Study Shows Psychological Treatments Reduce Gambling Problem

Early findings from an ongoing major Victorian study on gambling problems are encouraging researchers to continue the treatment trial.

Chief investigator Professor Shane Thomas said the research, being undertaen by Monash University and funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, aims to understand which psychological treatments for problem gambling are most effective and how people respond to different treatment approaches.

Monash University is calling for people seeking help for their gambling problems to participate in the treatment trial.

“We know that some treatments for problem gambling work and we are now learning far more about which treatments work best,” Professor Thomas said.

“To date we’ve found that 77 per cent of the participants gambled less often in a month, 90 per cent spent less time gambling in a month and 84 per cent spent less money gambling in a month, with an average saving of $100 a day. “These results are extremely reassuring for people seeking help for their gambling.

“Now we need more people to participate in the study so we can not only determine the most effective psychological treatments but also to match people to the best available treatment for them.”

More than 160 participants have already enrolled to receive six sessions of free treatment. Participants randomly receive either behaviour therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, motivational interviewing or client-centred therapy.

Participants’ gambling behaviours are monitored over 18 months to determine which aspects of the treatment are most important in reducing gambling behaviours in the short term and, more importantly, in the long term.

The research is being conducted by the Problem Gambling Research and Treatment Centre at Monash University.

CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, Mr Serge Sardo, said the ongoing trial will continue to provide valuable insight into effective treatment options for problem gambling.

“We strongly encourage anyone experiencing problems with gambling to participate in the trial. This will not only help them tackle their problems, it will also contribute to enhanced treatment services across Victoria,” Mr Sardo said.

A recent Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission report stated there were 30,000 problem gamblers in Victoria.

Those interested in participating in the trial should visit the website.