Proactive phone calls to Norsk Rikstoto customers to reduce risky gambling
Official title: Effects of Proactive Calls: A Randomized Controlled Study
Run by University of Bergen · NCT07028450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a proactive, motivational phone call to Norsk Rikstoto customers aged 18–50 who show recent high-risk gambling can help them lower their losses and betting.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 195 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Bergen Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bergen, Vestland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07028450 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are Norsk Rikstoto customers aged 18–50 who have been flagged as high-risk on at least 5 of the last 30 days and have not previously received a proactive call.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are not Norsk Rikstoto customers, are outside the 18–50 age range, or have already received a proactive call are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Norsk Rikstoto uses daily algorithms on registered-play data to identify customers flagged as high-risk; eligible customers (18–50 years old, flagged at least 5 of the last 30 days) are randomized in a 1.5:1 ratio to receive a proactive motivational phone call or to a control condition. The calls are based on motivational-interviewing principles and encourage concrete changes such as lowering loss limits. Primary outcome is theoretical loss derived from registered transactions, with secondary outcomes of total stakes and loss percentage measured at baseline (30 days), short-term (first 90 days), and long-term (days 91–180). Allocation is done in weekly random blocks of 15 customers (9 assigned to calls, 6 to control).
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, proactive calls could reduce customers' betting and financial losses and prompt safer gambling choices.
How similar studies have gone: Previous brief telephone interventions and motivational-interviewing approaches for problem gambling have shown modest reductions in gambling behavior, but using operator-identified proactive calls is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being identified (based on an algorithm used by Norsk Rikstoto/the gambling provider) as a high risk gambler at least 5 of the last 30 days Exclusion Criteria: * Previously received a proactive call from Norsk Rikstoto
Where it's running
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University of Bergen, Department of Psychosocial Science
Bergen, Vestland, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ståle Pallesen, PhD
- Email: staale.pallesen@uib.no
- Phone: +4792632099
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.