Exploring gamblers’ experiences of problem gambling interventions: A qualitative study

Abstract

A variety of services are available for those who experience problems with their gambling, though understanding about the effectiveness of and mechanisms behind these interventions remains limited. Insight into how users of these interventions experience them is limited further still. This is therefore an exploratory study of 10 problem gamblers’ experiences of the various interventions available to them, with a focus on their reasons for using them and their insights into the costs and benefits of each approach. The results described three main themes: (1) “degrees of investment” which illustrated the factors affecting investment in different interventions, highlighting the importance of the shared experience; (2) “social comparison” which highlighted how comparing one’s own gambling experience to that of others (both positively and negatively) bolstered recovery goals; and (3) “what works” whereby participants unpacked what they felt was effective for them and why, such as personalisation. Transcending these themes was the perception that “experience is expertise” and that due to their lived experience gamblers should be considered the experts on recovery over and above “trained professionals”. Overall, Gamblers Anonymous emerged as the most positive intervention as it facilitated participants’ sense of investment, encouraged positive social comparison, was deemed to be most effective and also epitomized the focus on “experience is expertise” as the groups are run by members rather than qualified practitioners. Therefore, not only does GA involve gamblers helping each other, but provides the context for physical connection, personalisation (through being listening and responded to individually) and support through social media.