2023/2024

Our project aims to develop and conduct effectiveness testing for a tailored self-directed mobile app for gambling problems. Over the past year, that intervention was developed using third-party software procured through MetricWire. Content of the intervention was evidence-based and derived from previous work in our lab, including a paperback self-directed workbook and a static online workbook from AGRI Grant #95. We conducted preliminary feasibility testing with a small sample of Canadian adults (N=30) with past or present gambling problems. Users had access to a fully functional app prototype for two weeks. Users then provided qualitative and quantitative feedback through surveys, and a subset of the sample (n=8) participated in a virtual focus group. Overall, we received a positive evaluation of the app, especially for information quality and ease of use. There were mixed reviews about other features (e.g., daily diary). In any case, our results provided justification to proceed with larger scale effectiveness testing. The results of the app development and feasibility testing were presented at the recent AGRI conference (April 2025), and a manuscript was recently submitted for publication. 

Following feasibility testing, the app prototype was refined for larger scale effectiveness testing. Last year, we launched the nationwide randomized controlled trial. Recruitment is currently ongoing, with 238 participants enrolled at this time. Although not part of the current grant, the app we developed was also refined for use as part of the ANP II project in another national randomized controlled trial.

Data collection regarding effectiveness is still underway, and feasibility testing was only recently completed, so the full impact of our project has yet to be realized. However, we expect this project to be impactful. To our knowledge, it is the first endeavour to create an evidence-based mobile app for gambling problems in Canada. Our app is novel insofar as intervention components are prompted in real-time based on personalized data collected via daily diaries. Very few such interventions exist worldwide, but the demand for these interventions is high. In addition to bearing on the research priority area of gambling treatment, our method of data collection (e.g., daily diaries) will yield a very large amount of moment-by-moment data regarding user engagement with the intervention, which could be used for additional projects. User engagement has been a particular challenge in gambling self-help, so these data are sorely needed. Disseminating this research at an international level will ideally spur more research worldwide into tailored gambling interventions and engagement with same.

Brazeau BW, Hodgins DC (2026, May). Help on Demand. Development of an Engaging Self-directed Mobile App for Gambling. Presentation at Alberta Gambling Research Institute (AGRI) 25^th Annual Conference, Banff, Canada.

Brazeau BW, Cunningham JA, Henkel L, Angotti B, & Hodgins DC (2025, April). Help on demand: Development and feasibility testing of a self-help mobile app for gambling problems. Presented at Alberta Gambling Research Institute (AGRI) 24th Annual Conference, Banff, Canada.

One manuscript in progress.

Final data collection was conducted during October 2025. This concluded the four-wave longitudinal collection, allowing all research objectives to be pursued according to plan, and within estimated timelines. During the 2025-2026 period, this project has allowed two graduate students from two universities (one doctoral-level and one masters-level) to fully participate in analysis and knowledge mobilization activities. A total of three conference presentations took place at national and international conferences, and a fourth is planned for the summer of 2026. Finally, a manuscript will also be submitted for publication in an academic journal in the summer of 2026.

Journal manuscripts are still underway. However, preliminary results have already been presented at the AGRI 2025 conference and two international conferences (Las Vegas, NV, USA and Nantes, France), reaching stakeholders beyond the academic community.

Abou Obeya, F. Gooding, N.B., Kim, H.S., Christensen, D.R., Hodgins, D.C., & Allami, Y. (2025, October). Addiction Substitution and Natural Recovery in Gambling Across Biopsychosocial Profiles. Presented at the “26th Annual Conference on Gambling and Addiction” (Las Vegas, NV, USA).

Allami, Y., Gooding, N.B., Christensen, D.R., Kim, HS, & Hodgins, D.C. (2025, July). Subtyping people with gambling problems to understand recovery and substitution trajectories across addictive behaviours. Presented at the “10th International Conference on Behavioral Addictions”. Nantes, France.

Allami, Y. (2025, April). From gambling to other addictive behaviours: how to explain addiction substitution and natural recovery. Presented at the “24th Annual Alberta Gambling Research Institute Conference”. Banff, AB, CA.