Exploring the effects and constraints of a nationwide Self-Exclusion Service for Gambling Disorder “Spelpaus”: A qualitative interview study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Problem gambling and gambling disorder cause severe social, psychiatric and financial consequences, and voluntary self-exclusion is a common harm reduction tool used by individuals with gambling problems. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to explore the lived experience of a novel nationwide, multi-operator gambling self-exclusion in Sweden, and to inform stakeholders and policymakers in order to improve harm reduction tools against gambling problems. METHODS Semi-structured interview were conducted with 15 individuals who reported self-perceived gambling problems, and who had experience of having used the self-exclusion service Spelpaus in Sweden. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed through qualitative conent analysis. RESULTS Three categories and eight subcategories were identified. The categories were; a) Reasons behind the decision to self-exclude, b) Positive experiences, and c) Suggestions for improvement. Sub-categories identified a number of reasons for self-exclusion such as for financial reasons and for family reasons, positive experiences described as a relief from gambling, but also important suggestions for improvement are cited, such as a more gradual return to gambling post-self-exclusion, better ways to address loopholes in the system, and transfer from self-exclusion to treatment. CONCLUSIONS Voluntary self-exclusion from gambling, using a nationwide multi-operator service, remains an appreciated harm-reducing tool in gamblers but potential improvements are identified. CLINICALTRIAL clinicatrials.gov, NCT05693155