Design research with social and community care professionals

Recognizing and addressing gambling-related problems, and referring to appropriate care, is complex for social professionals. Having a wide range of responsibilities, problem gambling is not always their priority concern. Based on design research, we developed a resource guide that includes knowledge, advice, and tools to detect and tackle problem gambling. In four iterative phases of exploring, defining, developing, and delivering, we co-created the guide together with professionals in education, community and youth work, and debt counselling, as well as with prevention and gambling experts, and individuals with lived experience. In this article, we reflect on the lessons learned, opportunities and challenges of this approach.