Bühringer, GerhardBraun, BarbaraKräplin, AnjaNeumann, MariaSleczka, Pawel2013-11-262013-11-262013http://hdl.handle.net/1880/49903Permission to include in Alberta Gambling Research Institute research repository granted by Fleur Braddick on November 25, 2013.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.engGambling -- Government policy -- European Union countriesGambling Literaturetechnical reporthttp://dx.doi.org/10.11575/PRISM/9398