Gambling is now widely accessible and socially accepted, but the risks remain very real. Addiction, debt and psychological distress affect thousands of gamblers every year. In light of this, a new scientific survey is looking at a key factor that has not yet been fully evaluated: the effectiveness of campaigns to prevent problem gambling.
An initiative led by an expert in problem gambling
At Paris Cité University, the name Céline Bonnaire is well known among mental health professionals. A university professor and clinical psychologist, she also works at the Consultation Jeunes Consommateurs (Young Consumers Consultation) and the CSAPA Pierre Nicole, organisations specialising in the treatment of addictive behaviours. For several years, her work has focused on the psychological mechanisms of excessive gambling and the most appropriate prevention strategies for different types of gamblers.
As part of the Psychopathology and Health Processes Laboratory, she is currently leading a new research project focused on campaigns to prevent the risks associated with gambling. The aim is to gather feedback directly from gamblers in order to assess what works, what fails and what needs to be rethought.
Why focus on prevention campaigns?
Prevention messages are everywhere. Posters, slogans, mandatory warnings in advertisements, warnings on gambling websites: every gambler has been exposed to them at least once. According to researchers, too few studies are based on the feelings of those most affected.
Unlike some studies that focus solely on excessive gamblers, this research is aimed at a wide audience. Any adult who has gambled at least once in the last three months can participate.
However, there are three requirements: you must be over 18, speak English, and have gambled recently. These criteria are intended to ensure the relevance of the responses and a detailed understanding of the prevention messages being evaluated.
Participation takes the form of a completely anonymous online questionnaire, which takes between 15 and 20 minutes to complete. It can be accessed via a secure link or QR code.
Gambling, an ongoing public health issue
In France, gambling is a major economic sector, but also a proven source of psychosocial risks. Specialised clinics are seeing an increase in requests for help, particularly among young adults, who are often exposed to sports betting and online gambling at a very early age.
Prevention campaigns are one of the pillars of the public response to these abuses. However, their effectiveness remains difficult to measure. This study aims to address this shortcoming. By inviting gamblers to express themselves directly, the research paves the way for a possible overhaul of prevention messages, based on listening and scientific evidence rather than generic injunctions.
How to participate in the survey
Those interested can access the online questionnaire via this link. Participation is voluntary, anonymous and open to anyone who meets the criteria. In about 20 minutes, anyone can contribute to a collective reflection on a major public health issue.