Effects of Consumer Protection Measures in Online Gambling: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Aim: With the increasing popularity of internet-based gambling offers, the question of prevention measures to effectively counter the addiction risks associated with this trend arises. The aim of this review is to compile empirical fndings on the effectiveness of consumer protection measures in online gambling and to evaluate them scientifcally. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in six electronic databases, including an accompanying hand search for relevant evaluation studies published in the last 12 years (until the end of 2020). A total sample of 22 original articles met the present inclusion criteria. Results: The 22 primary studies provide information on the effectiveness of 26 individual measures. Most of the empirical fndings relate to personalised feedback (8), pre-commitment systems (7) and self-exclusion (6). Positive effects in terms of addiction prevention can be expected from these types of interventions. However, low utilisation rates (especially in the case of voluntary limit-setting), moderate effect sizes and largely missing fndings on the sustainability of effects limit the validity of these fndings. Conclusions: Based on the current state of knowledge, recommendations for the optimisation of consumer protection in online gambling andfuture esearch priorities are named.