Nordic problem gambling estimated to cost NOK5.1bn a year

The National Competence Centre for Gaming Research (NCCGR) has conducted its first ever ‘cost-of-disease analysis’ with the findings revealing the socio-economic effect of problem gambling in Norway. Conservative estimates have this figure at NOK5.1bn (£442.89m).

It said that the expenses taken into account included the cost of gambling harm treatment services as well as indirect costs such as the loss in labour production due to the effects of gambling harm. In addition, the study has considered the emotional impact of gambling harm on immediate family members.

The report quoted the findings of a 2019 study of gambling harm by the University of Bergen, which found 63% of Norwegian people had gambled that year.

The basis for this survey is the population surveyed in 2019, which showed approximately 55,000 people suffered from gambling problems in Norway. That survey also showed that around 524,000 Norwegians could be classified as being at some risk.

The report showed that problem gambling has significant costs related to working, life both for the employer and the employee. Lost labour productivity linked to gambling is believed to cost employers over NOK464.5m.

Unemployment due to gambling harm is estimated to cost society close to NOK892m per year.

Physical and mental strain for a problem gambler is estimated to cost society more than NOK500m a year, while treatment is estimated to cost NOK157.5m a year. In addition, there are also costs for treating the consequences of problem gambling such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

Several studies have also shown that problem gamblers have an increased risk of suicide. The report suggests that there were an estimated 51 suicides in Norway in 2019 due to problem gambling and that 470 players sought help due to attempted suicide.

Gambling problems have also been linked to debt and financial issues. For some individuals, the financial situation can get so dire that the player commits criminal acts to try and get themselves out of debt or to further fund their gambling habits.

The report estimated that the police spend close to NOK28m on gambling-related crime a year, whilst court costs run close to NOK30m and prison care NOK20m.

Lastly, the report details the consequences problem gambling can have outside of financial cost. A conservative estimation stated that 123,000 people have a direct connection with a person with a problem gambling issue. Of that number, 29,000 are spouses/cohabitants, and 94,000 are players’ children.

Alongside the report, the director of gambling at the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority, Henrik Nordal, said: “These are serious numbers, this illustrates that problem gambling is a public health problem, and that it is absolutely necessary to protect vulnerable players.”