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Animation-Based Education as a Gambling Prevention Tool: Correcting Erroneous Cognitions and Reducing the Frequency of Exceeding Limits Among Slots Players

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Abstract

In light of the financial harm that often accompanies problem gambling, and the difficulty in resolving it, there is a pressing need for prevention resources. In the present study, we examined the preventive effects of an animation-based video that educated participants on how slot machines function, the prudence of setting financial limits, and strategies to avoid problems. Non-problem gamblers (N = 242) at a slots venue were randomly assigned to watch either an animation or a control video. Compared to participants who watched the control video, those who watched the animation endorsed strategies to gamble within financial limits, reported greater behavioral intentions to use the strategies, and exceeded their pre-set limits less frequently during their subsequent gambling session. Some effects waned over a 30-day period suggesting booster sessions may be required for long term sustainability. The effectiveness of animation-based education as a prevention tool and the need for adjunctive measures is discussed.

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Notes

  1. The majority of participants in this study reported setting financial limits prior to gambling, regardless of whether they withdrew from the study (83.83%, n = 197) or completed measures at all three assessment points (85.00%, n = 68). The tendency to set limits did not differ significantly by participant attrition, χ2(1) = .12, p = .73. Similarly, the majority of participants reported staying within their financial limits, whether they withdrew from the study (82.86%, n = 87) or participated in all three sessions (80.88%, n = 55). Again, the tendency to exceed financial limits did not differ as a function of attrition, χ2(1) = .53, p = .47. As such, analyses that focused on short-term changes (e.g., within 24 h) used all available participants in order to conserve sample size and maximize statistical power.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a research grant from the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre (#2345) to Wohl, Anisman, and Matheson. We thank Rob Simpson for his contribution to all aspects of this research, including the creation of the animation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, B550 Loeb Building, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada

    Michael J. A. Wohl, Kelly-Lyn Christie, Kimberly Matheson & Hymie Anisman

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  1. Michael J. A. Wohl
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  2. Kelly-Lyn Christie
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  3. Kimberly Matheson
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  4. Hymie Anisman
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Correspondence to Michael J. A. Wohl.

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Wohl, M.J.A., Christie, KL., Matheson, K. et al. Animation-Based Education as a Gambling Prevention Tool: Correcting Erroneous Cognitions and Reducing the Frequency of Exceeding Limits Among Slots Players. J Gambl Stud 26, 469–486 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-009-9155-7

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