The goals of this randomized controlled trial are to test the manifold effects of prevention pop-up messages on participants' behaviours, cognitions and affects. This study is conducted among regular EGMs' players (defined as having played EGMs at least once every two weeks for the past 12 months) who are not classified as probable pathological gamblers by the PGSI. After answering a series of short questionnaires by phone, participants are asked to schedule a gambling session which is done in a laboratory on the university's campus. This laboratory replicates a typical bar, and is equipped with real EGMs. Participants are recruited under the false pretense of giving their opinion on the realism of the bar replica, and on the overall feeling of the gambling session in it. They are told that: (a) they are free to gamble as much and for as long as they like; (b) they are allowed to take breaks; (c) gambling is to be done with their own money; (d) the only compensation for participation are the potential winnings made while gambling; (e) net winnings across their whole session are paid, but losses are real. There is only one participant at a time in the laboratory for the gambling session. After having stopped by their own volition (some exceptions apply, see "Detailed Description" for further details), participants are debriefed on the real goals of this study and reimbursed any incurred losses while gambling. They are then be asked to answer another series of questionnaires.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Gambling session's total duration
Timeframe: Assessed at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Total time effectively spent gambling
Timeframe: Assessed at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Number of breaks taken
Timeframe: Assessed at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Mean breaks' duration
Timeframe: Assessed at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Total breaks duration
Timeframe: Assessed at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Mean time elapsed between breaks
Timeframe: Assessed at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Money betted (physical)
Timeframe: Assessed at following timepoints from start of gambling session in the laboratory (Experiment phase; 0 hours 0 minutes): [1] +10 minutes; [2] +40 minutes; [3] +70 minutes; [4] +100 minutes; [5] end of gambling session (+2 hours maximum).
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Money betted (all)
Timeframe: Assessed at following timepoints from start of gambling session in the laboratory (Experiment phase; 0 hours 0 minutes): [1] +10 minutes; [2] +40 minutes; [3] +70 minutes; [4] +100 minutes; [5] end of gambling session (+2 hours maximum).
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Number of bets placed
Timeframe: Assessed at following timepoints from start of gambling session in the laboratory (Experiment phase; 0 hours 0 minutes): [1] +10 minutes; [2] +40 minutes; [3] +70 minutes; [4] +100 minutes; [5] end of gambling session (+2 hours maximum).
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Gambling speed
Timeframe: Assessed at following timepoints from start of gambling session in the laboratory (Experiment phase; 0 hours 0 minutes): [1] +10 minutes; [2] +40 minutes; [3] +70 minutes; [4] +100 minutes; [5] end of gambling session (+2 hours maximum).
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Gambling intensity (physical)
Timeframe: Assessed at following timepoints from start of gambling session in the laboratory (Experiment phase; 0 hours 0 minutes): [1] +10 minutes; [2] +40 minutes; [3] +70 minutes; [4] +100 minutes; [5] end of gambling session (+2 hours maximum).
Gambling behaviour (between group) - Gambling intensity (all)
Timeframe: Assessed at following timepoints from start of gambling session in the laboratory (Experiment phase; 0 hours 0 minutes): [1] +10 minutes; [2] +40 minutes; [3] +70 minutes; [4] +100 minutes; [5] end of gambling session (+2 hours maximum).
Perceived self-control while gambling on EGMs (between group)
Timeframe: Assessed at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
General level of fun while gambling on EGMs (between group)
Timeframe: Assessed at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Psychological reactance to prevention pop-up messages (between group)
Timeframe: Assessed at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Perceived behavioural effectiveness of prevention pop-up messages (between group)
Timeframe: Assessed at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Change in gambling behaviours (within group) - Money betted (physical)
Timeframe: Change from Pre-experiment phase (i.e. "intake"; single measurement point; cover past 12 months) at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Change in gambling behaviours (within group) - Total time effectively spent gambling
Timeframe: Change from Pre-experiment phase (i.e. "intake"; single measurement point; cover past 12 months) at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Change in perceived self-control while gambling on EGMs (within group)
Timeframe: Change from Pre-experiment phase (i.e. "intake"; single measurement point; cover past 12 months) at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).
Change in general level of fun while gambling on EGMs (within group)
Timeframe: Change from Pre-experiment phase (i.e. "intake"; single measurement point; cover past 12 months) at the end gambling session in the laboratory (Post-experiment phase). Session's length is decided by participant (but limited to 2 hours maximum).