In the battle against gambling-related harm and pathological gambling, whether the glass is half full or half empty depends on perspective. At first glance, it’s easy to side with the pessimists. Media outlets tend to highlight surges in people seeking treatment for gambling addiction, especially during major sporting events like the World Cup or the Olympics. Yet when these competitions end and helpline calls decrease, the media rarely reports it. The result is a lasting impression that gambling problems are perpetually on the rise.
However, in Sweden, the Public Health Agency reports that the prevalence of gambling problems has remained stable across the population. This is notable because Sweden has in recent years lived through both a state-operated gambling monopoly and an open licensing system. Does the regulatory model – monopoly versus licensing – impact the fight against gambling addiction? According to the Public Health Agency, “the prevalence of gambling problems has remained largely unchanged since the re-regulation of the gambling market in 2019.”
Today, about half of 1% of Swedes experience serious gambling problems (scoring 8+ on the Problem Gambling Severity Index), with a further 1% being at an elevated risk (PGSI 3-7). These figures have stayed consistent, not just for a few years, but over decades. While we lack data to go further back, it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that these figures have stayed flat for centuries.
So, is the glass half full or half empty?
The optimist would argue that, despite gambling now being available 24/7, the prevalence of addiction hasn’t increased. In Sweden alone, nearly one hundred licensed gambling operators offer online services today, a vastly different landscape than the days of state-run, brick-and-mortar betting shops. Yet the explosion in accessibility hasn’t led to a rise in gambling problems.
Similarly, the surge in gambling advertising hasn’t had a noticeable impact. In the past, gambling ads were everywhere – you couldn’t visit a kiosk without seeing state lottery promotions. Today, we’re inundated with online marketing through social media and influencers in addition to traditional ads. Yet, despite an avalanche of promotions, there’s been no discernible increase in gambling issues.
This is where the pessimist steps in, making the glass seem half empty. Decades of psychological and gambling research haven’t reduced the prevalence of addiction. While we know more about the issue now than we did 10 or even 100 years ago, translating that knowledge into meaningful action remains a challenge.
Moreover, the cutting-edge tools developed with the rise of online gambling don’t seem to have made a significant difference either. As someone working within the online gambling industry, I often tout the advanced resources available today. Gambling is no longer anonymous; operators conduct thorough Know Your Customer (KYC) checks before granting access, monitor player behavior in real time and are legally obligated to intervene when signs of problem gambling arise. While these measures are undoubtedly essential on an individual level, why haven’t they led to a greater shift on a population-wide scale?
We need to have a more open and honest conversation about this. Perhaps my conclusions are off – maybe I’m confusing correlation with causality. Or perhaps we haven’t yet seen the full potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in this area.
Whatever the future holds, I hope for two things. First, that we don’t simply accept the idea that gambling addiction levels are destined to remain constant. Progress is possible and we should aim for it. Second, the conversation about gambling addiction needs to become more inclusive, embracing diverse perspectives without reflexively stigmatising those who think differently. We should encourage fresh ideas and innovative approaches – even if they challenge our assumptions – because only through a broader, more open debate can we hope to find lasting solutions.
