A Process Evaluation of a Self-Exclusion Program: A Qualitative Investigation from the Perspective of Excluders and Non-Excluders (original) (raw)

Abstract

This paper draws on a process evaluation of Queensland’ self-exclusion program to examine how people use the program, motivations for self-excluding, barriers to use, experiences and perceptions of program elements, and potential improvements. Detailed, reflective, first-person accounts were gathered through interviews with 103 problem gamblers, including excluders and non-excluders. Identified strengths include the program’s widespread availability. Many self-excluders reported positive experiences with responsive, knowledgeable, respectful venue staff. Major weaknesses include low publicity, limited privacy and confidentiality, the need to exclude individually from venues, and deficiencies in venue monitoring for breaches, which hinder the program’s capacity to meet harm minimisation objectives. While the program reaches some problem gamblers, others are delayed or deterred from self-excluding by low awareness, shame and embarrassment, difficulties of excluding from multiple venues, and low confidence in venue staff to maintain confidentiality and provide effective monitoring. Potential improvements include wider publicity, off-site multi-venue exclusion, and technology-assisted monitoring.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by a Responsible Gambling Research Grant from the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney General. Our appreciation is extended to the participants for their important and valuable involvement.

Conflicts of Interest

All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest in relation to this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Centre for Gambling Education and Research, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, NSW, Australia, 2480
   Nerilee Hing, Elaine Nuske, Louise Holdsworth & Margaret Tiyce
2. School of Health, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia
   Barry Tolchard

Authors

1. Nerilee Hing
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2. Barry Tolchard
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3. Elaine Nuske
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4. Louise Holdsworth
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5. Margaret Tiyce
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Correspondence toNerilee Hing.

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Hing, N., Tolchard, B., Nuske, E. et al. A Process Evaluation of a Self-Exclusion Program: A Qualitative Investigation from the Perspective of Excluders and Non-Excluders.Int J Ment Health Addiction 12, 509–523 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-014-9482-5

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• Published: 11 February 2014
• Issue Date: August 2014
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-014-9482-5

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