By Annika Lindberg, Chartered Counselling Psychologist Specialising in Gambling Addiction & Behavioural addictions/Expert Panel Member, Mindway AI
As a psychologist who specialises in the treatment of gambling addiction, I have often felt frustrated by the limitations of our reach.
As clinicians, we derive in-depth knowledge about gambling addiction directly from our interactions with those who have come to harm. This includes insights into behaviour patterns as well as a rich understanding of the many complexities around the emotions and thought patterns of addicted gamblers.
We are also privy to some of the many pitfalls of gamblers’ reasoning that interfere with effective protective strategies and the many ways that their compulsions will make them override many of the well-intended measures that are in place to protect them.
Sadly, much of this knowledge will never travel outside the four walls of our practices.
Research into the behavioural profiling of gamblers has furthered our understanding of specific markers of harm and the problematic behavioural ‘signatures’ of those who are likely to be at risk for developing disordered gambling.
With the help of additional insights from treatment providers and those with lived experience, we can further enhance our understanding of how best to protect vulnerable groups. The list below provides suggestions that aim to bridge the gap between psychological insight and actionable strategies for gaming operators.
Spotting Early Warning Signs:
Early signs of problematic engagement include an increase in risk-taking, increased tolerance (more time, more money and more diverse games used) and an escalation of loss-chasing. It is noteworthy that some gamblers who have lost control over their activity and are progressing into addiction do not necessarily gamble regularly. They may even have long breaks between sessions, yet, the subjective loss of control experienced can still be equally destructive as for those who are regular gamblers. For those who have lost control but gamble only intermittently, the risky behaviours will be evident by assessing their pattern of engagement within each gambling episode as opposed to the regularity of sessions.
Increasing Awareness of Clinical Symptoms And Their Interference With Player Protection Efforts
Addicted gamblers present with inner conflict and various degrees of denial. For those with a severely problematic relationship with gambling, there will be a complete loss of control over the ability to stop whether the outcome of a gamble is a win or a loss. It is important to remember that a gambler that has lost all control over their gambling behaviour will potentially still be struggling with intermittent denial, and cognitive distortions and therefore will not be able to apply appropriate measures to protect themselves. At a certain point, the responsibility of allocating deposit limits and bans needs to be transferred from the gambler to the operator to ensure that player protection properly considers the clinical symptoms of gambling disorder.
Personalisation of Interventions
Focus on making interventions personalised and better aligned with the type of risk markers that have been detected. There are vast differences in presentation, temperament and the utility of gambling for those presenting with gambling problems. Therefore, more tailored interventions will enable the gambler to identify better with the player feedback provided. Something that will likely result in a higher likelihood of making use of player protection tools.
Promoting Responsible Gaming; Thinking About Long-term Relationships Over Short-Term Profits
Responsible gambling is relevant for everybody. By encouraging and promoting the use of deposit limits, self-exclusion programs and other player protection tools, the stigma for those who are dependent on them may lessen. A shift in focus from short-term profit towards building trust and helping highlight appropriate protective mechanisms is likely to benefit all parties in the longer term.
Enhancing & Educating Gamblers About Player Protection
- Limit-Setting Features: Describe the psychological benefits of allowing players to set limits.
- • Monitoring and Alerts: Explain the role of monitoring player behaviour and providing timely alerts and behavioural nudges. Explain to the gambler that these nudges are in place to alert them that their gambling pattern is displaying objective risk markers and that awareness and small breaks can provide them with an important opportunity to reflect on their behaviour and disrupt ‘chasing cycles.’
Ethical Marketing
For those gamblers who have expressed a wish to self-exclude, it is important to understand that marketing (particularly direct marketing) can be a potent trigger for someone who is trying their best to stay away from an activity that has caused them harm.
Leveraging Technology & Collaboration
Data analysis can enable us to profile on a larger scale and in real-time those gamblers who are displaying problematic gambling tendencies. Additionally, the continuous integration and overview of researchers, mental health professionals as well as those with lived experience can help perfect algorithms to increase the identification also of those displaying less typical patterns of problem gambling.
Referral Programs & Resources For Help
In situations where harmful gambling is evident and a gambling ban is necessary, it is important to approach the gambler in a respectful, caring and compassionate manner. Since many gamblers rely on gambling as an attempted ‘coping’ mechanism, it is important to have some options for helplines and/or treatment and information available for those who express suicidal ideation.
It is also worth considering training support staff so that they feel more comfortable and confident in having early conversations with a gambler who may be facing both extreme financial losses and intense emotional distress.
Continuous Improvement
Collect continuous feedback from players and consider conducting qualitative data from those with lived experience.
In conclusion, understanding the intricate psychology behind gambling addiction is not just a theoretical exercise—it’s a powerful tool for gaming operators striving to create responsible, sustainable business models. By leveraging insights from psychologists who study gambling behavior, operators can design environments that foster transparency, promote healthier gambling habits, and ultimately mitigate harm. Implementing strategies such as personalised player support, ethical game design, and data-driven interventions bridges the gap between academic insight and practical application. These measures not only enhance player trust and loyalty but also align operators with growing societal and regulatory demands for responsible gaming practices. Embracing these actionable strategies ensures a future where the gaming industry thrives responsibly while prioritizing the well-being of its players.
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