Factors influencing the adoption of pre-commitment devices for online gambling

Abstract

Deposit limits are a voluntary pre-commitment device that allow gambling customers to pre-select the amount of money they want to be able to deposit into their gambling accounts, representing an external aid to self-control. This study aimed to investigate attitudes towards and use of deposit limits along with perceived barriers and motivators to use among regular online gambling customers using the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a framework. An online survey was completed by 299 participants [84.3% male; M age = 48.85] years recruited through an Australian online wagering operator. Results showed that positive attitudes and perceptions of social norms was related to deposit limit use and that not knowing what limit to set was a significant barrier to use, thus supporting the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a relevant framework. Additional barriers to use included perceptions that individuals could manage their own betting, that deposit limits were for people with gambling problems, not wanting to change or have their gambling constrained, and not knowing what limit to set. Motivators included concerns that individuals might be betting too much and wanting to limit their spend. This specific exploration of barriers and motivators to use deposit limits will enable strategies to be developed to enhance voluntary uptake and meaningful engagement among a broader group of gambling customers.