Problem gambling: a more common approach would help improve its understanding in Europe

According to a new pan-European study commissioned by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) and published by the City, University of London, levels of problem gambling range from 0.3% to 6.4% of the adult population but significant differences in national survey methods and timing, screening tools and target age groups makes any meaningful comparisons between countries difficult.

The study, which reviewed the monitoring and reporting frameworks of 20 European countries and assessed national approaches to problem gambling measurement and reporting methods and gambling engagement level, concludes that a more common approach would help improve the understanding of problem gambling and its prevalence in Europe.

“Our members are fully committed to promoting a stronger culture of safer gambling in Europe and through this study, we aim to contribute positively to the understanding of problem gambling and its prevalence in Europe, stated Maarten Haijer, Secretary General, EGBA. The significant differences in the way in which problem gambling is monitored and reported in Europe clearly stands out from the study. A shift towards a more common and regular monitoring and reporting framework for problem gambling would benefit all gambling sector stakeholders and support more effective and evidence-based prevention policies”.