Setting Limits: Gambling, Science and Public Policy-summary of results - PubMed (original) (raw)

doi: 10.1111/add.15241. Epub 2020 Oct 20.

Affiliations

Setting Limits: Gambling, Science and Public Policy-summary of results

Pekka Sulkunen et al. Addiction. 2021 Jan.

Abstract

The gambling industry has grown into a global business in the 21st century. This has created the need for a new emphasis on problem prevention. This article highlights the core themes of the book Setting Limits: Gambling, Science and Public Policy, taking a broad view of the consequences of gambling for society as a burden on health, well-being and equality. The book covers the extent of gambling and gambling-related problems in different societies and presents a critical review of research on industry practices, policy objectives and preventive approaches, including services to people suffering from gambling and its consequences. It discusses the developments in game characteristics and gambling environments and provides evidence on how regulation can affect those. Effective measures to minimize gambling harm exist and many are well supported by scientific evidence. They include restrictions on general availability as well as selective measures to prevent gamblers from overspending. The revenue generated from gambling for the industry, governments, and providers of public services funded from gambling returns presents an obstacle to developing policies to implement harm-reduction measures. A public interest approach must weigh these interests against the suffering and losses of the victims of gambling.

Keywords: Availability; gambling; policy; prevention; selective restrictions; total consumption; treatment.

© 2020 Society for the Study of Addiction.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Sulkunen P. The public interest approach to gambling policy and research. In: Egerer M., Marionneau V., Nikkinen J., editors Gambling Policies in European Welfare States Basingstoke, UK: Palgrave Macmillan; 2018, pp. 275-296.
    1. Babor T. F., Caetano R., Casswell S., Edwards G., Giesbrecht N., Graham K., et al. Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity: Research and Public Policy, 2nd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2010.
    1. Babor T. F., Caulkins J., Fischer B., Foxcroft D., Medina-Mora M. E., Obot I., et al. Drug policy and the public good: a summary of the second edition. Addiction 2019; 114: 1941-1950.
    1. Johansson A., Grant J. E., Kim S. W., Odlaug B. L., Götestam K. G. Risk factors for problematic gambling: a critical literature review. J Gambl Stud 2009; 25: 67-92.
    1. Lorains F. K., Cowlishaw S., Thomas S. A. Prevalence of comorbid disorders in problem and pathological gambling: systematic review and meta-analysis of population surveys. Addiction 2011; 106: 490-498.

LinkOut - more resources