Self-Exclusion Program: A Longitudinal Evaluation Study (original) (raw)

Abstract

Few self-exclusion programs have been evaluated and their long-term impact remains unknown. This study has two main goals: (1) to assess changes in gambling behaviour and gambling problems for self-excluded patrons, and (2) to follow self-excluded gamblers for a two-year period (during and after the self-exclusion period). Individuals who excluded themselves (N = 161 at the initial stage) participated in telephone interviews after signing the self-exclusion agreement and were followed at 6, 12, 18 and 24-months. Results show that according to the DSM-IV, 73.1% of the participants were pathological gamblers. The self-exclusion program has many positive effects. During the follow-ups, the urge to gamble was significantly reduced while the perception of control increased significantly for all participants. The intensity of negative consequences for gambling was significantly reduced for daily activities, social life, work, and mood. The DSM score was significantly reduced over time. This reduction also took place between the baseline and the 6-month follow-up. The clinical implications of the results are discussed in relation to the effectiveness of the program. Suggestions are provided in order to increase compliance of self-excluded patrons.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

• Get 10 units per month
• Download Article/Chapter or eBook
• 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
• Cancel anytime Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

• American Psychiatric Association (APA) (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(4th ed). Washington, DC: APA.
  Google Scholar
• Blaszczynski, A., Ladouceur, R., & Nower, L. (2004). Current Issues. Self-Exclusion: A Gateway to Treatment. Manuscript prepared for the Australian Gaming Council, September.
• Collins, P., & Kelly, J. (2002). Problem gambling and self-exclusion: A report to the South African Responsible Gambling Trust. Gaming Law Review, 6, 517–531.
  Article Google Scholar
• Hodgins, D. C., Wynne, H., & Makarchuk, K. (1999). Pathways to recovery from gambling problems: Follow-up from a general population survey. Journal of Gambling Studies, 15, 93–104.
  Article Google Scholar
• Ladouceur, R., Jacques, C., Giroux, I., Ferland, F., & Leblond, J. (2000). Analysis of a casino’s self-exclusion program. Journal of Gambling Studies, 20, 301–307.
  Google Scholar
• Lesieur, H, & Blume, S. (1987). The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS): A new instrument for the identification of pathological gamblers. American Journal of Psychiatry, 144, 1184–1188.
  Google Scholar
• Nathan, P. E. (2003). The role of natural recovery in alcoholism and pathological gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 19, 279–286.
  Article Google Scholar
• National Gambling Impact Study Commission (1999). Final Report. Washington, Dc: Government Printing Office.
  Google Scholar
• Nowatzki, N. R., & Williams, R. J. (2002). Casino self-exclusion programmes: A review of the issues. International Gambling Studies, 2, 3–25.
  Article Google Scholar
• O’Neil, M., Whetton, S., Dolman, B., Herbert, M., Giannopolous, V., O’Neil, D., & Wordley, J. (2003). Part A—Evaluation of self-exclusion programs in Victoria and Part B—Summary of self-exclusion programs in Australian States and Territories. Melbourne: Gambling Research Panel.
• Petry, N. M. (2005). Pathological Gambling: Etiology, Comorbidity, and Treatment. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
  Google Scholar
• Shaffer, H. J., & Hall, M. N. (2001). Updating and refining prevalence estimates of disordered gambling behaviour in the United States and Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 92, 168–172.
  Google Scholar

Download references

Acknowledgement

The authors wish to express their gratitude to the staff of security of the three Quebec Casinos for their help in conducting this study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

1. School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec, Canada, G1K 7P4
   Robert Ladouceur, Caroline Sylvain & Patrick Gosselin

Authors

1. Robert Ladouceur
   You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
2. Caroline Sylvain
   You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar
3. Patrick Gosselin
   You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence toRobert Ladouceur.

Rights and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Ladouceur, R., Sylvain, C. & Gosselin, P. Self-Exclusion Program: A Longitudinal Evaluation Study.J Gambl Stud 23, 85–94 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-006-9032-6

Download citation

• Published: 13 December 2006
• Issue Date: March 2007
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-006-9032-6

Keywords