Search

In Europe, gambling policy is conditioned by different administrative levels, including national authorities and the EU, as well as institutions of the European Economic Area (EEA). The legal framework of the EU/EEA requires Member States to pursue evidence‐based policy. The current scoping review focuses on what kind of policy research is available on gambling in the European context to support evidence‐based policy. We searched three scientific databases for research literature on gambling regulation and policy in the European context. The final sample consists of 88 papers. We analysed the corpus with Term Frequency‐Inverse Document Frequency mapping, and, narratively, by applying the policy cycle phases (agenda‐setting, formulation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation). Overall, the results show that gambling policy research is a growing field in Europe, and the policy cycle describes the available literature amply. The largest part of the existing research concerns the evaluation phase, while the formulation and implementation phases are under‐represented. The findings are discussed in terms of the main outcomes, as well as in terms of the gaps in the existing research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to an increase in gambling behaviors, potentially leading to Gambling Disorder (GD) and adverse health and social consequences. Problematic gambling has received little research attention over the years in Israeli society and the issue of gambling is not high on the list of priorities of Israeli policymakers. The present study examined gambling behavior in Israel on a continuum of severity and its association with venues where the gambling occurs, legality, attitude toward the legalization of casinos and poker, and substance use. Methods The study questionnaires were distributed to approximately 15,000 Jewish-Israeli adults via internet panel. From 3,088 Israeli adults who answered the questionnaire, 1,251 (40.5%) reported gambling in the last year and were included in the analyses. Results Based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, 60% of participants were classified as non-problem gamblers, 25% as at low-risk for a gambling problem, 11% as at moderate risk, and 4% as having a gambling problem. Most online gambling was practiced by non-problem gamblers (40%) and most illegal gambling was by low-risk gamblers (34%). The more severe the gambling behavior was on the continuum, the more it was associated with illegal substance use and positive attitudes toward legalized casinos in Israel. Logistic regression showed the odds of developing moderate and problem gambling were 3.8 times higher for online gamblers (OR = 3.8; CI 2.6–5.4; p

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to an increase in gambling behaviors, potentially leading to Gambling Disorder (GD) and adverse health and social consequences. Problematic gambling has received little research attention over the years in Israeli society and the issue of gambling is not high on the list of priorities of Israeli policymakers. The present study examined gambling behavior in Israel on a continuum of severity and its association with venues where the gambling occurs, legality, attitude toward the legalization of casinos and poker, and substance use. Methods: The study questionnaires were distributed to approximately 15,000 Jewish-Israeli adults via internet panel. From 3,088 Israeli adults who answered the questionnaire, 1,251 (40.5%) reported gambling in the last year and were included in the analyses. Results: Based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index, 60% of participants were classified as non-problem gamblers, 25% as at low-risk for a gambling problem, 11% as at moderate risk, and 4% as having a gambling problem. Most online gambling was practiced by non-problem gamblers (40%) and most illegal gambling was by low-risk gamblers (34%). The more severe the gambling behavior was on the continuum, the more it was associated with illegal substance use and positive attitudes toward legalized casinos in Israel. Logistic regression showed the odds of developing moderate and problem gambling were 3.8 times higher for online gamblers (OR = 3.8; CI 2.6–5.4; p < 0.000) and 3.3 times higher for illegal gamblers (OR = 3.3; CI 2.2–4.9; p < 0.000). Conclusion: Though more research attention should be paid to gambling behaviors, harm reduction gambling interventions should be made available to all categories on the continuum of severity of gambling behaviors. The present study provides evidence-based information to promote health policies that aim to prevent and reduce harm for Israeli gamblers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are one of the most harmful forms of gambling at an individual level. It is unclear whether restriction of EGM functions and accessibility results in meaningful reductions in population-level gambling harm. Methods: A natural policy experiment using a large (N 5 15,000) national dataset weighted to standard population variables was employed to compare estimates of gambling problems between Australian residents in Western Australia (WA), where EGMs are restricted to one venue and have different structural features, to residents in other Australian jurisdictions where EGMs are widely accessible in casinos, hotels and clubs. Accessibility of other gambling forms is similar across jurisdictions. Results: Gambling participation was higher in WA, but EGM participation was approximately half that of the rest of Australia. Aggregate gambling problems and harm were about one-third lower in WA, and self-reported attribution of harm from EGMs by gamblers and affected others was 2.73 and 43 lower, respectively. Mediation analyses found that less frequent EGM use inWA accounted for the vast majority of the discrepancy in gambling problems (indirect path 5 -0.055, 95% CI -0.071; -0.038). Moderation analyses found that EGMs are the form most strongly associated with problems, and the strength of this relationship did not differ significantly across jurisdictions. Discussion: Lower harm from gambling in WA is attributable to restricted accessibility of EGMs, rather than different structural features. There appears to be little transfer of problems to other gambling forms. These results suggest that restricting the accessibility of EGMs substantially reduces gambling harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: It is well understood that engagement with some forms of gambling, like EGMs, is riskier than other forms. However, while reports of associations are common, few studies have attempted to evaluate and compare the relative risk of all available forms, and none have estimated the relative contribution of each form to the total burden of gambling problems (GP) in a population. Methods: Using an aggregated dataset of national and state-based prevalence studies in Australia (N 5 71,103), we estimated prevalence and unique effects of frequency of engagement on each form on GP. Two alternative numerical methods were then applied to infer the relative contribution of each form to the total amount of GP. Results: EGMs are responsible for 51%–57% of gambling problems in Australia, and 90% of gambling problems are attributable to EGMs, casino, race, and sports betting. Casino table games and EGMs are equally risky at the individual level, but the former contribute far less to problems due to low participation. Bingo and lottery play show no statistically detectable risk for GP. Discussion and conclusion: The results illustrate which forms present the greatest population burden and illuminate the reasons why. EGMs have an outsized impact. EGM uniquely combines high risk conditional on play, with a high participation rate and a high frequency of play among participants. This is in contrast to risky but less commonly played casino games, and prevalent but non-risky forms like lotteries. We conclude that EGM regulation should be a primary focus of policy action in Australia. More innovative policy ideas relating to EGMs should be tested due to the disproportionate impact of this product type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author comments on an article by P. Newall and T. Swanton on how to reduce gambling harm via player tracking. Topics include the mandatory gambling cards issued in Finland and some other countries for player tracking, the need for additional measures to ensure that player tracking reduces the harm as effectively as possible, and availability of the technology required for digital identification and its use by the gambling industry.

Aim: This is a first audit of how gambling operators in Finland and Sweden address citizens on social media. The study is able to pinpoint some differences between how gambling operators utilise social media in a state monopoly system (Finland) and in a license-based regulatory framework (Sweden). Methods: Curated social media posts from Finland- and Sweden-based accounts in national languages were collected from March 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The data (N = 13,241) consist of posts published on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The posts were audited in terms of frequency of posting, content and user engagement. Results/Conclusions: Operators in both countries were, in general, active on their social media accounts, but there was a decline in number of posts between 2017 and 2020. A substantial number of the analysed posts did not visually portray gambling or games. In the Swedish license system, operators seem to present themselves more straightforwardly as gambling companies, whereas in the Finnish monopoly system the image was more tied to a social role of public good doing. Beneficiaries of gambling revenues became less visible in the Finnish data over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this paper are twofold: first, to demonstrate the importance and relevance of interpretive political analysis to gambling research and second, to analyze from the aforementioned perspective why politicians in Finland talk about gambling harm and gambling revenue the way they do. The speeches of the representatives in the Parliament of Finland during debates on gambling policy are analysed as political action. The analysis has three levels. The first focuses on the themes of the speeches. The results show that there are four distinct thematic dimensions in the speeches: gambling harm, revenue, regulatory system, and regulation. The second level of analysis establishes the contexts where certain themes typically occur. Typically, revenue is discussed in the context of the economic aspect of gambling while gambling harm is discussed in the context of the justification of the regulatory system. The third level of analysis explains why the themes occur in the contexts they do. The representatives´ acceptance of the self-evidence of the regulatory system forecloses any possibility of getting support for major changes to the system. This explains why the official policy aims of reducing and preventing gambling harm have not been realized. It is concluded that the approach introduced can help to understand the political aspects of gambling.

Unlike in other Nordic countries, most of the electronic gambling machines (EGMs) are placed outside the Casino Helsinki and the gambling arcades in Finland. The placement of EGMs in non-casino locations, such as supermarkets, kiosks, and petrol stations, is matter of serious concern. We argue that availability and accessibility of EGMs has led to normalisation and banalisation of gambling in Finland. Exposure to EGMs also put at risk vulnerable populations and problem gamblers, who already suffer from the negative consequences of gambling harms. Gambling companies' self-regulation initiatives and corporate social responsibility programmes are not enough to prevent and limit EGM related gambling harms. We suggest that Finland should follow Norway's example and limit the availability of EGMs and transfer them from non-casino locations to gambling arcades. Finnish EGM policy should be a question of public policy guided by public health concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aim to explore the potential association between public opinions of gambling policies, gambling behavior status, and demographics among 15–74-year-old Finns. We used data from the nationwide cross-sectional Finnish Gambling Survey (n = 4515, response rate 62%). Policy topics examined included views about (i) the prevailing gambling monopoly, (ii) gambling advertising, and (iii) placement of electronic gambling machines (EGMs). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The prevailing Finnish gambling monopoly system enjoyed considerable support among all respondents. The views of problem gamblers and non-gamblers were similar; compared to other groups, individuals in these groups supported stricter policies regarding gambling advertising and the placement of EGMs. The findings provide an insight into differing opinions on gambling policy topics across subgroups of the population. Policymakers may benefit from these results when planning and implementing stricter gambling policies in order to reduce the harm gambling causes to society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public value continues to capture the attention of policy theorists as it provides unique insights into the accommodations public managers do and do not make when considering citizen perspectives. However, the concept is currently constrained by its emphasis on the consideration of a single public and the need to find consensus on values. This article considers the search for a unified theory of public value in complex and pluralistic settings against the inherent tensions exemplified in three policy areas – Indigenous policy, gambling policy and school education. It argues that rather than seeking a unified conception, a more productive approach is to accommodate alternative positions, including the notion of multiple publics by embracing agonistic ideas of difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Emerging data suggest that problem/pathological gambling may be highly prevalent among Asian-Pacific Islanders (APIs) and that can be a major concern to their communities. Methods This study surveyed problem/pathological gambling knowledge, attitudes, and perceived community impact of problem gambling among self-identified male and female APIs and non-APIs attending one of two API community events in Los Angeles County. Results Unexpectedly, our results indicated no effect for ethnicity with regards to ratings of problem/pathological gambling knowledge, community impact, or consequences. However, a gender effect with women reporting less problem/pathological-gambling-related knowledge than men, regardless of ethnicity was found. Over 40% of all respondents reported that problem/pathological gambling impacted their communities ‘a lot’, and the ratings for the impact of problem/pathological gambling was equal to ratings for other significant public health issues like diabetes, depression, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse. Discussion Based on these results, it is recommended that evidence-based legislation support the development of culturally-relevant prevention and intervention programs for problem/pathological gambling in Los Angeles County.

Background and aims: The UK allows a number of gambling products to be legally used by people under the age of 18. The aim of this study was to explore associations between recalled legal usage of five youth gambling products and adult disordered gambling. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study of 1,057 adult UK gamblers, aged 18–40. Recalled legal use of five youth gambling products (category D fruit machines, coin push machines, crane grab machines, the National Lottery, and National Lottery scratchcards) was correlated with adult disordered gambling symptoms as measured by the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Results: Recalled rates of legal engagement with each product ranged from 50.9% for Category D fruit machines to 96.6% for coin push machines. For category D fruit machines, the National Lottery, and National Lottery scratchcards, merely having legally engaged with these products as a child was associated with adult disordered gambling. Furthermore, higher levels of recalled legal youth usage with each of the five products was also associated with adult disordered gambling. Discussion and conclusions: These results relate to recent government proposals to increase the National Lottery scratchcard legal age to 18, and add to a wider literature on youth gambling and subsequent gambling-related harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Gambling Issues is the property of Centre for Addiction & Mental Health and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Gambling Issues is the property of Centre for Addiction & Mental Health and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Swedish gambling market faces a major change in legislation that will allow foreign-based companies to apply for a gambling licence in Sweden. A key element in the new legislation are consumer protection measures. The Swedish gambling market is currently divided between licensed companies and non-Swedish-based companies providing online gambling services without a licence in Sweden. How these companies view their responsibility for preventing gambling-related harm and how prepared they are for the new regulations are important questions regarding the new Swedish gambling market. Aims: To compare and analyse the views and practices on problem gambling and responsible gambling (RG) measures among licensed and unlicensed gambling companies on the Swedish market. Design/Methods/Data: Eleven semi-structured interviews were carried out with responsible gambling managers who are members of either of the two Swedish industry associations. Content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Results: Non-licensed companies have implemented behaviour tracking and monitoring of gamblers in a more extensive way than licensed companies. Both the licensed and the unlicensed companies conceptualise problem gambling in a similar manner and rely on informed choice in preventing gamblers from developing problems, seemingly arguing that offering responsible gambling measures on their website is enough. Conclusions: There are several similarities in how the two types of companies define problem gambling and responsible gambling. Both groups lack a critical perspective when discussing RG. There is a need for companies not only to provide RG measures, but to take an active role in preventing harm among gamblers. Future research should focus on exploring how companies work with RG after the legislative change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The total consumption model (TCM) originates from studies of the distribution of alcohol consumption and posits that there is a strong association between the total consumption and the prevalence of excessive/harmful consumption in a population. The policy implication of the TCM is that policy measures which effectively lead to a reduction of the total consumption, will most likely also reduce the extent of harmful consumption and related harms. Problem gambling constitutes a public health issue and more insight into problem gambling at the societal level and a better understanding of how public policies may impact on the harm level, are strongly needed. The aim of this study was to review the literature pertaining to empirical validity of the TCM with regard to gambling behaviour and problem gambling and, on the basis of the literature review, to discuss the policy implications of the TCM. Methods: The study is based on a literature mapping through systematic searches in literature databases, and forward and backward reference searches. Results: The literature searches identified a total of 12 empirical studies that examined the total consumption model or provided relevant data. All but one of these studies found empirical support for the TCM; that is, a positive association between population gambling mean and prevalence of excessive or problem gambling. Such associations were found both with cross-sectional data and with longitudinal data. Conclusion: There is a small but fairly consistent literature lending empirical support to the total consumption model. An important policy implication is that interventions which are successful in reducing overall gambling are likely also to reduce problem gambling incidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS - The aim of this study is to investigate the medicalising of gambling problems by comparing the political discussions on gambling in the Swedish Parliament in the early 1970s and the early 2010s. DESIGN - Against a theoretical background on medicalising processes in general, and medicalisation of gambling problems in particular, we have analysed discussion protocols and parliamentary bills in the Swedish Parliament from the years 1970-1975 and 2012-2013. RESULTS - The problem descriptions of the 1970s and 2010s are, in certain respects, strikingly similar, identifying proactive operators such as the gambling companies and highlighting an inadequate legal framework. But where the MPs of the 1970s put some effort into describing the drab society which fed the need for gambling, the elected representatives of the 2010s shortcut to individual dependence. CONCLUSIONS - EU membership and the development of the Internet have made effective control and regulation impossible in the early 2010s and the political handling of the Swedish gambling problem is therefore a clear example of how market liberalisation can pave the way for individualisation, medicalisation and depoliticisation of social problems.

The article stresses the importance of regular reform of online gambling policies to prevent gambling harm in the United Kingdom. Topics mentioned include the advantages of decreasing the speed and east of online gambling over stake or expenditure limit alternatives, the proposed minimum spin time that will benefit online slots players, and the suggestion of a government committee to implement a complementary speed intervention on online casino games.

Responsible gambling codes of practice and guidelines exist in most regulated gambling environments around the world, however, the extent to which they acknowledge and engage with concepts of cultural and linguistic diversity is significantly lacking, and in many cases, completely absent. If ‘responsible gambling’ is defined as the provision of safe, socially responsible and supportive gambling environments where the potential for harm is minimised, then acknowledgement and engagement with cultural diversity is critical to ‘responsible gambling’ practice. This paper will relate to the Australian context and analyse the extent to which state and territory responsible gambling codes of practice and legislation engage with concepts of cultural diversity. Cultural competency frameworks and strategies have developed internationally in response to the research evidence suggesting the need for culturally responsive services and practices to improve outcomes for culturally diverse groups in society. Cultural competency frameworks suggest that in order for a ‘system’ to be culturally competent it begins at the systemic level, that is, recognising that culturally competent behaviour and practice needs to have policy objectives, procedural requirements, monitoring mechanisms and resource capacity to be achieved. This paper will present a framework for culturally competent responsible gambling practice in Australia that can be implemented at the systemic level. Without a culturally competent ‘system’ the ability of people from culturally diverse backgrounds to make informed choices with respect to their gambling and to minimise harm from gambling in culturally diverse communities is greatly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Gambling venues and industry regulators utilise a variety of strategies to reduce potential consumer harm from gambling. These strategies originate at the level of governmental and industry policy, and are distinct from responsible gambling behavioural strategies that individual gamblers may choose to implement. Method: This systematic review examined industry-implemented or environmental-level strategies aimed at reducing consumer harm from gambling. Twenty-seven studies that met inclusion criteria were summarised based on the type of strategy examined. Due to variability in study designs, strategies examined, and outcome measures employed, meta-analyses could not be completed. Results: Strategies that were most effective in reducing gambling time or expenditure included: self-appraisal pop-up messages, $1 maximum bets, removal of large note acceptors and ATMs, reduced operating hours, and smoking bans. These findings were limited by the quality of studies available, however. Many studies did not include pre- and post-measurement or control groups, and most relied on retrospective self-report. Conclusions: These results provide insight into strategies that demonstrate preliminary effectiveness in reducing both the amount of time spent gambling and the amount of money gamblers spend. Further research that employs rigorous prospective experimental designs, appropriate control conditions, and both pre and post-intervention measures is required before firm conclusions can be drawn. However, there is sufficient evidence to support the continued use and further development of such industry-implemented strategies aimed at reducing gambling-related harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although gambling has been legitimized as a form of leisure, this consumption activity can have individual and social costs. Policy approaches often focus on problem gambling as a discrete activity undertaken by an individual. Drawing on social practice theory and family identity research, we take an alternative approach, identifying how exposure to gambling can occur in emergent ways that can have an unintended but lasting effect. Based on 40 depth interviews, we identify how the pursuit of four family identity goals (membership and bonding, coming-of-age, emotional sustenance, and communing) plays a role in the normalization of gambling in childhood. We then explore how these goals and family gambling practices may contribute to gambling behaviour longer term. Finally, we examine the interplay between family identity goals at the meso-level, and wider macro-level socio-cultural institutions. Policy and social marketing initiatives that acknowledge the influence of identity-related gambling behaviour are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive video gaming is rapidly gaining mainstream attention. Major U.S. television networks have commenced broadcasting such competitions. The term esports has been assigned to the practice, but it remains to be seen whether lawmakers and regulators agree that the contests are indeed sports. This paper provides a comprehensive examination, analysis, and application of the tests that have previously been used to determine whether an activity is a sport. We illustrate potential streams of litigation, some of which are specific to activities classified as sport. The emergence of esports in the United States has highlighted the absence of a legal definition of sport. Be it the newest form of sport or not, esports afford a glimpse to the future of creative competition, business innovation, and the related legal, policy, and litigation implications emerging alongside this new (sporting or otherwise competitive) activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the development and current status of gambling and gambling policy in Norway. Methods An overview of the research literature and official documents and websites. Results Gambling on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) increased dramatically in the 1990s in response to technological development and liberalization of gambling policy. Restrictions on availability of EGM gambling occurred from 2006 to 2009 and included a ban on note acceptors, a temporary ban on EGMs and re-introduction of fewer and less aggressive machines under a state monopoly. The restrictions led to significant decreases in total gambling turnover, and several studies suggest that they led to fewer gambling and gambling problems. Various factors may explain why the restrictions were politically feasible. These include media coverage of gambling concerns and economic compensation for revenue losses under the monopoly. Conclusions In an international context of deregulation of gambling markets, the Norwegian policy restrictions on gambling availability have represented an exceptional case and provide a rare opportunity to explore the outcomes of such regulations. Overall, studies suggest that the policy restrictions have led to reductions in gambling expenditures and problem gambling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This is a first audit of how gambling operators in Finland and Sweden address citizens on social media. The study is able to pinpoint some differences between how gambling operators utilise social media in a state monopoly system (Finland) and in a license-based regulatory framework (Sweden). Methods: Curated social media posts from Finland- and Sweden-based accounts in national languages were collected from March 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. The data ( N  = 13,241) consist of posts published on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The posts were audited in terms of frequency of posting, content and user engagement. Results/Conclusions: Operators in both countries were, in general, active on their social media accounts, but there was a decline in number of posts between 2017 and 2020. A substantial number of the analysed posts did not visually portray gambling or games. In the Swedish license system, operators seem to present themselves more straightforwardly as gambling companies, whereas in the Finnish monopoly system the image was more tied to a social role of public good doing. Beneficiaries of gambling revenues became less visible in the Finnish data over time., Competing Interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

In this article, we study how the Swedish online gambling market has developed and how the availability of foreign-based online gambling has affected the domestic state-owned gambling monopoly, AB Svenska Spel. We find that online gambling and the traditional state-managed gambling are relatively weak substitutes. Thus, concerns about the availability of online gambling being able to undercut domestic gambling policies may be overstated. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In nearly all jurisdictions, adoption of a new form of gambling has been a controversial and contentious subject. Online gambling has been no different, though there are many aspects that affect online gambling that do not appear in the brick and mortar environment. This study seeks to identify whether demographic, economic, political, technological, and/or sociological determinants contribute to online poker gambling adoption. A theoretical discussion of these categories' importance to online poker is provided and exploratory empirical analysis is used to examine their potential validity. The analysis revealed support for all of the proposed categories of variables thought to be predictive of online gambling legality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This article analyses addictive behaviour policy regimes – focusing on illegal drugs and gambling – in 19 countries over a period of 50 years. It compares how these countries have combined rules on the consumption and possession of cannabis and on the participation in sports betting with sanctions for violations of these rules. While theories of policy convergence can explain dominant trends in the way the combination of these policy instruments have changed, they cannot account for all of the empirical variation observed. Turning to Portugal, a case which deviates in both illegal drug and gambling policy from the expected trend, we show that explanations of policy change improve substantially when taking the concept of policy coherence into account. Specifically, we argue that changes of the policy status quo are facilitated when policy entrepreneurs succeed in shaping a perception of policy incoherence. In turn, when relevant actors are able to maintain a perception of policy coherence, the policy status quo is stabilized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the administration of the New South Wales Gaming Machines Act 2001, a small 'industry' developed around the preparation and appraisal of Social Impact Assessments (SIAs) required to accompany any application for additional Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs) in clubs or hotels. The twotiered structure permitted a simple process, known as Class 1, for smallincrease applications. However the more complex Class 2 process required for larger applications was slow, costly and contentious. One of the key points of contention in this process was assessing the extent of problem gambling impacts that might be associated with a localised increase in EGMs, ordinarily expressed as an estimate of the increase in problem gamblers. As a consequence of this inefficient process, subsequent legislation sought to eliminate these contested aspects. This paper examines the available evidence on this policy approach and its effectiveness, focusing on the specific aspect of estimating incremental impacts arising from regulatory decisions, which serve to demonstrate the shortcomings of the system. The evidence presented extends to the application of a mathematical model developed for assessing outcomes in the SIA process. This model has some value as a tool in assessing regulatory outcomes in situations where marginal changes can alter externalised impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Policymakers and other interested stakeholders currently are seeking information about the comparative effectiveness of different regulatory approaches to minimising gambling-related harm. This study responds to this research gap by exploring associations between gambling policies and disordered gambling prevalence rates. We gathered information about gambling policies for thirty European jurisdictions and past-year prevalence rates for disordered gambling for twelve of these jurisdictions. We present policy trends and prevalence rates and then describe the level of association between policy and prevalence. We observe one statistically significant association between policy and prevalence: rates of sub-clinical (i.e., Level 2) disordered gambling were higher within environments that mandated less strict regulation of advertising for online gambling. Finally, we discuss the implications of our research in the context of the current process regarding the pan-European regulation of gambling. Our findings do not offer evidence for certain assumptions made in the past by the European judiciary. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Given its high level of regulation, the gambling industry must be able to react quickly to litigation and resulting change in policy (and enforcement thereof). Using a case study approach, this short paper highlights how the twin issues of policy and litigation have recently impacted the gambling industry in the European Union. Examples focus on recent developments in the EU that outline the relevant contours of the European Court of Justice's jurisprudence, with a special emphasis on the dynamic situation in Greece. These examples shape the ensuing discussion of the future of both the regulation and litigation of the EU's gambling industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the author discusses the effects of the experiment conducted by the Australian governments in which machine gaming was presented to the local communities. The author mentions that the effects of machine gaming must serve as a warning to the authorities in terms of determining a new gambling legislation. The author states that the machines in Great Britain are operated in terms of a legislative which is established from the assumption that gambling serves as a global industry.

The article presents an overview of the periodical's series on National Gambling Experiences, a commentary on the development and effect of gambling in various countries. It notes how authors detailed the periods of restriction, prohibition, and legalization of gambling. Particular attention is given to the trend of expansion in the late 1980s as well as subsequent studies on the harms, addiction, and treatment.

Unlike in other Nordic countries, most of the electronic gambling machines (EGMs) are placed outside the Casino Helsinki and the gambling arcades in Finland. The placement of EGMs in non-casino locations, such as supermarkets, kiosks, and petrol stations, is matter of serious concern. We argue that availability and accessibility of EGMs has led to normalisation and banalisation of gambling in Finland. Exposure to EGMs also put at risk vulnerable populations and problem gamblers, who already suffer from the negative consequences of gambling harms. Gambling companies' self-regulation initiatives and corporate social responsibility programmes are not enough to prevent and limit EGM related gambling harms. We suggest that Finland should follow Norway's example and limit the availability of EGMs and transfer them from non-casino locations to gambling arcades. Finnish EGM policy should be a question of public policy guided by public health concerns., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2021.)

The Swedish gambling market faces a major change in legislation that will allow foreign-based companies to apply for a gambling licence in Sweden. A key element in the new legislation are consumer protection measures. The Swedish gambling market is currently divided between licensed companies and non-Swedish-based companies providing online gambling services without a licence in Sweden. How these companies view their responsibility for preventing gambling-related harm and how prepared they are for the new regulations are important questions regarding the new Swedish gambling market., Aims: To compare and analyse the views and practices on problem gambling and responsible gambling (RG) measures among licensed and unlicensed gambling companies on the Swedish market., Design/methods/data: Eleven semi-structured interviews were carried out with responsible gambling managers who are members of either of the two Swedish industry associations. Content analysis was used to analyse the interviews., Results: Non-licensed companies have implemented behaviour tracking and monitoring of gamblers in a more extensive way than licensed companies. Both the licensed and the unlicensed companies conceptualise problem gambling in a similar manner and rely on informed choice in preventing gamblers from developing problems, seemingly arguing that offering responsible gambling measures on their website is enough., Conclusions: There are several similarities in how the two types of companies define problem gambling and responsible gambling. Both groups lack a critical perspective when discussing RG. There is a need for companies not only to provide RG measures, but to take an active role in preventing harm among gamblers. Future research should focus on exploring how companies work with RG after the legislative change., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests: The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2018.)

Aim: The total consumption model (TCM) originates from studies of the distribution of alcohol consumption and posits that there is a strong association between the total consumption and the prevalence of excessive/harmful consumption in a population. The policy implication of the TCM is that policy measures which effectively lead to a reduction of the total consumption, will most likely also reduce the extent of harmful consumption and related harms. Problem gambling constitutes a public health issue and more insight into problem gambling at the societal level and a better understanding of how public policies may impact on the harm level, are strongly needed. The aim of this study was to review the literature pertaining to empirical validity of the TCM with regard to gambling behaviour and problem gambling and, on the basis of the literature review, to discuss the policy implications of the TCM., Methods: The study is based on a literature mapping through systematic searches in literature databases, and forward and backward reference searches., Results: The literature searches identified a total of 12 empirical studies that examined the total consumption model or provided relevant data. All but one of these studies found empirical support for the TCM; that is, a positive association between population gambling mean and prevalence of excessive or problem gambling. Such associations were found both with cross-sectional data and with longitudinal data., Conclusion: There is a small but fairly consistent literature lending empirical support to the total consumption model. An important policy implication is that interventions which are successful in reducing overall gambling are likely also to reduce problem gambling incidence., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interests: The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s) 2018.)