“I Don’t Have Any Limits”: A Qualitative Analysis of Individual Gambling Self-Control Strategies

Emily Nolan, Rebecca Scheurich, Tara Hahmann, Adèle Morvannou, Emilie Y. Jobin and Eva Monson ()
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Emily Nolan: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
Rebecca Scheurich: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
Tara Hahmann: MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON M5B 1W8, Canada
Adèle Morvannou: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
Emilie Y. Jobin: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada
Eva Monson: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5N4, Canada

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 11, 1-15

Abstract: Despite existing knowledge on self-control strategies in the context of problem gambling, further insight is needed to understand a broader spectrum of self-control strategies among individuals who span the continuum of problem gambling. This qualitative study drew on the experiences and perceptions of individuals engaging in recreational gambling as well as those at the at-risk and problem gambling levels to explore various self-control strategies and their nuances. Thirty semi-structured interviews, guided by open-ended questions exploring how gamblers define and practice responsible gambling and their understanding of responsible gambling interventions, were conducted in Quebec, Canada. Thematic analysis identified three main themes: setting limits on frequency, time, and spending, playing smart (i.e., mindful gambling), and recognizing strategy limitations. Despite employing various strategies, participants struggled to maintain self-control. Maintaining self-control was particularly difficult for those with higher Problem Gambling Severity Index scores. These findings underscore the complexities of managing gambling behavior and, more specifically, these findings contribute to understanding the role of self-control in mitigating gambling problems. This study highlights the need to focus on developing comprehensive support systems and harm minimization measures within gambling environments to better support individuals across the gambling spectrum.

Keywords: gambling; self-control strategies; qualitative; problem gambling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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