
%U https://doi.org/10.2196/37837
%U http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35984678