According to a study by GambleAware, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been identified as the most effective treatment for gambling disorders.
Conducted by the National Centre for Social Research, the study reviewed literature from 2020 to 2024, examining psychological and psychosocial interventions in the treatment of gambling issues.
In addition to CBT, the study evaluated other interventions such as Motivational Interventions, Residential Treatment, helplines, peer-led group programs, and support for individuals affected by someone else’s gambling.
The study prioritized evidence related to gambling-specific metrics, like the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), participation in gambling, and expenditure, over broader measures such as mental health and financial or relationship impacts.
CBT was found to have “strong evidence” supporting its positive impact, though this evidence was more abundant than that for other interventions.
Most of the quantitative evidence supporting CBT focused on short-term outcomes, with assessments often limited to pre- and post-treatment phases, although some case studies extended up to three years.
The research suggested an existing gap in evidence and highlighted the need for further studies by healthcare and service providers to guide future efforts in this area. For more detailed information, you can access [the research paper here](https://www.gambleaware.org/media/cj2lzeln/effective-interventions-for-the-treatment-of-gambling-associated-with-harm.pdf).