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The role of self-directed tools and strategies in reducing gambling harm: Final report

Author: Behavioural Insights Team, Eleanor Collerton, Bálint Dercsényi, Akila Ranganathan, Dr Craig Johnson, Ruth Persian, Libby Woodhouse, Andreea Faluvegi, Dr Reny Kiryakova, Professor John McAlaney, Dr Emily Arden-Close, Dr Reece Bush-Evans Published: January 2026

Summary

This report investigates the systemic, behavioural and design-based barriers people face in taking up self-directed tools and strategies and develops actionable recommendations for sector stakeholders.

Topics covered

  • Discusses 10 cross-cutting barriers with self-directed change
  • Investigates three primary co-designed solutions
  • Recommends broader behaviourally informed strategies

Key findings

  • The main issue is not a lack of tools or strategies but rather a complex and fragmented prevention and support ecosystem that can be difficult to navigate effectively.
  • The main challenges when starting to use tools and strategies are limited awareness, stigma, and not recognising the need for help.
  • The main challenges while using tools and strategies are selecting unsuitable support, poor tool design and external triggers.
  • The main challenges with longer term support are adjustment challenges and unexpected ups and downs and recovery often framed as a one-time event.
  • The recommendations involve minor adjustments to existing effective resources.
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