A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
A qualitative investigation of the feasibility and acceptability of lower risk gambling guidelines
Authors: Egerer, Michael; Jaaskelainen, Paula; Marionneau, Virve; Matilainen, Riitta; Palomaki, Jussi; Pietila, Eija; Tsupari, Mika; Hodgins, David C.; Young, Matthew M.; Castren, Sari
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publishing place: LONDON
Publication year: 2025
Journal: Harm Reduction Journal
Journal name in source: Harm Reduction Journal
Journal acronym: HARM REDUCT J
Article number: 65
Volume: 22
Issue: 1
Number of pages: 16
eISSN: 1477-7517
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-025-01225-9
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-025-01225-9
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/491892247
Effective and comprehensive harm reduction strategies to mitigate gambling-related harms are needed worldwide. The development of such strategies is however resource intensive. Using existing models in multiple contexts would thus be advisable. This study is part of a larger project investigating the feasibility and acceptability of the Canadian Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines (LRGG) within a Finnish cultural context. The Canadian guidelines recommend not gambling more than 1% of one's household income, not gambling more than 4 days per month, and to avoid regularly gambling at more than 2 types of gambling products.13 Focus group interviews were conducted (N = 37, 23 women, 14 men) across five subpopulations: individuals gambling at no-risk/low-risk levels, individuals with past experiences of problematic gambling, concerned significant others of those with gambling problems, professional gamblers, and social workers and health care professionals. The analysis utilised a deductive approach.While the subpopulations differed in their assessment of the LRGG in some regards, we were able to synthesise three concrete suggestions to adjust the Canadian LRGGs into the Finnish context. Participants proposed rephrasing the guidelines as follows: (1) Limit gambling to a fixed percentage of monthly personal income after taxes and other fixed expenses, (2) Restrict the number and duration of weekly gambling sessions, (3) Avoid regular participation in the most harmful forms of gambling, such as online casino games.Overall, the LRGG were considered as useful also in the Finnish context. However, our results suggest that some culturally specific rewording may be advisable. The main challenge in the implementation of the LRGG is that respondents across groups considered the guidelines to be aimed at someone else. Implementation therefore requires clear communication that these guidelines are for all individuals who gamble, not only those experiencing problems.
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Funding information in the publication:
Open Access funding provided by University of Helsinki (including Helsinki University Central Hospital).
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finland funded the study (within the objectives of the § 52 Appropriation of the Lotteries Act). Daily work of the authors SC, JP at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Finland, was also funded by the Ministry. CEACG at the University of Helsinki and EHYT have contributed staff time. The Ministry has had no role in the study design, analysis, or interpretation of the results of the manuscript or any phase of the publication process. Open access has been funded by Helsinki University Library.
