Gambling problems can be prevented!

2010-06-16

The results from the report “Att förebygga spelproblem" (To prevent problem gambling) produced by the National Institute of Public Health shows that by using certain measures it is possible to reduce gambling and problem gambling.

These measures include self-exclusion from Casinos and restrictions on the access to  gambling. The report also shows that the modes of gambling are designed to increase gambling. This is done by reinforcing the players’ feelings that he/she will feel “close” to a winning bid and therefore keep on playing.

The report outlines a systematic overview of ten years research on gambling. The research has been concerned with looking at preventive methods in legislation, education and “responsible gaming measures” in the field of gambling. The research suggests that the most effective way in combating compulsive gambling is to use the same methods as used in preventing substance abuse. These are legislative measures, availability constraints, and general health promotion.

- There is relatively little research made on preventing gambling problems, and the research that does exist does not always have high quality/standard, says Jessika Svensson, public health planner at the Swedish National Institute of Public Health.

The research overview shows, among other things, that there is a need for training staff at gambling sites. This training will have an effect on staff's knowledge and behaviour, which might be of help when dealing with customers who turn to them with the belief that they have problem gambling. The research also supports the need for warning messages, information in schools and information campaigns as it increases knowledge about gambling and the problems it might bring. However, it does not affect the gambling behaviour or the problem gambling.

Two percent of the Swedish population aged 18-64 suffers from problem gambling. Problems associated with gambling are associated with poorer health, bad financial status and social problems. In addition to this, over five percent of the population is at lower risk in developing problem gambling. The last decade has seen a significant increase in the prevalence of problem gambling in young men aged 18-24, (1997-1998 it was five percent and nine percent in 2009).

The report also discusses gambling and problem gambling from a public health perspective. This is done by looking at the similarities between gambling, alcohol and drugs, using Prevention Theory and Prevention Methods, as well as applying the knowledge about the effects of the access to/availability of gambling and advertising in society.