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Understanding Online Voluntary Self-Exclusion in Gambling: An Empirical Study Using Account-Based Behavioral Tracking Data

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  • Maris Catania

    (Kindred Group, Tigne Point, Sliema TPO0001, Malta
    Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK)

  • Mark D. Griffiths

    (Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK)

Abstract

Online gambling has continued to grow alongside new ways to analyze data using behavioral tracking as a way to enhance consumer protection. A number of studies have analyzed consumers that have used voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) as a proxy measure for problem gambling. However, some scholars have argued that this is a poor proxy for problem gambling. Therefore, the present study examined this issue by analyzing customers (from the gambling operator Unibet ) that have engaged in VSE. The participants comprised of costumers that chose to use the six-month VSE option (n = 7732), and customers that chose to close their Unibet account due to a specific self-reported gambling addiction (n = 141). Almost one-fifth of the customers that used six-month VSE only had gambling activity for less than 24 h (19.15%). Moreover, half of the customers had less than seven days of account registration prior to six-month VSE (50.39%). Customers who use VSE are too different to be treated as a homogenous group and therefore VSE is not a reliable proxy measure for problem gambling. The findings of this research are beneficial for operators, researchers, and policymakers because it provides insight into gambling behavior by analyzing real player behavior using tracking technologies, which is objective and unbiased.

Suggested Citation

  • Maris Catania & Mark D. Griffiths, 2021. "Understanding Online Voluntary Self-Exclusion in Gambling: An Empirical Study Using Account-Based Behavioral Tracking Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-11, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:2000-:d:501816
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Simo Dragicevic & George Tsogas & Aleksandar Kudic, 2011. "Analysis of casino online gambling data in relation to behavioural risk markers for high-risk gambling and player protection," International Gambling Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(3), pages 377-391, December.
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    1. Ben J. Riley & Jane Oakes & Sharon Lawn, 2024. "Gambling Harm-Minimisation Tools and Their Impact on Gambling Behaviour: A Review of the Empirical Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(8), pages 1-17, July.

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