Responsible Gambling Program for Gambling Addiction

Overseen By Sidath C Kapukotuwa, MS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Disqualifiers: Gambling treatment, Cognitive impairments, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a program called RESPONSIBLEPLAY© (an MTM-Based Intervention) can help students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, gamble more responsibly. The program will be compared to standard educational resources to determine if it more effectively reduces harmful gambling habits and encourages safer practices. Participants will attend three in-person sessions and complete several surveys to track changes in their gambling behavior. This trial suits UNLV students who gamble and have a Problem Gambling Severity Index score of 3 or higher, indicating risky gambling behavior. As an unphased trial, this study offers students the chance to contribute to innovative research that could lead to more effective gambling interventions.

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 prior data suggests that the RESPONSIBLEPLAY© intervention is safe for promoting responsible gambling behaviors?

Research shows that the RESPONSIBLEPLAY© program is designed to encourage responsible gambling among college students. No specific studies mention safety issues or negative effects for this program. The trial's "Not Applicable" phase label suggests the program is likely non-invasive, focusing on behavior change rather than introducing a new drug or medical procedure. This typically indicates a lower risk of physical side effects. Participants will engage in sessions involving discussions and learning behavior strategies, which are generally manageable.

Without reports of negative effects, the program appears safe. It aims to help students control their gambling habits through conversation and support, rather than medication. This type of program usually lacks the risks associated with drug trials. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Responsible Gambling Program for Gambling Addiction because it introduces a unique approach to fostering responsible gambling behaviors. Unlike traditional treatments that often focus on reducing gambling through therapy or medication, the RESPONSIBLEPLAY© MTM-Based Intervention leverages the Multi-theory Model (MTM) of behavior change. This involves participatory dialogue, building behavioral confidence, and making changes to both physical and social environments to support lasting change. By addressing emotional transformation and practical strategies for change, this intervention offers a comprehensive framework for individuals to adopt and maintain responsible gambling habits.

What evidence suggests that the RESPONSIBLEPLAY© intervention is effective for promoting responsible gambling behaviors?

This trial will compare the RESPONSIBLEPLAY© MTM-Based Intervention with a Knowledge-Based Intervention. Studies have shown that the RESPONSIBLEPLAY© program can help people gamble more responsibly. This program employs the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of health behavior change, incorporating strategies such as discussing the benefits of responsible gambling and building confidence to make better choices. Research indicates that by altering the environment and managing emotions, participants can reduce harmful gambling behaviors. Initial findings suggest these strategies help college students develop and maintain safer gambling habits. Specifically, participants in that research reported improvements in their gambling behaviors, as evidenced by lower scores on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), which measures the seriousness of gambling issues. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Manoj Sharma, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for college students aged 21 and over who score at least a 3 on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, indicating some level of gambling issues. It's designed to see if a special program can teach them to gamble more responsibly.

Inclusion Criteria

I am at least 21 years old.

Must engage in gambling activities

Must have a score of 3 or higher on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), indicating at-risk or problem gambling behavior.

Exclusion Criteria

Participants currently receiving treatment for gambling disorders

I am able to understand and consent to participate in the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Intervention

Participants attend three face-to-face sessions on responsible gambling over three weeks

3 weeks

3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants complete surveys to track progress and evaluate long-term impact of the intervention

8 weeks

2 visits (virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• RESPONSIBLEPLAY© MTM-Based Intervention

Trial Overview The study tests RESPONSIBLEPLAY©, an intervention based on motivational techniques, against a standard knowledge-based approach. Participants will attend three sessions and complete surveys to measure changes in their gambling behavior.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: RESPONSIBLEPLAY© MTM-Based Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will receive a theory-based intervention designed to promote responsible gambling behaviors using the Multi-theory Model (MTM) of health behavior change. The intervention focuses on both the initiation and sustenance of responsible gambling through six constructs: Participatory Dialogue: Discussing the pros and cons of responsible gambling. Behavioral Confidence: Building confidence to practice responsible gambling. Changes in the Physical Environment: Modifying surroundings to limit gambling opportunities. Emotional Transformation: Managing emotions to maintain behavior change. Practice for Change: Planning and practicing responsible gambling strategies. Changes in the Social Environment: Leveraging support from family, friends, and professionals. This intervention aims to provide practical strategies for adopting and maintaining responsible gambling behaviors.

Group II: Knowledge-Based Intervention Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive educational content about the risks of gambling and strategies for responsible gambling in the form of lectures and reading materials.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Lead Sponsor

Trials

81

Recruited

14,700+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12193373/

A Multi-Theory Model (MTM)-Based Intervention Protocol for ... This protocol details the implementation of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy of RESPONSIBLEPLAY©, an MTM-based ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06642155

Study Details | NCT06642155 | Theory-based Intervention ... The primary outcome will assess changes in the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scores, which measure the severity of gambling behavior.

3. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/392261132_Testing_the_Efficacy_of_RESPONSIBLEPLAY_A_Multi-Theory_Model_MTM-Based_Intervention_Protocol_for_Promoting_Responsible_Gambling_Among_College_Students

A Multi-Theory Model (MTM)-Based Intervention Protocol ... Testing the Efficacy of RESPONSIBLEPLAY: A Multi-Theory Model (MTM)-Based Intervention Protocol for Promoting Responsible Gambling Among College Students. MDPI.

4. mdpi.com mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/6/858/review_report

A Multi-Theory Model (MTM)-Based Intervention Protocol ... This study tests the efficacy of a MTM based model for promoting responsible gambling among college students. Though the objective of this work is to ...

5. ideas.repec.org ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v22y2025i6p858-d1668534.html

A Multi-Theory Model (MTM)-Based Intervention Protocol ... Testing the Efficacy of RESPONSIBLEPLAY © : A Multi-Theory Model (MTM)-Based Intervention Protocol for Promoting Responsible Gambling Among College Students.

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40566285/

A Multi-Theory Model (MTM)-Based Intervention Protocol ... This study outlines the protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of RESPONSIBLEPLAY © , a Multi-theory Model (MTM)-based ...

7. wisdomlib.org wisdomlib.org/science/journal/international-journal-of-environmental-research-and-public-health-mdpi/d/doc1759598.html

Testing the Efficacy of RESPONSIBLEPLAY© Data Analysis The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an MTM-based intervention [ 10 ] in promoting responsible ...