The Scientific Research and Data Centre (WODC) has published a study conducted by the Amsterdam UMC on the consequences of excessive gambling. Behind the figures lie the disruption to people’s lives.
Details of the study
The researchers conducted fifty interviews, the majority with people suffering from serious gambling problems. The respondents included twenty-six young adults (seven affected by moderate addiction and nineteen by severe addiction), ten adults (three with moderate problems and seven with more serious problems), seven people close to gamblers and seven emergency professionals.
Seven main questions guided the study. They focused on the emergence of addiction, its negative consequences, and the experience of people confronted with suicidal thoughts or attempts. The researchers were also interested in how gamblers felt about existing help services and the actions of gambling operators.
Finally, the carers interviewed shared the trends and patterns they observe in patients undergoing treatment for gambling addiction, providing valuable insight into the evolution of this problem.
Between shame and isolation
The study shows that young adults are the most vulnerable population. Many of them begin by taking part in sports betting or video games before switching to online gambling sites. Easy access, the omnipresence of advertising and the attractiveness of digital platforms create a breeding ground for addiction.
The testimonies gathered illustrate the same pattern: lies, debt, loneliness. A third of gamblers suffering from a serious addiction admit to having had suicidal thoughts. Relatives are also caught up in this destructive spiral of financial pressure, guilt and broken social ties.
When help is slow in coming
Few people are aware that there is a self-exclusion register called Cruks, which allows them to voluntarily block themselves from online gambling sites. Others feel that the ban is too short and that more solid psychological support is essential.
The report blames gaming companies for failing to protect their customers sufficiently. The blurred line between legal sites and illegal platforms exacerbates the problem: some players believe they are playing in a safe environment when in fact they are exposed to uncontrolled networks.
Clear recommendations
The WODC is calling for greater restrictions on advertising, particularly aimed at young people, and for operators to be more closely monitored. The researchers stress the need to develop prevention measures, inform the public more widely and offer medical and psychological support to those who need it.