What is problem gambling?

Gambling is generally a common activity and various studies have shown that 70-90% of adults gamble at some point in their lives. However, there are individual differences in the patterns of gambling.

For example:

In the forms of gambling (e.g., gaming machines, race horses, lotto, sporting events etc.)
In the nature, frequency, duration and extent of gambling. For example, some people gamble two or three times a year during a special occasion. In other cases, some people may gamble once a year in large amounts, others may gamble small amounts regularly. In either of the latter cases, gambling can become a problem.

Gamblers exist on a continuum and most of us will fall somewhere along the scale below.

According to a report by Productivity Commission (1999), ‘problem gamblers’ represent just over 290 000 Australians (about 2.1 per cent of the adults).

Problem gambling usually occurs when an individual’s gambling is out of control and it begins to cause personal, social and occupational problems.

Why internet-based treatment program for gambling?

Although it is early days, there has been some good evidence for the effectiveness of internet-delivered psychological treatments for mental health issues (Copeland & Martin, 2004). Positive outcomes in the treatment of depression (Christensen, Griffiths & Korten, 2002), anxiety (Carlbring,Westling, Ljungstrand, Ekselius & Andersson, 2001) and post-traumatic stress disorder (Lange, van de Ven, Schrieken & Emmelkamp, 2001) have been reported. Although there has not been any published study specifically on internet-delivered intervention for pathological gambling, the use of internet-based intervention appears to be promising for problem gamblers.

How do I know if gambling is a problem for me?

If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, then gambling may be a problem for you.

Have you ever tried to cut back or stop gambling?
Have you ever borrowed or stolen money to gamble or had other financial problems as a result of your gambling?
Has your gambling caused problems with your relationships, job or other important aspects of your life?
Do you feel high when gambling, depressed after losing, anxious or irritable when you’re not able to gamble?
Have you felt guilty about your gambling?
Has anyone ever told you that you have a gambling problem?

What does the program involves?

This program is only available for people who are currently residing in Australia. This program, which runs from Griffith University, involves going through six weekly sessions online. The aim of this program is to help you to take charge of your gambling behaviours and urges.

What does it cost?

Participation in the program is free. You will be asked to complete confidential questionnaires before, during and after treatment, to help us in the ongoing assessment of our program.

What are the other requirements for participation?

Before you are accepted into the program, you will be required to answer some questions regarding your gambling habits, then complete some questionnaires online and via post, and undergo a telephone interview. We are looking for individuals who meet the criteria for problem gambling but are not currently receiving treatment for problem gambling. Once you are accepted, you will then be randomly assigned to either the Internet Cognitive Behavioural Treatment (I-CBT); Internet Monitoring, Feedback and Support (I-MFS); or to what is known as a waiting list group. Both I-CBT and I-MFT will involve you completing an online session each week for a period of six weeks. People in the Waitlist Condition will be randomly allocated to either the I-CBT or I-MFS treatment after a waiting period of six weeks.

Help for other mental health-related issues

In some cases where people are seeking help for mental health-related problems, emergencies such as risk of self-harm or suicide can arise. Improving the Odds is a treatment program designed to address gambling problems only. It does not specifically treat other mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety or suicidality. Furthermore, online programs are not suitable for individuals who are experiencing acute psychological distress and/or who are currently suicidal. Instead, such individuals are advised to contact their local public mental health agencies or hospitals who are equipped to deal with such emergencies. You can also contact Lifeline 13 11 14 (24-hour counselling line) if you feel that you need someone to talk to about your problems anytime you want.

In order to participate in this project, we ask you to provide us with the contact details of another service provider, for example, your general practitioner, psychiatrist, or psychologist. The contact details of your other service provider will be kept confidential and used only in the case of an emergency.