ALICE RAP Policy Paper Series Policy Brief 2. Gambling - two sides of the same coin: recreational activity and public health problem
Date
2013
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Abstract
The AR Policy Paper series aims to provide succinct evidence briefs for decision-makers and advocates working on key addiction-related issues. This second paper focuses on gambling. Recent technical developments in the interactive gambling sector (such as through the Internet, mobile devices), along with a significant increase of land-based slot machines and lotteries, have led to a rapidly increasing gambling market in Europe. Gambling activity has two facets: whilst for the majority of people it is a pleasurable recreational activity, at the same time, it poses a significant threat to public health in the shape of severe gambling-related problems and mental disorders. Preventive actions as well as protective measures for vulnerable groups are needed. This AR policy paper makes the case for a more comprehensive and coherent national and European policy approach to all gambling settings and gambling providers. The paper also identifies a wide variety of actions which give the necessary emphasis to public health interests related to gambling activity.
Description
Permission to include in Alberta Gambling Research Institute research repository granted by Fleur Braddick on November 25, 2013.
Keywords
Gambling -- Government policy -- European Union countries