The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling BOS presented a report by economist Ola Nevander on the development of problem gambling in Sweden. The findings show that the proportion of adults experiencing gambling-related harm has declined since the early 2000s, despite the industry’s growth. The report is based on national survey data and research covering more than 20 years.
New report challenges link between market expansion and problem gambling
According to the report, the share of problem gamblers, as measured by the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), in Sweden fell from 2.2% in 2008/2009 to 1.3% in 2021. This represents a reduction of around 57,000 individuals, or approximately 35% over the period.
This trend comes against the backdrop of the rapid growth of the gambling market during the same time. A notable factor is the post-2018 shift to a licensed online market. Advertising has become more widespread, the range of gambling products has expanded and games are now available around the clock on mobile devices. Despite this, levels of gambling addiction have continued to decline.
The report does not suggest that advertising, product design or availability are unimportant. Instead, it indicates that Swedish data does not support a simple assumption that greater supply and increased exposure automatically lead to more problem gambling.
Study highlights complex drivers behind gambling-related harm in Sweden
The author argues that the reasons behind the trend are complex. Rather than a single cause, she points to a combination of factors, including changes in social behaviour, greater awareness of mental health and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Overall, the findings suggest that problem gambling results from an interplay of personal and social influences. Research also links problem gambling strongly to individual risk factors such as mental health issues like depression and impulsivity, higher alcohol consumption and difficult life experiences. This indicates that gambling-related harm is concentrated among specific vulnerable groups rather than being evenly distributed across the population.
Channelisation seen as key to protecting consumers
The report also highlights the importance of channelisation. When players remain within the regulated, licensed market, tools such as the duty of care, self-exclusion, deposit limits and data-driven monitoring can be applied effectively. However, when players move to unlicensed or illegal operators, these protections are largely lost. For this reason the report argues that channelisation is not only a measure of market performance but also a key requirement for protecting consumers.
BOS Secretary General challenges assumptions about gambling harm
Long-time Global Gaming Insider contributor Gustaf Hoffstedt, Secretary General of BOS, recently commented on the decline of problem gambling in Sweden, stating: “Not only is problem gambling not on the rise, but it has been declining for more than a decade.
“The finding challenges what many people believe about gambling harm. It also runs counter to assumptions held even by those working inside the industry. But the numbers are clear.”
Despite the positive trend, industry representatives caution against a lack of vigilance. They note that although progress has been made, gambling addiction still exists and requires ongoing attention from policymakers, operators and healthcare providers.
The latest comprehensive survey on gambling prevalence in Sweden was conducted in 2021, which has led to calls for new research to gain a clearer understanding of current trends
