Wright S, Smith J, Dighton G, Quigley M, Dymond S. Electronic Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (e-SBIRT) for Gambling Harm: A Mixed-methods Acceptability Study. J Gambl Stud. 2025;doi:10.1007/s10899-025-10424-9
This single-arm mixed-methods study aimed to establish the acceptability of an e-SBIRT program for gambling. Acceptability was assessed through satisfaction ratings, perceived helpfulness, participants’ feedback about the program, as well as whether they became more likely to seek help afterward. A secondary aim examined whether gambling severity affected these views. The sample comprised 63 UK adults (mean age = 39 years, SD = 13.40), most of whom were male (61.9%), White (69.84%), and in full-time work (57.14%). Among participants, 34 (53.97%) met the PGSI criteria for moderate risk gambling, while the remaining 29 (46.03%) had scores indicative of problem gambling (mean PGSI = 8.68; SD = 5.51). Participants completed the 10-minute e-SBIRT session, which included personalized feedback on gambling severity, psychoeducation, readiness-to-change feedback, goal setting, and relapse prevention. The program concluded by encouraging contact with professional support services such as the National Gambling Support Network and NHS resources. Overall satisfaction was high: participants scored an average of 10.00 out of 12 (SD = 0.72) on the CSQ-3, indicating the e-SBIRT met their needs and would be used again. Impact ratings on the MARS scale ranged from 3.84 to 4.33 (mean = 4.16), exceeding the acceptability threshold of 3. Participants reported improved understanding, awareness, and motivation to change gambling behaviors. Helpfulness ratings for all components were positive (greater than 5/10), with goal setting rated most helpful (M = 8.00) and decisional balance least (M = 7.64). Notably, over half (52.38%) were more likely to seek treatment afterward. Interviews further suggested e-SBIRT was especially useful for identifying triggers, setting goals, and providing feedback, though some indicated it might be best suited for those with less severe gambling problems.