Problem Gambling Treatment Dropout: Why Clients Leave & How To Help Them Stay

Session Title

Treatment: Clinical Approaches

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

27-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

Client retention in problem gambling is a widely shared concern among clinicians, with important implications for treatment outcomes and long-term recovery success. Research estimates that over one-third of clients drop out prematurely. This presentation will explore why some clients drop out of problem gambling treatment prematurely, and what providers can do to help them stay engaged. Using findings from Oregon’s problem gambling treatment service system, we’ll review common reasons for early dropout based on interviews with clients, factors that support positive treatment outcomes based on the treatment system database, and provide practical strategies to improve client retention.

Author Bios

Jeff Marotta has specialized in problem gambling for over 30 years and has authored more than 200 scholarly works. He holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno, and is an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGC-II). He serves as President and Senior Consultant of Problem Gambling Solutions, Inc., Co-Founder of Evive, Provisional Graduate Faculty at Pacific University, and Treasurer of the Oregon Council on Problem Gambling.

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May 27th, 12:00 AM

Problem Gambling Treatment Dropout: Why Clients Leave & How To Help Them Stay

Client retention in problem gambling is a widely shared concern among clinicians, with important implications for treatment outcomes and long-term recovery success. Research estimates that over one-third of clients drop out prematurely. This presentation will explore why some clients drop out of problem gambling treatment prematurely, and what providers can do to help them stay engaged. Using findings from Oregon’s problem gambling treatment service system, we’ll review common reasons for early dropout based on interviews with clients, factors that support positive treatment outcomes based on the treatment system database, and provide practical strategies to improve client retention.