Effects of prevention messages on gambling behaviors

Messages de prévention Sur Les Appareils de Loterie vidéo : Effets Sur Les Comportements et Les Cognitions [Prevention Messages for Electronic Gambling Machines: Effects on Behaviours and Cognitions]

Not applicable Interventional Laval University · NCT06341504

This study is testing if pop-up messages about responsible gambling can change how regular electronic gaming machine players behave and feel while they gamble in a realistic setting.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLaval University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Québec)
Trial IDNCT06341504 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the impact of prevention pop-up messages on the behaviors, cognitions, and emotions of regular electronic gaming machine (EGM) players. Participants, who are not classified as probable pathological gamblers, will complete questionnaires and then engage in a gambling session in a laboratory designed to mimic a typical bar environment with real EGMs. The study seeks to enhance ecological validity by allowing participants to gamble with their own money while assessing the effectiveness of responsible gambling measures. The research is conducted in French and focuses on understanding how these messages can influence gambling behavior in a realistic setting.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 and older who regularly play EGMs but are not classified as probable pathological gamblers.

Not a fit: Patients currently receiving treatment for problem gambling or those under self-exclusion from gambling venues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective prevention strategies that reduce harmful gambling behaviors among regular EGM players.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have shown effectiveness of prevention messages, this approach aims to address limitations in previous research, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* At least 18 years old (legal age to gamble in Quebec, Canada, where the study is conducted)
* Functional literacy in french (study is conducted in french and requires reading and understanding simple texts)
* Having played EGMs and least once every two weeks for the past 12 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Classified as a probable pathological gambler (score ≥ 8 on the PGSI)
* Currently receiving treatment for problem gambling
* Currently under self-exclusion from gambling venues

Where this trial is running

Québec

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions GamblingPrevention messagesPop-up messagesPreventionHarmful gamblingResponsible gamblingHarm reductionCommunication
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.