Can virtual reality help curb gambling cravings?

NCT ID NCT04467502

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) to standard imaginal exposure therapy for people with gambling disorder. Both treatments are combined with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) over 12 sessions. The goal is to see if VRET is as good as or better than imaginal exposure at reducing gambling cravings and symptoms. The trial involves 124 participants and will track outcomes for up to a year after treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

virtual reality exposure therapy

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer a more practical and motivating way to deliver exposure therapy for gambling disorder, potentially improving treatment access and outcomes.

What could go wrong

This is a relatively early-stage trial with 124 participants, and virtual reality therapy may not be more effective than standard imaginal exposure. The novelty of VR could also wear off, affecting long-term results.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

pathological gambling

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Association GREID ValenciennesCSAPA

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Valenciennes, France

    Contact

  • Assoriation Cédragir Lomme CSAPA

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Lomme, France

    Contact

  • CH Boulogne sur mer CSAPA

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Boulogne-sur-Mer, France

    Contact

  • CH Seclin Carvin CSAPA

    RECRUITING

    Seclin, France

    Contact

  • CH de Saint Amand les Eaux

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, France

    Contact

  • CH de l'arrondissement de Montreuil / CSAPA

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Montreuil-sur-Mer, France

    Contact

  • CHU Amiens-Picardie

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Amiens, France

    Contact

  • CHU Rouen

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Rouen, France

    Contact

  • CHU de Caen

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Caen, France

    Contact

  • Hôpital Fontan, CHU lille

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Lille, 59000, France

    Contact