Can virtual reality help curb gambling cravings?

NCT ID NCT04467502

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University Hospital, Lille Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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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.

GAMBLING DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Association GREID ValenciennesCSAPA
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Valenciennes, France
Assoriation Cédragir Lomme CSAPA
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Lomme, France
CH Boulogne sur mer CSAPA
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Boulogne-sur-Mer, France
CH Seclin Carvin CSAPA
RECRUITING

Seclin, France
CH de Saint Amand les Eaux
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, France
CH de l'arrondissement de Montreuil / CSAPA
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Montreuil-sur-Mer, France
CHU Amiens-Picardie
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Amiens, France
CHU Rouen
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Rouen, France
CHU de Caen
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Caen, France
Hôpital Fontan, CHU lille
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Lille, 59000, France

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