Prevention Messages for EGMs: Effects on Behaviours and Cognitions

Launched by BENJAMIN GALIPEAU · Mar 25, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the impact of prevention messages on the behaviors and thoughts of people who regularly play electronic gambling machines (EGMs). The goal is to see how these messages might help players make better choices when it comes to gambling. To participate, you need to be at least 18 years old, able to understand French, and have played EGMs at least once every two weeks in the past year. However, if you are considered a probable pathological gambler (someone who may have a gambling problem), you won’t be eligible.

If you decide to take part, you'll first answer some questions over the phone. Then, you'll visit a lab that looks like a bar, where you will play EGMs for a while. You can choose how much and how long you want to gamble, and any money you win will be yours, but you'll also be responsible for any losses. After your session, you'll discuss what you experienced and answer more questions about your thoughts and feelings. The study will reimburse you for any losses you incur while gambling. This is an interesting opportunity to help researchers understand how to promote safer gambling habits.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • At least 18 years old (legal age to gamble in Quebec, Canada, where the study is conducted)
• • Functional literacy in french (study is conducted in french and requires reading and understanding simple texts)
• • Having played EGMs and least once every two weeks for the past 12 months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Classified as a probable pathological gambler (score ≥ 8 on the PGSI)
• • Currently receiving treatment for problem gambling
• • Currently under self-exclusion from gambling venues