Effectiveness of a web-based self-help tool to reduce problem gambling: A randomized controlled trial.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Public Health
• Digital Health

Background:

• Problem gambling is a significant public health issue with high rates of comorbidity and financial distress.
• Stigma and self-reliance preferences deter individuals with gambling problems from seeking traditional counseling.
• Web-based interventions offer a potential solution to improve treatment accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a web-based intervention compared to a self-help manual for individuals with problem gambling.
• To assess the impact on gambling frequency, financial spending, and associated psychopathological symptoms.

Main Methods:

• 360 individuals with gambling problems were randomized to a web-based intervention (n=185) or a self-help manual (n=175).
• Primary outcome: number of gambling days in the last 30 days.
• Secondary outcomes: money spent, time gambling, gambling-related problems, substance use, and psychopathology, assessed at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed a significant decrease in gambling days, with no significant difference between them.
• Significant improvements favoring the web-based intervention were observed in Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale, Problem Gambling Severity Index, cigarette consumption, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (depression), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scores.
• A high overall dropout rate of 76% was observed.

Conclusions:

• The 'Win Back Control' web-based intervention appears to be an effective, low-threshold treatment for problem gambling.
• It may reach individuals who would not typically access outpatient services.
• The high dropout rate is a critical factor to consider when interpreting the study's findings and variability.