'We are not the ones to blame'. Gamblers' and providers' appraisal of self-exclusion in Germany

BACKGROUND

Given low utilization by individuals experiencing gambling problems the potential of self-exclusion (SE) might be not fully exploited in Germany. This paper aims to gain insight into different actors' perceptions and reflections on the problems and difficulties in the process of self-exclusion to delineate which specific attitudes hamper a successful implementation of SE.

METHODS

13 individual and four group interviews with individuals experiencing gambling problems and governmental or commercial gambling providers were examined. A Grounded Theory Approach was used to portray the opinions of these different actors on existing regulations of SE and to delineate potentially diverging interests between the distinct groups.

RESULTS

The interviewees agreed on the usefulness of SE and consented that it is important to early recognize individuals experiencing gambling problems. They also considered the present practice insufficient but for different reasons. Individuals experiencing gambling problems and providers particularly disagreed on addressing individuals experiencing gambling problems. While individuals experiencing gambling problems stated that they had hardly ever been approached, providers argued that help offers were mostly rejected. Especially commercial providers also regarded insufficient German language skills and rapid fluctuation of guests as strong barriers to approaching individuals experiencing gambling problems. Interviewees from governmental venues furthermore suspected that commercial providers took addressing individuals experiencing gambling problems less seriously.

CONCLUSION

Our results emphasize the dilemma of conflicting interests in both individuals experiencing gambling problems and providers. Rather than acting against the economic interests of employers, venue staff blame individuals experiencing gambling problems for lack of problem recognition. Conversely, individuals experiencing gambling problems blame the providers for not offering help. To address individuals experiencing gambling problems appropriate staff training is required, and SE regulations need to be controlled by an independent body rather than by the providers themselves.

Self-exclusion from gambling: A toothless tiger?

While there is evidence for self-exclusion (SE) as an individual-level harm reduction intervention, its effects on reducing harm from gambling at the population level remain unclear. Based on a review of national legal frameworks and SE programs, including their utilization and enforcement in selected high-income societies, the present analysis aims to explore the reach and strengths of SE in the protection of gamblers in these jurisdictions. It places particular emphasis on SE programs' potential to prevent and minimize gambling harm at the population level. The overview examined SE in Finland, Germany, Italy, Massachusetts (USA), Norway, Sweden, and Victoria (Australia). These jurisdictions differ considerably in how gambling is regulated as well as in how SE is implemented and enforced. The reach and extent of enforcement of SE apparently vary with the polity's general policy balance between reducing gambling problems and increasing gambling revenue. But in any case, though SE may benefit individual gamblers and those around them, it does not appear to be capable of significantly reducing gambling harm at the population level. To render SE programs an effective measure that prevents gamblers and those linked to them from financial, social, and psychological harm, utilization needs to be substantially increased by reforming legal regulations and exclusion conditions.

Kompetenter Einsatz qualitativer Methoden in der Suchtforschung

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Qualitative Methoden ermöglichen bei unterschiedlichen Fragestellungen vertieften Erkenntnisgewinn im Feld der Suchtforschung. Allerdings ist der Zugang zu den entsprechenden Methoden nicht einfach, da ihre Komplexität und Vielfalt nicht leicht zu überblicken ist und die Umsetzung umfangreiches theoretisches und methodologisches Wissen erfordert. Bisher scheint der Einsatz qualitativer Methoden in der deutschen Suchtforschung nicht ausreichend methodisch untermauert zu sein. Wir fordern daher eine fundierte, reflektierte und methodisch korrekte Nutzung qualitativer Methoden im Feld der Suchtforschung. Ziel: Ziel dieses Artikels ist, anhand von Methodenliteratur und Originalarbeiten, in denen qualitative Methoden angewandt wurden, aufzuzeigen, wie qualitative Forschungsdesigns verstanden werden können, um Forschende zu ermutigen und zu befähigen, qualitative Methoden in angemessener Weise zu nutzen. In diesem Artikel werden mögliche Einsatzgebiete und grundlegende methodologische Überlegungen für die Entwicklung eines qualitativen Forschungsdesigns dargestellt. Dabei wird zusätzlich auf diverse Erhebungsmethoden sowie ethische Aspekte im Rahmen der Datengenerierung eingegangen.