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.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
American Psychiatric Association (APA) (1994). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(4th ed). Washington, DC: APA.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nathan, P. E. (2003). The role of natural recovery in alcoholism and pathological gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 19, 279–286.
National Gambling Impact Study Commission (1999). Final Report. Washington, Dc: Government Printing Office.
Nowatzki, N. R., & Williams, R. J. (2002). Casino self-exclusion programmes: A review of the issues. International Gambling Studies, 2, 3–25.
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.
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.
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
Corresponding author
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
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-006-9032-6