Criticism of Sweden’s Gambling Harm Prevention Initiatives
Sweden’s National Audit Office has raised concerns over the country’s ongoing efforts to combat gambling-related harm, especially among youth. The report underscores notable gaps in prevention, early intervention, and treatment systems, emphasizing the need for better coordination and clearer operational guidance from authorities.
According to the audit, approximately 350,000 individuals in Sweden suffer from gambling-related issues to varying degrees. The social costs linked to these problems amount to about €1 billion (SEK 11.5 billion) annually, covering healthcare, social services, and broader economic impacts. Despite the alarming scope, current measures at the state level have fallen short of effectively addressing real-world needs. Local municipalities and healthcare providers are tasked with prevention and treatment, yet many lack the necessary tools and structured frameworks. The national recommendations tend to be broad and do not translate into specific operational plans, resulting in inconsistent implementation across regions and limited overall impact.
The report also notes that the government has not consistently incorporated research and expert knowledge into practical prevention strategies. Although there is existing knowledge about gambling harm, it has not been adequately integrated into frontline services. Public institutions often lack clear procedures to identify individuals at risk or to act early. Moreover, cooperation between government agencies, healthcare providers, and local authorities remains disjointed, hampering the delivery of coordinated and timely support. Consequently, many individuals only seek help once their gambling problems have worsened. The audit concludes that more explicit guidance and stronger institutional collaboration are essential for better outcomes.
The report emphasizes that young people are especially susceptible to gambling-related harm. The widespread availability of digital gambling platforms and the increasing presence of gambling-like features in video games serve to normalize gambling behavior and expose youth to risks early on. Despite this, prevention efforts aimed at young populations are limited. Schools are not mandated to include gambling harm prevention as part of their curriculum, which hampers early awareness and intervention opportunities.
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Additionally, healthcare and social services lack structured procedures specifically tailored to younger individuals. Prevention strategies are still in development, and authorities have limited access to scientifically validated methods. As a result, support often only comes after gambling problems have become established. The audit recommends enhancing preventive education, improving early detection mechanisms, and integrating gambling harm prevention into broader addiction frameworks. Such measures are deemed crucial to safeguarding future generations and reducing long-term risks associated with gambling. Sweden’s Gambling Harm
