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GamCare has formed a new collaboration with City University and research agencies LAB and Ignition House to better understand online gambling behaviours and vulnerabilities.
Launching its project, GamCare stated that deeper research is required in order to identify potential indicators of vulnerability and harms of people engaging in online gambling.
The project has been split into two phases, with GamCare and partners undertaking an initial ‘qualitative study‘ with 20 participants who have participated in online gambling during the past six months.
GamCare’s research unit has begun to actively seek participants for the qualitative phase of the study, with applicants required to register their interest before Christmas.
The study will involve a one-hour, one-to-one interview via phone (or video) call with an experienced gambling researcher. The interview phase will involve questions and answers to help the team understand online gambling behaviours.
The findings taken from phase one will form the research foundations for a larger quantitative study forming ‘stage 2’ of the collaboration, to be undertaken in 2021.
A GamCare statement read: “This research aims to make online gambling significantly safer, with the vision of developing knowledge and interventions that protect gamblers by moving them away from harm and towards protection in digital gambling environments.”
GambleAware and NHS have previously emphasised the need for deeper research and insights on gambling behaviours and triggers, helping treatment services address problem gambling mental health harms and risks. Interested parties have been urged to contact [email protected] or call 020 8293 9462.
