What Influences the Types of Help that Problem Gamblers Choose? A Preliminary Grounded Theory Model

Research has not fully explored factors that influence types of help used from the suite of available options once problem gamblers reach an action stage of change. This study aimed to explore critical factors influencing choice of help (or interventions) once people have decided to address their gambling problem. Particular emphasis was on counselling and self-exclusion, given their demonstrable effectiveness for most users. Interviews were conducted with 103 problem gamblers taking action to address their gambling problem. Inductive analysis revealed nine critical influences on type(s) of help chosen, presented as a grounded theory model. Independent variables were goals of taking up the intervention, problem gambling severity, and level of independence/pride. Six mediating variables helped to explain relationships between the independent variables and choice of intervention. Understanding key influences on choice of gambling help can illuminate how to encourage further uptake and better align interventions with gamblers’ preferences, to reduce barriers to help-seeking.