Brief Communications Analysis of a Casino's Self-Exclusion Program (original) (raw)

Abstract

As gambling facilities become more available, the number of pathological gamblers increases. Effective therapeutic and preventive interventions should be developed and systematically evaluated. Self-exclusion programs may be a useful means to facilitate self-control among problem gamblers. This paper describes the characteristics of individuals who decided to bar themselves from a Canadian casino. Two hundred twenty individuals participated in the present study and completed a questionnaire including four sections: (1) socio-demographic data, (2) the South Oaks Gambling Screen, (3) gambling habits, and (4) prior experiences with the self-exclusion program. According to the SOGS, 95% of the participants were classified as severe pathological gamblers on the SOGS (Mean score = 9.87). Furthermore, based on self-reported observation, 30% of the participants completely stopped gambling once enrolled in this program. No one scored within the interval of non-problem gamblers. Suggestions to improve self-exclusion programs are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Ecole de Psychologie, Université Laval, Ste-Foy, Quebec, Canada, G1K 7P4
   Robert Ladouceur
2. Université Laval, Canada
   Christian Jacques, Isabelle Giroux, Francine Ferland & Jean Leblond

Authors

1. Robert Ladouceur
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2. Christian Jacques
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3. Isabelle Giroux
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4. Francine Ferland
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5. Jean Leblond
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Ladouceur, R., Jacques, C., Giroux, I. et al. Brief Communications Analysis of a Casino's Self-Exclusion Program.J Gambl Stud 16, 453–460 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009488308348

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• Issue Date: December 2000
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009488308348