Prevention Messages for Gambling

Overseen By CQEPTJ

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Benjamin Galipeau

Disqualifiers: Pathological gambling, Treatment for gambling, Self-exclusion

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

80 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goals of this randomized controlled trial are to test the manifold effects of prevention pop-up messages on participants' behaviours, cognitions and affects. This study is conducted among regular EGMs' players (defined as having played EGMs at least once every two weeks for the past 12 months) who are not classified as probable pathological gamblers by the PGSI. After answering a series of short questionnaires by phone, participants are asked to schedule a gambling session which is done in a laboratory on the university's campus. This laboratory replicates a typical bar, and is equipped with real EGMs. Participants are recruited under the false pretense of giving their opinion on the realism of the bar replica, and on the overall feeling of the gambling session in it. They are told that: (a) they are free to gamble as much and for as long as they like; (b) they are allowed to take breaks; (c) gambling is to be done with their own money; (d) the only compensation for participation are the potential winnings made while gambling; (e) net winnings across their whole session are paid, but losses are real. There is only one participant at a time in the laboratory for the gambling session. After having stopped by their own volition (some exceptions apply, see "Detailed Description" for further details), participants are debriefed on the real goals of this study and reimbursed any incurred losses while gambling. They are then be asked to answer another series of questionnaires.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Prevention pop-up messages for gambling?

Research on pictorial warning messages for cigarettes shows that visual warnings can lead to more quit attempts, suggesting that similar visual interventions like pop-up messages could effectively reduce gambling behavior. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is it safe to use pop-up messages for gambling prevention?

Research on pop-up messages for gambling prevention shows they are generally safe for use, as they are designed to minimize harm by encouraging breaks and reducing gambling expenditure. However, some users may find them irritating, suggesting they should be part of a broader strategy. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

How do prevention pop-up messages differ from other treatments for gambling?

Prevention pop-up messages are unique because they provide real-time, interactive reminders during gambling sessions, aiming to reduce risky behaviors by prompting self-reflection and awareness. Unlike other treatments that may involve counseling or medication, these messages are integrated into the gambling experience itself, offering immediate feedback and potentially altering behavior on the spot. ^{6 8 10 11 12}

Research Team

Benjamin Galipeau

Principal Investigator

Laval University

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for regular players of electronic gambling machines (EGMs) who play at least once every two weeks for the past year but are not probable pathological gamblers. Participants will use their own money in a lab setting that mimics a bar and must be comfortable with potentially losing real money.

Inclusion Criteria

Having played EGMs at least once every two weeks for the past 12 months

I can read and understand simple texts in French.

Exclusion Criteria

Currently receiving treatment for problem gambling

Currently under self-exclusion from gambling venues

Classified as a probable pathological gambler (score ≥ 8 on the PGSI)

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Experiment

Participants engage in a gambling session in a laboratory setting, replicating a bar environment with real EGMs, to test the effects of prevention pop-up messages on gambling behaviors and cognitions.

2 hours

1 visit (in-person)

Post-experiment

Participants complete a series of questionnaires assessing their perceptions and responses to the gambling session and prevention messages.

1 hour

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for any changes in gambling behavior and perceptions after the experiment.

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Prevention pop-up messages

Trial Overview The study tests how effective prevention messages, mandatory time limits, and responsible gambling information are on EGMs' player behavior. It's done in a controlled lab environment where participants gamble as they wish and then answer questionnaires.

Participant Groups

Group I: Prevention pop-up messages Experimental Treatment 5 Interventions

Same as active comparator with the addition of prevention pop-up messages delivered during the gambling session on a fixed presentation schedule. Due to hardware limitations on the EGMs' part, the prevention messages presented only alter what is shown on the play screen (they fill it completely, hiding the game), but can't pause the game per se. The EGMs' buttons, sound, and music are still operational while the message is shown. While disrupting play flow, this still lets the participant place bets (albeit without seeing what is going on).

Group II: Regular gambling session control Active Control 4 Interventions

Gambling session on EGMs in a room replicating a bar (subdued light, music, bar paraphernalia, fake liquor on display, research assistant acting as barman and selling non-alcoholic soft drinks and chips). Participants are invited to participate under the false pretense of giving their opinion on the realism of the bar replica and overall feeling of the gambling session in it. They are told that: (a) they are free to gamble as much and for as long as they like; (b) they are allowed to take breaks; (c) gambling is to be done with their own money; (d) the only compensation for participation are winnings that could be made while gambling; (e) net winnings across their whole session are paid up to $500, but losses are real. Lost money is given back after debriefing (see Study Detailed Description).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Benjamin Galipeau

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1

Recruited

80+

Fonds de recherche du Québec - Société et culture

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

140+

Fonds pour la prévention et le traitement du jeu

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

80+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An evaluation of an intervention to assist primary care physicians in screening and educating older patients who use alcohol. [2019]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

How should effectiveness of risk communication to aid patients' decisions be judged? A review of the literature. [2019]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Understanding Why Pictorial Cigarette Pack Warnings Increase Quit Attempts. [2020]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Visual feedback of individuals' medical imaging results for changing health behaviour. [2018]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Perceived effectiveness of objective features of pictorial warning messages. [2020]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effects of Pop-up Harm Minimisation Messages on Electronic Gaming Machine Gambling Behaviour in New Zealand. [2018]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Designing Improved Safer Gambling Messages for Race and Sports Betting: What can be Learned from Other Gambling Formats and the Broader Public Health Literature? [2023]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of pop-up warning messages of losses on expenditure in a simulated game of online roulette: a pilot study. [2020]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of the "when the fun stops, stop" gambling message on online gambling behaviour: a randomised, online experimental study. [2022]

10. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of Warning Pop-Up Messages on the Gambling Behavior, Craving, and Cognitions of Online Gamblers: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2021]

11. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Gambling warning messages: The impact of winning and losing on message reception across a gambling session. [2018]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Impact of mode of display and message content of responsible gambling signs for electronic gaming machines on regular gamblers. [2022]