Study Will Enhance Prevention and Treatment of Problem VLT Gambling

HEALTH--Study Will Enhance Prevention and Treatment of Problem VLT Gambling

Results of the second phase of a study on video lottery terminal (VLT) players in the province will help health-care professionals to enhance programs and services for problem gamblers.

The 2000 Regular VL Players Follow Up finds that personal relationships can play a critical role in both the addiction and recovery process and that many problem gamblers attempt to resolve their gambling problems themselves rather than seek formal treatment.

"This research gives us a better understanding of problem gambling so we can do more to prevent and treat it," said Health Jamie Muir. "Most people who play VLTs do so without problem, but clearly there are those at risk and those who need help. We're committed to providing them and their families with the best possible support services."

The first phase of the research was conducted in 1997-98. That study found that slightly less than one per cent of Nova Scotians were involved in problem VLT play. The followup looks at 181 people from the previous study who play VLTs once a month or more to identify factors that lead them to develop, continue, or resolve gambling problems.

The new study reveals that people develop gambling problems over time, moving in and out of problem play, and that over half of problem gamblers are trying to quit.

One key finding is that family and friends can often influence people to start and continue problem play. Contrary to the common perception, problem VLT players are not usually "loners." They are likely to report an increase in the amount of time they play with family and friends and are exposed to four to five other problem VLT gamblers through family relationships or friends. They also report being pressured to continue if they have stopped or reduced play.

While family and friends can encourage problem play, they can also play an important role in the recovery process. Most problem players look to informal sources such as a friend, spouse or partner to help them deal with their VLT gambling problem. Sixty per cent try to resolve gambling problems themselves, rather than access formal services.

"That's important information because clinicians generally base their knowledge on those who seek treatment," said Brian Wilbur, director of addiction services for the Department of Health. "People in the helping professions need to know more about problem players who don't seek treatment and the strategies they try to either quit or reduce their play to manageable levels."

The Department of Health provides a broad range of problem gambling services, programs and resources, including professional treatment and counselling, a 24-hour counselling help line, and an informational Web site, video, newsletters and brochures.

While 16 per cent of problem gamblers report accessing some of those services and resources, 24 per cent say they are unaware of them. The report recommends making information on the range of programs and assistance more available to problem gamblers.

"We're developing a strategy to address all the recommendations in the report," said Mr. Wilbur. "That will include developing more self-directed resources for those who don't seek formal treatment and making sure that informal sources, such as family and friends, have access to credible, reliable information."

Mr. Wilbur said they are starting immediately by educating professionals about the results of the study through a series of specialized workshops.

The Department of Health contracted Focal Research to conduct both the 2000 VL Players Follow Up and the 1997/98 Nova Scotia VLT Players Study. Focal Research is a Nova Scotian company with internationally recognized expertise in VLT- and gambling-related research.

The full report is available on the Department of Health Web site at www.gov.ns.ca/health/downloads/VLPlayers_TechnicalReport.pdf .