Meny
Abstracts are listed in alphabetical order on presenters
Families Included: Integrating Family Therapy into Treatment Program for Problem Gamblers
Antti Palmu
Introduction
Problem gambling affects not only the gambler but also their relationships. The Time to Fold (Peli poikki) program includes an exercise addressing these effects. To strengthen support for both gamblers and their families, new family therapy interventions were introduced.
Methods
Two interventions were implemented:
Results
In the first intervention, 50 dyads of PGs (20 % of program participants) and family members participated in a phone or video session during 2024. Most family members were spouses, but some were parents or friends.
The second intervention -family therapy pilot project- involved 9 couples and one family in video sessions. Feedback showed increased understanding of gambling’s impact, improved communication, and reduced tension. PGs reported more positive outcomes than their family members.
Discussion
Therapeutic support for problem gamblers benefits from integrating both individual and family-focused interventions. When family therapy is available, problem gamblers identify the need for it and participate in it. This presentation explores how a family therapy approach enhances recovery by improving interaction and trust.
In-game spending and attitudes among young gamers: consumption, emotions, and social influence
Hanne Backe-Hansen
This presentation shares findings from a survey on young people’s spending in video games, their emotions related to these purchases, and gaming’s social influence on gambling attitudes.
Key topics include:
Blå Kors presents fresh insights into young gamers’ spending habits and the potential link between gaming and gambling. Our goal is to raise awareness and encourage responsible gaming.
Routine screening for gambling disorder and gambling-related harm within mental health and drug and alcohol services: A feasibility and pilot study.
Other authors: Professor Amanda Roberts, Dr Rebecca Turner, Dr Jim Rogers, Dr Zahid Asghar (all University of Lincoln), Ms Fay Laidler, (University of Glasgow).
Gamblers experiencing harm rarely seek help, and help-seeking is often ‘crisis driven’ – only occurring after experiencing severe harm. Services for mental health and substance misuse can provide secondary prevention initiatives (i.e., routine enquiry/referral to treatment) for harmful gambling.
The aims of this project are to ascertain the feasibility of gambling screening in mental health and drug and alcohol services, and to test if screening will identify individuals who are experiencing harmful gambling.
Study 1 consisted of qualitative interviews with clients and practitioners (8 x focus groups (n=64) and 40 interviews) to collate a range of perspectives on the acceptability, viability and feasibility of screening for gambling-related harm within such services.
Study 2 consists of a quantitative questionnaire distributed across 20 + NHS trusts and charities (n=3000) to test if screening will identify substantial proportions of individuals who are experiencing harmful gambling.
Initial results show that 7.6% of respondents from a Mental Health Service and 21.1% of respondents from a Substance Misuse Service screened positive for harmful gambling.
This research will improve understanding of the feasibility of mental health and drug and alcohol services for identifying harmful gambling. It will allow earlier pre-crisis identification, thus reducing gambling harms.
Exploring the potential of social media interventions in treating gambling: a single-case study perspective
Conchita Sisí Martín
Abstract: Pathological gambling presents a significant challenge to mental health professionals, with emerging interest in leveraging social media platforms for intervention delivery. This single-case study outlines the design and implementation of a social media intervention aimed at treating pathological gambling. The intervention, tailored to address the individual needs of participants, emphasizes engagement and support within the online community. While outcomes are pending, the study provides insights into the development and execution of social media-based interventions, highlighting their potential as accessible and scalable tools for addressing complex behavioral disorders. This exploration contributes to the ongoing discourse on innovative approaches to pathological gambling treatment and underscores the importance of integrating digital platforms into mental health interventions.
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Svenska Spels first experiences live chatting with Young
players to prevent harm
Maria Dahlström, Teamlead Customer Care Calls, Svenska Spel
For many young people, chat is a natural and preferred way of communication. But can a gaming company leverage chat to prevent gambling-related issues?
In the spring of 2025, Svenska Spel launched a care chat as a complementary tool to
our existing responsible gambling calls. While these calls have been well received,
reaching our younger customers has remained a challenge. The purpose of the chat
is to provide feedback on gambling behavior and ensure that customers are
engaging in healthy play. However, is it possible to achieve this without direct
conversations?
Join us as we share our experiences!
Strategies for preventing problematic gambling in high schools
Christian de Gier
Tjelehuset (Department of gambling addiction treatment, Copenhagen)
Behandlingscenter Tjele, Denmark
Problematic gambling behaviour is a growing issue among young people in high schools in
Denmark. Group dynamics and hyper easy access to online gambling can lead to
problematic gambling behaviour or in worst case gambling addiction. In recent years, I
have focused on this issue, studying how it is being addressed in Denmark and identifying
effective strategies to prevent gambling addiction and support vulnerable young people.
Prevention efforts in Danish high schools typically begin with raising awareness about
gambling and its associated risks. Engaging parents is essential, as most students live at
home. While Parents often monitor alcohol and drug use, gambling is frequently
overlooked.
Some schools have addressed group dynamics, particularly among young men, where
peer pressure often drives gambling beyond individual comfort levels. In some cases,
gambling is associated with social status, which encourages further participation.
On practical levels, several schools have implemented measures such as blocking access
to gambling websites via their Wi-Fi, a straightforward yet effective tool to limit exposure.
This presentation shares visions from Denmark on addressing this growing issue, focusing
on prevention and intervention strategies in high schools. If we talk about gambling
addiction proactively, we can help young people make informed, healthy decisions.
Search Pattern Analysis in the German Online Gambling Market – Conclusions for Responsible Gambling in the Scandinavian Markets
Prof. Dr. Andreas Ditsche
CEO of iGaming.com Group GmbH, Berlin, Germany
Player protection and responsible gambling require that players are drawn into the
regulated, licensed market. In the online gambling market, players practically have the
choice between legal and illegal product offerings.
In a broad study, we have analyzed search patterns of potential players on Google for the
German market from an affiliate perspective. The German online gambling market is
highly regulated, and research indicates a relatively low channelization rate compared to
Scandinavian markets.
Our analysis of the 40 most frequently used search terms, representing 250,000 searches
per month, shows that 17 % of the volume specifically refers to illegal products and, when
restricted wording as per the German regulatory framework is included, 85 % of the
search volume refers to products that should not be offered in the regulated market.
We also show that there is a decreasing trend of explicit searches for either legal or illegal
offerings, indicating that this distinction is becoming less relevant for players.
Finally, we present how operators and affiliates deal with players who do not find the
product they have searched for, and how the latest Google restrictions on paid advertising
affect the online gambling market and the channelization.
The German perspective can provide interesting insights for the Scandinavian markets
and their regulation. The search pattern analysis reveals player behavior and the effects
of repressive actions and market attractiveness in a regulated environment that is aimed
at protecting players.
A new low-threshold service for significant others in Norway
Eidem, Magnus
Blue Cross, Department for Gambling Addiction, Norway
Blue Cross, Department for Gambling Addiction, operates the Helpline for problem gambling in addition to a 12-week online treatment program. The Helpline is anonymous and provide advice and guidance on gambling- or gaming related problems via telephone, chat or e-mail. The online treatment program is the most accessible form of specialized help service for problem gamblers in Norway, and now we can offer the same low-threshold follow-up for individuals close to problem gamblers.
Problem gambling is causing harm not only to the gambler, but also to individuals standing close to the gambler. We have experienced several calls from significant others on the Helpline, regarding issues with guilt and shame that makes it difficult to seek help or talk about the gambling problem. Helpline services and low-threshold digital follow up can reduce gambling-related harm for problem gamblers, but also for their significant others. With a new follow up service we aim to give spouses, families, siblings, parents the help they need to cope with problem gambling in their household. During a 12-week telephone follow-up, we will provide the participant with tools to cope with the situation and discuss various solutions, where to seek help and what to consider.
Younger people seeking help for problem gambling; experiences from the national low-threshold services in Norway
Eidem, Magnus
Finstad, Mona
Blue Cross, Department for Gambling Addiction, Norway
Blue Cross, Department for Gambling Addiction, operates the Helpline for problem gambling in addition to a 12-week online treatment program. The helpline is anonymous and provide advice and guidance on gambling- or gaming related problems via telephone, chat or e-mail. The online treatment program is the most accessible form of specialized help service for problem gamblers in Norway. Both services aim to reduce gambling and gambling-related problems and can also keep track of gambling harms in society or detect new trends in gambling behavior at an early stage.
In our contact with players and concerned relatives, we have experienced an increase in younger players with gambling problems seeking help. There is a varyin scope, a recurring topic is a large amount of lost money. Several describe well-established gambling habits which, in several cases, have been established before the legal limit for gambling.
In 2023, the helpline noticed an increase in calls with gamblers under the age of 24 years, a trend keeping up in 2024. 18-year-old participants in treatment describe that they consider themselves addicted to gambling and have difficulties to cope with losses and deb, and relationship to closed ones. How to approach this new young group?
Preliminary Experience with Gambling Prevention Events for Children and Young People in Denmark
Johan Eklund, Clinical Psychologist, The Research Clinic for Gambling Disorder
A national survey conducted in 2021 revealed that 6% of children and young people aged 12 to 17 in Denmark experience at least minor problems with gambling. In response, the Research Clinic for Gambling Disorder in Aarhus launched the ”Spil for Livet” (Play for Life) prevention campaign in 2022 in collaboration with the production company Mikkelsen&Ko.
The campaign targeted older primary school children and secondary education students, delivering a total of 180 events from 2022 to 2024. The focal point of the events is the fictional film Spil for Livet (www.spilforlivet.dk), supported by a group of speakers consisting of young people who have previously struggled with gambling addiction. The events are designed to increase awareness about the risks associated with gambling and to promote healthy decision-making skills among young people by appealing to them emotionally.
This presentation will describe the events and share feedback from students and teachers. Preliminary responses indicate increased awareness of gambling risks and subsequent organizational initiatives regarding gambling at the targeted institutions.
The project can provide important inspiration on how to creatively reach young people and engage them in prevention projects on their own terms, without being preachy, through collaboration with various stakeholders including the gambling industry.
The Research Clinic for Gambling Disorder (Forskningsklinikken for Ludomani) is a hospital clinic where thorough assessment, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and prevention are integrated with research.
Project funding:
– The film ”Spil for Livet”: Kindred Group and Danske Spil
– Internet platform www.spilforlivet.dk and prevention events in 2022: TrygFonden, Ole Kirk’s Fond, Den A.P. Møllerske Støttefond
– Prevention events in 2023 and 2024: Ministry of the Interior and Health of Denmark
Youth gambling trends and a declining age average among help seekers
Allan Erdman, Communications Manager at Spelfriheten
Spelfriheten AB
Spelfriheten has observed a significant shift in the demographics of individuals seeking support for gambling-related issues among our helpline and chat in Sweden and Norway. The average age is declining, and new gambling behaviors among young people are emerging. Digitalization, increased accessibility, and gamification of gambling are contributing to these changes.
We see a growing overlap between gaming and gambling, with in-game purchases, loot boxes, and social casino games introducing young individuals to gambling-like experiences at an early age. Additionally, online sports betting, skinsbetting and cryptocurrency-based gambling are becoming more popular among youth, often bypassing age restrictions.
This presentation will highlight key trends from our support services, examining the factors behind the declining age of those affected and the evolving nature of youth gambling. We will discuss the challenges this poses for prevention and intervention efforts and explore strategies to better support young people at risk.
By sharing our insights, we aim to contribute to a broader discussion on how to adapt support systems, policy measures, and education to address the rapidly changing gambling landscape among youth.
Gambling Among Forensic Psychiatric Patients: One Example of a Particularly
Vulnerable Subpopulation
Jakob Winther Eriksen, Cand.Psych., Research Assistant at the Research Clinic for
Gambling Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
On behalf of the research team:
Jakob W. Eriksen, Lisbeth U. Sørensen, Søren Kristiansen, Morten D. Terkildsen,
Rasmus M. Hansen, Thomas Marcussen, Asbjørn Storgaard, Mette Brandt-Christensen,
Kaare B. Wellnitz, & Lisbeth Frostholm.
In prevalence studies of gambling problems within general populations, similar risk factors are observed across countries. These include being male, young to middle-aged, having a low level of education, being single, and being unemployed. Additionally, gambling problems are frequently associated with the co-occurrence of other mental illnesses. This suggests that gambling problems are not randomly distributed within the
general population but rather that certain subgroups are particularly vulnerable.
This talk will present findings from a prevalence study on gambling behavior and
problems among forensic psychiatric patients in Denmark. The study’s results will be
published and made publicly available in the spring of 2025. However, preliminary data
analyses indicate that gambling product consumption is common among forensic
psychiatric patients and that this subpopulation exhibits a significant vulnerability to
developing serious gambling problems once they engage in gambling.
The study underscores the need to examine specific population subgroups to better
assess gambling problems and identify opportunities for prevention and harm
reduction. Furthermore, the findings illustrate that among consumers of gambling
products, there is a considerable group of highly vulnerable individuals who face
significant challenges in adhering to the widely promoted yet ill-defined advice to
”gamble responsibly.”
Adapting Prevention Strategies in the Era of Gaming-Gambling Convergence
Maya Geudens, Bruno Dupont, Rozane De Cock, Bieke Zaman
Affilitation: KuLeuven
The convergence of gaming and gambling is posing new challenges for prevention
strategies (Kim & King, 2020). While gambling is largely prohibited for minors,
gaming prevention emphasizes responsible play (King & Delfabbro, 2018). This
raises a key question: how can prevention strategies adapt when the two intertwine?
To explore this, we conducted 18 semi-structured interviews with prevention
professionals in Flanders. Using a socio-ecological model (SEM) (McLeroy et al.,
1988), we examined their needs, goals, and key prevention strategies across
different levels. Findings highlight the need for stricter regulations, more research
into gaming-gambling elements, balanced awareness campaigns, and accessible
prevention tools. At the industry level, responsible design practices are crucial, while
at the interpersonal level, parents play a key role in monitoring gaming behaviors.
Youth require media and financial literacy, self-regulation, and resilience-building
strategies. By integrating a SEM approach, prevention efforts can better address
emerging risks.
Based on these insights, a comprehensive prevention dossier is being developed
with prevention workers. This dossier serves as both a practical toolkit and an
information resource, consolidating essential knowledge on the gaming-gambling
overlap. It provides concrete, evidence-based strategies for different target groups,
ensuring prevention workers have the tools to recognize and mitigate emerging risks
effectively.
“Your Playing has Changed”: Communicating Increased Risk in Responsible Gambling
Carly Grace Allen
UX Designer at Norsk Tipping AS & Ph.D. Candidate at Norwegian University of
Science and Technology (NTNU) Gjøvik
Risk assessment tools are an important tool in responsible gambling, with multiple
solutions found such as Playscan, Mentor, ASTERIG, and more. In 2024, Norsk Tipping with
the help of Svenska Spel in-sourced Playscan, the risk analysis tool that had been used for
10 years. During this process, the focus was on replicating the tool as much as possible,
while updating and improving the user experience and integrating it more with Norsk
Tipping’s current website and app. This included messages sent to customers when their
risk level increases, where the message was shown to players when logging in or shortly
after logging in instead of the old solution where a notification mark was placed on the
profile page and navigation. An A/B test was conducted to test different types of
messaging, attempting to see if said messages led to increased usage of other responsible
gambling tools, changes in loss, and if one message variant outperformed the other.
Contacting players at risk: do care calls work? How they help at-risk players and prevents problem gambling.
Thomas Walter Gregersen and Fredrik Liberg Berg, Advisors Norsk Tipping.
Norsk Tipping’s highest priority is to offer attractive games in a responsible manner. Since 2016, care calls have been a cornerstone in Norsk Tipping’s work on responsible gambling. Thousands of players have received a care call, and a high rate of calls end in a player taking action to change their gambling behavior. Reducing limits, setting exclusions from certain games, or even in some cases setting exclusions from all games; these are some of the tools used to prevent players from developing gambling problems and reducing the risk of severe addiction. Those who make care calls are in a unique position having first-hand knowledge of players before reaching out to them, such as current limits and net loss.
This presentation will focus on the effect of care calls and their significant results. We will address the effect on different groups of players, as well as how we interact with them on a unique level. Data analysis on the change of player behavior who show an aggressive playing pattern will be included, along with which group of players are more likely to be motivated to change their gambling habits.
An updated systematic review and meta-analysis regarding prevention interventions for gambling
David Forsström & Jessika Spångberg
Preventive measures to reduce excessive gambling are an important part to limit the harmful effects of gambling. A systematic review was carried out in 2018 by the Swedish Agency of Health Technology and Assessment and Assessment of Social Services by commission of the Swedish Public Health Authority with the aim of evaluating educational efforts and other preventive measures. The review showed that neither educational interventions nor other preventive measures significantly influenced attitudes or decreased gambling and that the outcomes had low or very low reliability. In 2022, a new systematic review was carried out on behalf of the Swedish Public Health Authority.
The new systematic review was conducted for peer-reviewed studies that evaluated educational and general prevention both online and in real-life settings. The new literature review led to the inclusion of 17 new studies (the previous version included 28 studies).
The new review resulted in minor changes compared to the previous review. Regarding educational efforts, the knowledge base did not change since only one study was added. Regarding other preventive measures, the studies that were added did not change the overall state of knowledge in an substantial way. One finding from the new review was that if people gambling online were prompted to set limits, players did so at a higher rate than those who were not prompted. However, setting limits did not lead to reduced gambling. The overall conclusion of the review was that more alignment regarding how studies are carried out is needed.
Young players entering the gambling market
Bjørn Helge Hoffmann
Head of Responsible Gaming, Norsk Tipping
Norsk Tipping, the Norwegian state-owned lottery and gambling company, is a pioneer in the gambling industry through its secure player identification, proactive outreach to at-risk players, and the implementation of mandatory loss limits.
In recent years, Norsk Tipping has experienced significant growth in the online casino segment, now holding approximately 70% of the market share. Online casino games, particularly slots, are the leading contributors to problem gambling in Norway.
Over the past two years, there has been a marked increase in the participation of young players in online casino games. This trend is concerning from a public health perspective, as it may lead to a higher prevalence of problem gambling in the long term.
This presentation will examine the growth in the number of players under the age of 25, highlighting penetration rates within this demographic compared to the general population. We will also present data analyses and customer survey results that help explain the underlying factors driving this growth. Finally, we will discuss current measures in place to mitigate this trend and explore additional strategies to reduce its potential harm.
Trends in Patients Seeking Treatment for Gambling Disorder:
Research from a Swedish Out-Patient Clinic
Annika Hofstedt
Unit manager, Clinical Psychologist and PhD-student.
Mottagning för spelberoende och skärmhälsa (Clinic for gambling disorder
and screen-health), Department of addiction and dependency,
Sahlgrenska university hospital AND University of Gothenburg.
Background: “Mottagning för spelberoende och skärmhälsa” has been
offering treatment for gambling och gaming disorder, as part of the public
health-care system in Sweden, since 2019. The gambling industry as well
as regulations are changing rapidly. Updated knowledge about the
treatment-seeking population is vital for optimizing treatment programs.
Questions: Has the treatment-seeking population for gambling disorder
changed during the past five years? Are there differences in clinical
characteristics depending on gambling type? How prevalent is problematic
gambling among patients with gaming disorder? Results: The proportion
of patients younger than 25 has increased. Patients with gambling
disorder related to stock-market gambling constitute a minority of the total
patient population. In comparison to those having problems with other
types of gambling, they are more well-educated and also differ by being
exclusively male. About one third of patients with gaming disorder also
report problematic gambling. Conclusions: Changes in the patient
population justify increased efforts to inform younger groups about
available treatments, and spreading knowledge about the risk of
developing gambling disorder through stock trade. It also highlights the
need to investigate the overlap between gaming and gambling, and to
develop preventive interventions to decrease the risk of developing
gambling disorder in young ages.
Young people should be prioritized in responsible gaming measures
In September 2018, Paf, a gambling company based in Åland, introduced a
groundbreaking mandatory loss limit online for all customers across all markets. Initially
set at €30,000 per year, this limit has since been lowered to promote responsible
gambling further, with stricter caps for young people due to their higher risk of gambling
harm. Research shows individuals aged 18–24 are particularly vulnerable to developing
gambling problems.
Current loss limits are:
● 18–19 years: €1,800
● 20–24 years: €8,000
● ≥25 years: €17,500
In addition to financial limits, Paf conducts proactive duty-of-care calls to customers,
particularly younger players in Sweden and Finland. These calls, triggered by our player
tracking system, address gambling intensity and offer support, ensuring players stay
within sustainable limits.
Our presentation will explore how mandatory loss limits have influenced player
behavior, with a focus on young customers. We’ll also advocate for shared deposit limits
across operators, enabling players to set a personal limit that applies industry-wide,
fostering greater sustainability in gambling practices.
Mandatory verses voluntary self-tests for new online casino customers – effect on engagement, quality, gambling behaviour and use of responsible gambling measures.
Jakob Jonsson, PhD
Karolinska Institutet & Sustainable Interaction
Background: Self-test assessments have long been a popular RG tool implemented by many operators, yet there has been scant empirical research on self-tests, including how the method of delivery impacts engagement, quality, and subsequent gambling behavior. The main objective of the current study was to examine if the level of voluntariness to perform a self-test moderated these key outcomes. Method. 1,800 new online customers at a leading Swedish gambling company, were randomized to one of three arms: No message (control), up to four messages inviting them to do a self-test, and one message with a mandatory (but technically possible to circumvent) self-test. The interventions were presented when the customer logged in. Results: 38.9% in the mandatory group and 4.8% in the voluntary group completed the self-test, with indications of a somewhat lower quality of the test by the mandatory group. There was no difference in customer churn or gambling behaviour. Conclusions. Presentation format matters and can affect the use and quality of tests: gambling operators should exercise caution when interpreting non-risk assessment results derived solely from self-test tools, particularly mandatory ones, as it can result in inaccurate risk assessments that may mislead duty of care obligations.
Reframing Gambling Harm: Media Narratives, New Guidelines and
Driving Change
Alexander Kallman, Tackling Gambling Stigma and Vita
Media framing plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of gambling and
gambling-related harm. This has tangible effects — not only in influencing public
attitudes but also on policy and regulatory responses. Therefore, understanding how
gambling is currently framed in news coverage is fundamental to informing efforts
aimed at improving media practices.
This presentation shares findings from a content analysis of UK online news articles
published between 1 June 2023 and 31 December 2023 across seven leading news
websites. We examined how gambling harm is framed, who shapes these narratives,
and key issues in reporting—including the pervasive use of stigmatising language,
the under-representation of people with lived experience, and the influence of
commercial interests on media discourse. Dominant narratives frequently downplay
harm, emphasise personal responsibility and prioritise industry perspectives over
people with lived experience of gambling harm.
To address these issues, we are developing new evidence-based media guidelines
to promote a public-health oriented approach to reporting on gambling harm.
Drawing on the current findings, and best practices from other relevant and more
established areas, such as suicidality, we will outline our strategy for ensuring these
guidelines are adopted, focusing on practical, resource-efficient approaches that
leverage engagement and collaboration.
By changing how gambling harm is reported, we can change how it is understood—
and ultimately, how it is addressed.
Recovery Capital of Close Ones: Practical Insights and Applications from Low-
Threshold Work at Tiltti
Hanna Karmakka-Asare
Low-Threshold point Tiltti, The Finnish Blue Ribbon
Helsinki, Finland
Tiltti is a low-threshold support point for individuals affected by gambling problems and
their loved ones, offering services for 15 years already. This presentation focuses on the
concept of recovery capital, as explored in a master’s thesis, to identify factors that aid or
hinder the recovery of significant others impacted by gambling-related harm.
At Tiltti, the recovery capital framework is applied in two keyways. For loved ones, it
enhances understanding of their own recovery processes, fostering empowerment and
resilience. For gamblers, it raises awareness of the recovery needs of their close ones and
encourages active support for these processes.
The presentation provides practical examples of how recovery capital has been utilized in
Tiltti’s real-life settings to promote mutual understanding and strengthen recovery efforts.
These examples demonstrate the interconnected nature of recovery for gamblers and their
loved ones, emphasizing the value of a holistic approach.
By identifying factors that support or challenge recovery, the framework serves as a
practical tool for addressing the complex dynamics of gambling-related harm. The
presentation underscores the significance of empowering close ones in the recovery
journey, highlighting their crucial role in fostering resilience and mutual recovery.
Identified playing prevents underage gambling and reduces gambling-related harm among young players
Emmi Kankkunen
Veikkaus, Corporate Responsibility
In the past few years Veikkaus has been building a unique and comprehensive responsible gambling framework, including full authentication of all playing, gaming limits, several self-exclusion options and care model based on player data and AI.
Our journey towards requiring identification for all our games reached its goal on 1.1.2024, when buying and redeeming scratch cards started to require player identification. The introduction of mandatory identification for scratch games is expected to reduce underage scratch game gambling.
Preventing underage gambling and ensuring identified gambling is extremely important to protect young people from the harms of gambling as effectively as possible. In this presentation, we will share some data from Veikkaus on gambling among young players. Our comprehensive data indicates that the gambling behavior of 18-19 -year-olds differs from other age groups. The differences progressively level out from the age of 20 onwards.
Therefore, special care measures have been implemented for young players, such as care calls, digital channel notifications of gambling limits and nudging 18-24 -year-old players to a gambling self-assessment test. We will briefly discuss the effects of the measures as part of the presentation.
Responsible Gambling in Sports
Per Einar Karlsen, Senior Advisor Norsk Tipping.
Do top athletes tend to develop a more harmful gambling risk behavior vs. the rest of the population? Why? Is it a result of a competitive environment and sports interest that leads to a cultural aspect? What’s the situation in Norway?
In 2020 Norsk Tipping did some research within sports/football (2 top level leagues, men). The findings showed that there was an significant increased problem gambling risk amongst footballers.
To prevent, Norsk Tipping developed a generic preventive info concept to increase the knowledge about the gambling industry, witch parameters that can lead to an unhealthy gambling behavior, what characterizes problem gambling, higher consciousness vs. healthy gambling, safeguard usage, treatment a.m.
In 2024 we did a follow up study, with 9 top level leagues within Football, Handball and Icehockey. The findings confirmed the risk levels within sports, and that knowledge works preventively.
Conceptual modules:
Module 1: Employer preparations (administration/HR) – Policy, guidelines & routines
Module 2: Sports: athletes/coaches
Presented for 34 top level football clubs
To be presented for football academy’s (15-19 years) + 10+10 handball/Icehockey teams in 2025
Module 3: Integrity (match fixing)
What Do They Say They Are Doing? A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Swedish Gambling Operators’ Duty of Care Action Plans
Nathan Lakew, Postdoc
Nathan Lakew1 , Philip Lindner1
Affiliation1: Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience,Karolinska Institutet
Accountability for gambling-related harms remains a contested issue, with debates
centering on who should be responsible and how interventions should be structured.
This study examined Action Plans (APs) submitted by 52 licensed Swedish gambling
operators to assess interpretations and implementations of duty-of-care obligations.
The study adopted a mixed-methods approach comprising document review, structured
critique, conceptual literature review, rubric-based scoring, and thematic analysis to
evaluate the APs across key duty-of-care themes, using a five-point Likert scale ranging
from 0 to 4. Overall, operator alignment was generally low, with median scores at 1.94;
half scored between 1.15 and 2.75, and only 10% exceeded 3.25. Notably, operators
scored higher in monitoring and risk identification (mean = 2.67) but performed less in
proactive engagement (mean = 1.62), indicating a largely reactive approach focused on
post-risk assessment rather than preventive strategies. In addition, the narratives within
APs commonly portrayed harmful gambling as an issue affecting only vulnerable groups
subtly justifying a limited and targeted interventions. The findings underscore the
prevailing influence of Responsible Gambling frameworks that prioritize individual
responsibility over systemic approaches to harm reduction. Our findings underscore the
need for clear, measurable requirement guidelines accompanied by defined evaluation
criteria to support effective implementation. In addition, duty-of-care directives can
serve as a narrative-shaping platforms offering policymakers a powerful tool to reframe
the discourse around responsibility in gambling-related harm reduction.
Grasping at Air, Using What We Know in Prevention to Address What We Have Yet to Understand
Kristina Latta-Landefeld, University of Cincinnati & Envision Partnerships, Ohio, USA
Young people are increasingly exposed to gambling due to expanding markets, digitalization of currency and social platforms, and blurring of lines between gaming and gambling. There is a resulting increase in access, availability, and normalization across the globe. Prevention has not kept up. By utilizing the Strategic Prevention Framework, the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention’s six primary prevention strategies, and applying methods across the continuum of care, a pathway can be cleared. In Ohio, USA, a coalition of non-profit providers, government organizations, gambling regulators, and universities have created a model to catch up.
But what has remained absent is the research necessary to track trends, even as policies have changed significantly. Because gambling both provides hope (the antidote to suicidality) and gambling can cause devastation within minutes, it is more important than ever to begin consistently tracking youth gambling behaviors in terms that reflect the new methods of gambling, identifying risk and protective factors, and implementing then evaluating prevention programs and practices. This presentation will make an argument about how prevention has not kept up with the emerging generation and present a path forward.
Title of presentation: Helping Players Stay in Control – A New Responsible
Gambling Initiative
Axel Lyckberg, Head of Responsible Gambling Process, Svenska Spel
Planning one’s gambling is a crucial foundation for maintaining control. In
2025, Svenska Spel introduced an additional support measure for customers who
make multiple deposits within a single day.
Frequent deposits in a short period may indicate difficulties in planning one’s
gambling behavior. Therefore, a responsible gambling measure linked specifically to
the number of daily deposits is an important step in helping customers maintain
control.
We present our insights and results.
When Influencers Gamble: The Gambling Industry’s Problematic Marketing on Streaming Platforms
This talk highlights how the gambling industry collaborates with popular gaming influencers to promote regular online gambling — like slots and casinos — on various streaming platforms. It’s a problematic marketing strategy targeting young audiences in the Nordics, disguised as innocent entertainment. In particular, some companies organize so-called “community hunts” — collective gambling events hosted by influencers — a grey area that remains unregulated by lawmakers.
“99% of gamblers lose in the long run”: An experimental comparison of novel and pre-existing safer gambling messages
Philip Newall, University of Bristol
Safer gambling messages are often used as a population-based harm prevention measure, and independently-designed messages (e.g., “Chances are you’re about to lose”) are increasingly replacing industry-designed slogans. One common type of message warns people that they should expect to lose money by gambling (e.g., “99% of gamblers lose in the long run”), but this intervention can potentially be improved by testing pre-existing messages against novel alternatives. We asked UK-based online gamblers (N=4,025) to rate ten pre-existing and novel messages on 7-point scales relating to one potential negative impact and three potential positive impacts. Participants also completed the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) to explore potential interaction effects based on levels of harm. Messages were all on average perceived as not challenging participants to try to win; as making them want to gamble less; and as being more relevant to the participant than to gamblers experiencing harm. Significant differences were observed between messages, with “99% of gamblers lose in the long run” scoring the best overall, and the five pre-existing messages currently used in Australia, Belgium, and the UK scoring the worst. Continual message design and evaluation can help improve the effectiveness of safer gambling messages.
‘Of course we make money, but it has to be in a responsible way’: Safer gambling practices reported by state-owned gambling operators
Philip Newall, University of Bristol
Gambling can be regulated in different ways, with some jurisdictions having competitive markets of privately-owned operators, some jurisdictions having state-owned operators that have exclusive legal monopolies, and in other jurisdictions former state-owned monopolies now compete in markets against privately-owned operators. We used semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants employed in safer gambling roles at state-owned gambling operators in 10 jurisdictions, with transcripts then thematically analyzed. Participants highlighted potential advantages of the state-owned model, such as building trust and leading on harm-prevention initiatives in competitive markets, and by generating profits ‘in a responsible way’. Specific safer gambling practices included the prominent placement of tools for gamblers to use, operator-driven limits and interactions, and a recognition of the need to strike the right marketing balance. It was noted that opening state-owned monopolies up to competition did not necessarily eliminate illegal gambling, that this change could lead to a proliferation of marketing from privately-owned operators, and that the consequent spreading of gambler activity across multiple operators posed additional challenges regarding safer gambling. State-owned gambling operators appear unique in terms of their incentive and capability to prevent gambling harms. Their perspectives should be integrated into new harm-prevention approaches for today’s online gambling world.
Attitudes towards gambling among Icelanders in 2011 and 2023
Daníel Þór Ólason, Professor in psychology, University of Iceland
In this study we examine the changes in attitudes towards gambling within the Icelandic adult population at two timepoints, 2011 and 2023. At both timepoints representative samples of 18 to 75 year old adults were randomly selected from the national register to participate in a telephone-based survey. In 2011, 1.887 participants took part in the survey (response rate = 61,8%) and 2.073 did so in 2023 (response rate = 42%). In general, the results suggests that attitudes towards gambling were slightly more negative in 2023 than they were in 2011, although at both timepoints participants did not agree to the proposition that all gambling should be banned. Men were more positive towards gamling than women and younger participants were more positive than older participants. Frequency of gambling participation was found to be positively associated with positive attitudes towards gambling but the results for problem gambling was more complicated. Finally, in 2023, participants were more likely to agree than disagree to a question on implentation of a limit setting system for EGMs but more likely to disagree than agree towards a question on restricting their access to foreign gambling websites. The implications of these findings will be discussed.
The Good, the Bad and the Toxic: How Norwegian Esports Students Experience and Navigate Toxicity
Presenters: Stian Overå and Niri Talberg
Postdoctoral Researchers, Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse & Mental Health Disorders, Hospital Innlandet Trust, Norway
In esports and online gaming, toxicity poses a significant challenge, encompassing harassment, hate speech, and bullying. While prior research has documented its prevalence, there is less understanding of how young esports players experience and navigate these issues, particularly in educational contexts. This study examined how Norwegian high school students in an elite esports programme perceived, experienced, and managed toxicity.
Interviews with 12 students (9 male, 3 female), analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, revealed both performance- and identity-based toxicity. Male students primarily faced performance-based toxicity, whilst female students encountered gendered harassment. Male players condemned this harassment but also emphasised the intensity of their own experiences.
Despite its prevalence, students rejected a victim mentality, instead employing diverse coping strategies: pedagogical (classroom discussions on gaming culture), social (forming supportive teams to counter toxicity), technical (utilising gender-neutral gamer tags), in-game (muting or reporting toxic players), and psychological (rationalising toxicity as driven by frustration). These strategies reflect resilience and a commitment to fostering inclusive esports communities. The findings underscore the necessity for gender-sensitive policies and mental health initiatives in esports governance to create safer, more inclusive gaming environments.
Victim and Society Blaming for Addictions
Presenters name: Ståle Pallesen
Affiliation: University of Bergen, Department of Psychosocial Science and the Norwegian Competence Center for Gambling and Gaming Research
According to the moral model of addiction, addictions are viewed as a choice with inherent moral objections toward this choice. In contrast, the disease model posits that addictions reflect a disease, making sufferers involuntary victims. Currently, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding whether different views exist in terms of blame related to various disorders.
Against this background, a vignette experiment will be conducted comprising five conditions, each describing a person suffering from gambling disorder, gaming disorder, alcohol use disorder, drug addiction, or prostate cancer (control condition). A total of 2,000 participants will be recruited from Prolific, a UK-based survey panel company, and will be randomly allocated to one of the five conditions.
Upon reading the vignette, participants will be asked to evaluate the person depicted using the Victim-Blaming and Society-Blaming Scales for Social Problems. Data will be analyzed with ANOVA and Tukey’s Honest Significant Difference Test to investigate if people attribute blame differently to different disorders. The results might shed light on how the general public perceives responsibility for addictions and may help explain the shame and guilt often associated with addictions. Results will be presented at the conference.
Financial capability and gambling: a key to a new approach in harm prevention?
Aura Pylkkänen and Teresa Tenkanen, Takuusäätiö/Guarantee Foundation
Comprehension of digital means of payment, awareness of persuasive activities of
algorithms and means to safeguard one ́s assets in various digital platforms are important
aspects of financial capability. However, reacting to the risks of rapidly digitalizing
gambling has not been seen as an integral part of financial education. And vice versa,
promoting financial literacy has not been seen as a key element in gambling harm
prevention. Support services for problem gambling and financial counselling have also
been treated as mainly separate entities. Have we neglected to pay attention to what role
enhancing financial capability could play in harm prevention and reduction? Financial
capability consists of knowledge, behaviour and attitudes and all these dimensions need to
be equally considered and taken into consideration. The presentation reflects lessons
learned during the Money in the game -project as well as outlines new approaches from
recent studies, combined with insights of youth workers and other professionals as well as
experts by experience.
The need for Pro-Activity, Positive Play, Personalized Approach and Proof of Evidence: My lucky numbers
Pieter Remmers, Assissa/ G4, Founder/ Chairman of the Board
After almost a life-time in the Responsible Gambling industry: The presentation is the result of my personal view related a number of important topics dealing with Responsible, Sustainable Gambling or whatever we need to call it these days.
My lucky numbers are important topics like: Research evidence based vs. best practice; Technology (AI) and RG; Voluntary and Mandatory measures, Advertising/ marketing restrictions; Bonusses ,cash back and incentives: Loot boxes. The role of the supplier, operator and regulator. And more.
How can operator create problem gambling prevention program for employees: Case Veikkaus
Eeva Rissanen, Veikkaus, Corporate Responsibility
Individuals working in the gambling industry have an increased risk of developing gambling problems. Therefore, it is critically important that operators have tailored operational models to prevent gambling harms among their staff.
The Problem Gambling Prevention Program at Veikkaus aims to create a workplace free from gambling problems. The program focuses on preventive actions, early intervention, and providing help when needed. Assistance is available from light operational models to treatment referrals. With regular surveys Veikkaus is monitoring employees’ concerns about their own gambling. It is essential to ensure that employees feel safe and supported when seeking help, as early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of problem gambling and its associated harms.
Veikkaus will share insights from the Employee Survey Data and share the knowledge of how to create comprehensive prevention program for the gambling industry staff. Veikkaus has nearly 1200 employees, about half of them work in customer service, as groupiers and dealers at Veikkaus game arcades around the country.
Veikkaus, company owned entirely by the Finnish State, operates all the gambling games that are offered in Finland.
Duty of care, data science, and gambling harm: A scoping review of risk assessment models
Tomi Roukka, senior specialist
Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
AI has increasingly been integrated into responsible gambling frameworks over the past decade. Today, most gambling companies employ AI-based prediction models designed to detect instances of harmful gambling using actual gambling behavior data. However, the details and real-world performance of these models remain ambiguous in most cases, with methodologies rarely disclosed in detail or reported openly.
In this paper, we present a scoping review of existing documentation on the use of player account data to construct prediction models for responsible gambling purposes. Additionally, we examine how these models are currently utilized and presented by the industry—that is, how different gambling companies communicate the models they use to detect risky gambling behavior.
Our preliminary findings indicate that no widely accepted method currently exists for addressing this issue. Furthermore, we discuss the shortcomings and potential pitfalls of using AI and player tracking data to develop prediction models for detecting risky gambling behavior.
Factors behind the increase in young people’s gambling, how such gambling is financed, and the development of young people’s gambling.
Lisa Runfors, Swedish Gambling Authority
In the letter of appropriation for 2024, the Swedish Gambling Authority (SGA) was assigned to map the factors behind the increase in young people’s gambling and how such gambling is financed, as well as to follow the development of young people’s gambling. The report mainly focuses on young adults (18–24 years) but also includes underage gambling. To fulfill the assignment the SGA has conducted 8 interviews and a web survey among young adults. The result is also based on scientific literature and information from license holders and support groups for gamblers.
The report showed that underage gambling is on the rise and there are indications that interest in gambling in young adults is also increasing, particularly among men. There has also been an increase in young men seeking help for their gambling. Taking loans to finance one’s gambling was particularly common among those who had difficulty controlling their gambling.
One likely factor behind the increased interest in gambling is lottery-like features in video games, such as loot boxes and sking gambling. Another factor is advertising via social media, influencers and casino streaming.
Associations Between HEXACO Personality Traits and Behavioral Addictions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Farangis Sharifibastan¹, ², Ståle Pallesen¹, ², Katharina Teresa Enehaug Morken¹, ³, Petter Haave¹, and Eilin Kristine Erevik¹, ²
1Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen
2Norwegian Competence Center for Gambling and Gaming Research, University of Bergen
3Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen
Abstract
Background: The current study presents the first meta-analytic review of the associations between the HEXACO personality traits and behavioral addictions.
Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on the databases APA PsycINFO (Ovid), Medline (Ovid), ProQuest, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Wiley Online Library, and on Google Scholar. Included studies comprised (1) empirical studies, (2) published in peer-reviewed journals or published dissertations, (3) investigated the relationship between HEXACO personality traits and behavioral addictions, and (4) reported information on zero-order correlations or sufficient data for such calculations. Case studies and qualitative studies were excluded. Two reviewers independently screened the search results and extracted data and assessed risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies for the included studies. Random effects model was used for the pooled estimate of the effect size.
Results: A total of 18 studies with 8,965 participants were included. Pooled correlation coefficients between the traits and behavioral addictions were as follows: Honesty-humility (-0.339, 95% CI = -0.433, -0.237), agreeableness (-0.336, 95% CI = -0.478, -0.177), conscientiousness (-0.317, 95% CI = -0.410, -0.218), emotionality (0.212, 95% CI = 0.094, 0.324), extraversion (-0.197, 95% CI = -0.321, -0.066), and openness to experience (-0.201, 95% CI = -0.322, -0.073). Significant heterogeneity was observed in all meta-analyses. Meta-regressions showed that gender and age moderated the relationships between agreeableness and behavioral addictions, while gender moderated the relationship between extraversion and behavioral addictions.
Discussion: These results support that personality traits might play a role in the development, maintenance, and treatment of behavioral addictions.
Proactive Conversations: Preventing Problem Gambling Among Young Horse Betting Players
Hedda Skappel, Chief Advisor Responsible Gaming, Norsk Rikstoto
Yngve Haltbakk, Head of Analysis and Insight Dep., Norsk Rikstoto
Young individuals engaging in Norsk Rikstoto’s gambling products face a potential risk of developing problematic gambling behaviors. This presentation explores how data-driven insights and proactive interventions can help mitigate these risks. By leveraging analytics to monitor player behaviors, we are able to identify early signs of problematic gambling, such as irregular betting patterns or excessive wagering, and use this information to initiate targeted, proactive conversations with at-risk players. Furthermore, we examine the valuable insights gained from the outcomes of these interventions, and how they demonstrate the positive impact these interactions can have in changing potentially problematic or high-risk gambling behavior among young players. Our approach emphasizes the importance of combining behavioral analysis with personalized outreach to foster responsible gambling habits and prevent issues before they escalate.
Why did it take you so long to seek help? And how were you met when you opened up about your disordered gambling?
Niri Talberg and Stian Overå
Early findings from a Norwegian post doctor project about barriers to the treatment of gambling problems and why so few seek help.
Since 2005, the Norwegian government has published six action plans to control gambling problems. All of them have aimed to improve treatment and lower the thresholds toward help seeking, still most of the people who suffer from disordered gambling do not seek help.
In this presentation we bring you stories from 11 former disordered gamblers about why they were ambivalent towards seeking help and how they were met when they finally sought help.
Many of the disordered gamblers was surprised that they were positively met when they opened up and experienced that they unlike their next of kin had good treatment options. Many described that the drive to continue to gamble and the dream of winning back what they had lost was so strong that they did not stop before they hit rock bottom, indicating that reducing the accessibility of loans will greatly reduce the consequences of disordered gambling.
Use of artificial intelligence within the gambling field: a scoping review protocol
Hailemariam Weldemariam1,2
1Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,
2Norwegian Competence Center for Gambling and Gaming Research, Bergen, Norway
Introduction: The gambling industry is increasingly integrating AI technologies,
particularly in online platforms where vast amounts of player data are available.
Objective: This scoping review aims to map existing studies that have employed artificial
intelligence (AI) tools within the gambling field, examining their areas of use, current trends,
and key findings.
Inclusion criteria: This review will include quantitative peer-reviewed studies that examine
the use of AI tools within gambling contexts. Studies focusing solely on gamblers’ attitudes
toward AI features without actual AI implementation will be excluded. No time restrictions
will be applied- Only English-language publications will be considered.
Methods: A search for relevant articles will be conducted in Web of Science, APA
PsycINFO, Medline (Ovid), ProQuest, CINAHL, and Wiley Online Library. A search for
grey literature will be conducted in GreyLit.Org, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Google
Scholar, and Google search engine, reviewing the first 50 results in Incognito mode. Only
English-language publications will be considered. Two independent reviewers will perform
screening, selection, and data extraction, with disagreements resolved through discussion or
consultation with a third reviewer. The results will be presented in graphical and tabular
format, accompanied by a narrative summary following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
Scrutinising gambling and video game advertising using social media ad repositories
enabled by the EU Digital Services Act
Leon Y. Xiao (leon@beclaws.org)
beClaws.org, London, UK
Stakeholders are concerned about the harms of gambling advertising, particularly on
social media due to their wide reach, including to young people. Various regulatory
approaches have been adopted to regulate the advertising of gambling and video
games containing gambling-like mechanics, such as loot boxes. In the Netherlands,
gambling advertising is not allowed to target anyone under 24. In the UK and all EU
and EEA countries, any advertising for video games with loot boxes must disclose
their presence. The recently adopted EU Digital Services Act requires social media
platforms (e.g., Facebook) to provide a repository of all advertising published,
including audience demographic details. We used Meta’s ad repository to assess
compliance with gambling advertising-related regulatory rules. In the Netherlands,
we found a high rate of compliance, although we also discovered breaches that the
relevant gambling operator has fixed upon notice. In contrast, in the UK, less than
10% of ads disclosed loot box presence, and many of the disclosures were not
sufficiently visually prominent. A licensing regime and better enforced regulation
leads to better compliance. Social media advertising repositories allow compliance to
be studied and monitored in a novelly objective way. Policymakers should legally
require more such data access opportunities.
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