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Abstract
Dynamic warning messages are a harm minimization strategy aimed at preventing or reducing gambling-related problems by assisting individuals to make informed choices about their gambling. Laboratory studies have demonstrated the efficacy of dynamic warnings in facilitating responsible gambling. This article presents the results of a trial of the related effectiveness of dynamic warnings appearing either in the middle or on the periphery of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) screens in commercial gambling venues. Regular gamblers (n = 667) were surveyed to assess their recall of warning messages and the perceived impact of message placement on thoughts and behaviours. Messages appearing in the middle of screens were recalled to a greater extent, and respondents reported that these were more impactful and useful than messages on the periphery of screens. As one of the first trials of dynamic warning messages in operating EGM venues, the results provide important verification and validation of previous laboratory research. Results demonstrate that dynamic warning messages appearing in the middle of an EGM screen during play are likely to be a more effective harm minimization intervention than messages on the periphery of EGM screens.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the work of those involved in this project, including Monica Mikhael.
Declaration of interests
Funding sources: This research was funded by the Australian Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), a department of the Australian Government. The project included cooperation from the Queensland Government, Queensland Clubs and Hotels Associations, and data monitoring companies. These stakeholders were briefed on the methodology, but had no input in the conduct of the trial, collection of data, analysis of results, or discussion of the results.
Conflicts of interest
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Constraints on publishing: There are no constraints on publishing this manuscript. The final report based on this research was approved for publication by FaHCSIA. Only the authors have had input on this manuscript.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Sally Gainsbury
Sally Gainsbury is a qualified clinical psychologist with over 10 years' experience conducting gambling research. Her research has focused on understanding gambling to inform the development of responsible gambling strategies and harm minimization policies. She has been awarded numerous research grants to examine electronic gaming machines and Internet gambling as well as Internet-based treatment options. She has been invited to give many keynote and conference presentations internationally, has provided expert input for policy makers in Australia and Canada, and is the editor of the academic journal International Gambling Studies. She has published over 40 peer-review journal articles, two books and many book chapters.
David Aro
David Aro is the managing director of Communio Pty, a company that specializes in health and human services consultancy. Over the last 15 years he has worked with the New Zealand and Australian state and federal governments on a range of projects across multiple sectors. He continues to fine-tune his understanding of the different dialects of government. A significant area of focus for him over the last decade has been the integration of evidence into the design, implementation, review and evaluation of projects, programmes and policy.
Dianne Ball
Dianne Ball leads projects for Commonwealth government clients in the area of governance, review and evaluation, strategic planning and organizational change. She is also an experienced company director and facilitates programmes for new directors with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has an extensive career in the health and human services industry including CEO experience. She has held senior executive positions in the corporate, public and not-for-profit sectors. She conducted PhD research in organizational learning and strategic change and she consults in these specialty fields to CEOs and executive teams in the workplace as well as to company directors.
Christian Tobar
Christian Tobar is currently a health and human services consultant at Communio Pty. He has over seven years' comprehensive experience in the survey management process from design and administration to data collection and validation. He has been heavily involved in the project management of a number of high-profile surveys with extensive experience in statistical analysis and interpretation of data trends as well as managing key stakeholders. He has a background in psychology and completed his internship at an organizational psychology firm Personnel Decisions International (PDI).
Alex Russell
Alex Russell's background is in psychology, particularly in research design and statistical analysis. He studied at the University of Sydney. He is an early career researcher and has been working in gambling research at the Centre for Gambling Education and Research at Southern Cross University for two years.