Adèle Morvannou1, Eva Monson2, Annie-Claude Savard3, Sylvia Kairouz4, Élise Roy2,5, Magali Dufour6. 1. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Campus de Longueuil 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, bureau 200, Longueuil, Québec, J4K 0A8, Canada. Adele.Morvannou@usherbrooke.ca. 2. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Campus de Longueuil 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, bureau 200, Longueuil, Québec, J4K 0A8, Canada. 3. School of Social Work and Criminology, Université Laval, Pavillon Charles De Koninck 1030 avenue des sciences humaines, Local 5444, Québec, G1V 0A6, Canada. 4. Department of Sociology & Anthropology, Concordia University, 2070 rue Mackay, 3ième étage, Montréal, QC, H3G 2J1, Canada. 5. Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada. 6. Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, 405 Rue Sainte-Catherine Est, Montréal, QC, H2L 2C4, Canada.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Despite the risks associated with poker and its unique characteristics when compared with other forms of gambling, little knowledge exists of poker players' perceptions of prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to explore poker players' perceptions and understandings of existing problem gambling prevention strategies. METHODS: This exploratory qualitative study is a secondary data analysis of interviews conducted as a part of a sequential mixed-methods research project, with 12 poker players. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged from the thematic analysis highlighting a distinction between institutional and personal prevention strategies. When speaking about institutional prevention efforts, players were critical of existing formats, messages, and who these messages were being developed and disseminated by and for. Players believed existing messaging strategies demonstrate an overall lack of awareness concerning the reality of poker. Personal preventive strategies that players themselves put in place to reduce risks included money management, playing for free, maintaining a healthy play-life balance, and managing emotions, to be aware of their relationship with poker, as well as spotting paying opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: Given poker players' lack of receptivity to existing prevention messaging, it is essential to consider the unique nature of poker and its players. It is also imperative to explore the potential benefits of collaborating with players when it comes to targeted prevention strategies.
OBJECTIVE: Despite the risks associated with poker and its unique characteristics when compared with other forms of gambling, little knowledge exists of poker players' perceptions of prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to explore poker players' perceptions and understandings of existing problem gambling prevention strategies. METHODS: This exploratory qualitative study is a secondary data analysis of interviews conducted as a part of a sequential mixed-methods research project, with 12 poker players. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged from the thematic analysis highlighting a distinction between institutional and personal prevention strategies. When speaking about institutional prevention efforts, players were critical of existing formats, messages, and who these messages were being developed and disseminated by and for. Players believed existing messaging strategies demonstrate an overall lack of awareness concerning the reality of poker. Personal preventive strategies that players themselves put in place to reduce risks included money management, playing for free, maintaining a healthy play-life balance, and managing emotions, to be aware of their relationship with poker, as well as spotting paying opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: Given poker players' lack of receptivity to existing prevention messaging, it is essential to consider the unique nature of poker and its players. It is also imperative to explore the potential benefits of collaborating with players when it comes to targeted prevention strategies.
Keywords:
Harm reduction; Players perspective; Poker; Prevention; Problem gambling; Qualitative