Designing a Digital Gambling Recovery Support System: Translating Clinical Models into Scalable, Guided Interventions

Session Title

Responsible Gambling: Culture & Best Practice

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

28-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

Digital tools are increasingly promoted as part of responsible gambling and harm reduction strategies, yet many applications lack clear grounding in clinical theory or transparency in how support is delivered. This paper presents the design and early implementation of Incumental, a digital gambling recovery support system developed to translate evidence-informed psychological models into structured, guided, and scalable interventions. Drawing on clinical frameworks including cognitive behavioral, acceptance-based, and values-oriented approaches, the platform delivers brief audio-guided sessions, reflective exercises, and adaptive support pathways intended to complement formal treatment. The presentation outlines the theoretical rationale underpinning the system architecture, the design principles used to balance accessibility with clinical integrity, and the challenges encountered when operationalizing therapeutic concepts within a consumer-facing digital product. Rather than reporting efficacy outcomes, this paper focuses on design decisions, ethical considerations, and practical trade-offs relevant to researchers, clinicians, regulators, and technology developers. By examining how clinical models can be responsibly translated into digital recovery supports, this work contributes to ongoing discussions about the role of technology in gambling harm reduction and the standards required for meaningful, non-exploitative digital interventions.

Author Bios

Michael Zhang, PhD, is a psychologist and Founder and CEO of Incumental, a digital gambling recovery support platform. He has worked clinically with individuals experiencing gambling-related harm and now focuses on translating evidence-informed psychological models into scalable, guided digital interventions. His work sits at the intersection of treatment, technology, and responsible gambling innovation.

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May 28th, 12:00 AM

Designing a Digital Gambling Recovery Support System: Translating Clinical Models into Scalable, Guided Interventions

Digital tools are increasingly promoted as part of responsible gambling and harm reduction strategies, yet many applications lack clear grounding in clinical theory or transparency in how support is delivered. This paper presents the design and early implementation of Incumental, a digital gambling recovery support system developed to translate evidence-informed psychological models into structured, guided, and scalable interventions. Drawing on clinical frameworks including cognitive behavioral, acceptance-based, and values-oriented approaches, the platform delivers brief audio-guided sessions, reflective exercises, and adaptive support pathways intended to complement formal treatment. The presentation outlines the theoretical rationale underpinning the system architecture, the design principles used to balance accessibility with clinical integrity, and the challenges encountered when operationalizing therapeutic concepts within a consumer-facing digital product. Rather than reporting efficacy outcomes, this paper focuses on design decisions, ethical considerations, and practical trade-offs relevant to researchers, clinicians, regulators, and technology developers. By examining how clinical models can be responsibly translated into digital recovery supports, this work contributes to ongoing discussions about the role of technology in gambling harm reduction and the standards required for meaningful, non-exploitative digital interventions.