Researchers have come up with a creative new way to help people with gambling problems avoid relapses: a virtual “serious game” called Alter Game.
The idea is to combine traditional cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with an immersive, game-like environment that simulates real-life gambling situations — like slot machines or betting venues.
The goal? Help participants practice handling cravings and triggers in a safe, controlled space before they encounter them in real life.
In the study, about 60 adults will be split into two groups: one will get standard CBT sessions, while the other will get a mix of CBT and VR game sessions.
During the game sessions, participants will experience gambling cues while wearing biofeedback monitors that track their stress and emotional responses.
Researchers will measure things like gambling-related thoughts, cravings, and confidence in resisting urges.
The hope is that adding this playful, interactive approach to standard therapy will make it easier for people to cope with cravings, reduce risky thoughts, and feel more confident staying away from gambling.
If it works, this kind of serious game approach could even be adapted to help people struggling with other addictions, showing how games can be a powerful tool in therapy and recovery.
Link to Paper: Alter Game: A Study Protocol on a Virtual “Serious Game” for Relapse Prevention in Patients With Gambling Disorder – PMC