Technology and mutual aid for problem gambling: the past and the future.

This paper offers a cursory account of the use of technology and online services by 12-Step peer support groups with a particular focus on support services for problem gamblers. We examine the history of peer support groups and examine the extent to which they have embraced newer technologies. Gamblers Anonymous (GA) has little direct involvement in on-line support. However, GA members operating independently of GA have provided some pioneering peer support. In this paper, we gathered information about GA’s presence online through a cursory literature review, examination of websites, and three semistructured interviews with key informants: two longstanding GA members and one non-member who is nonetheless very active in employing up to date technology to coordinate recovery options for problem gamblers. The benefits of online peer support for problem gamblers is discussed. Accessibility is one example, as some could be available 24 hours a day each day of the week. Another advantage is that many young adults and adolescents favor online options. This also applies to online gamblers. The Internet options we have uncovered are run mostly by GA members, typically without official GA sanction.