Online therapy for gambling addiction

Internet-based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Gambling Disorder - a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Karolinska Institutet · NCT06099522

This study is testing whether online therapy combined with a self-exclusion tool can help people with gambling addiction feel better compared to just using the self-exclusion tool alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorKarolinska Institutet Academic / other
Locations1 site (Stockholm)
Trial IDNCT06099522 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) for individuals with gambling disorder. A total of 150 participants will be randomly assigned to either receive iCBT combined with a self-exclusion tool called 'Spelpaus' or just the self-exclusion tool. Participants will undergo assessments before, during, and after treatment, with follow-ups at three and six months. Recruitment will occur through online advertisements, and participants will be screened and consented digitally.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with gambling disorder and can provide digital informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients currently undergoing other psychological treatments for gambling disorder may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide accessible and effective treatment options for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy in treating various psychological disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Screen positive for GD, as measured with the Gambling Disorder Identification Test (total score ≥20 GDIT).
* Fulfilling GD, assessed according to the Structured Clinical Interview for Gambling Disorder (SCI-GD).
* Utilization of "Spelpaus", 3 months from treatment start.
* ≥18 years of age.
* Able to provide digital informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other ongoing psychological treatment for GD.
* Severe depression, screened according to the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (total score \>34 MADRS-S).
* Suicidality, screening of ≥4 points on item 9 of the MADRS-S

Where this trial is running

Stockholm

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 Gambling Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.