Problem Gambling Numbers Decline During Lockdown

With the onset of the pandemic and its resultant lockdown, both Svenskaspel and the Swedish Public Health Agency shared concerns over the possibility of increased gambling addiction among Swedish players.

This was not based on land-based gamblers moving to an online casino while waiting for their land-based counterparts to reopen. Rather it was based on the fact that the combination of increased financial stress, escalating levels of anxiety and the near-instant access to multiple gambling venues that online gambling allows could become an escape hatch for problem gamblers.

No Spike in Online Gambling

Despite the Swedish government's adamant stance that gamblers needed to be protected from themselves during the height of the pandemic none of the reports supplied by Svenskaspel proved this to be necessary.

In fact, they found that player behaviour that constituted potential or current “problem gambling” fluctuated very over the course of the pandemic and in key instances would dip below normal levels for the region.

“Gambling behaviours that form the basis of the risk analysis are, for example, consumption and intensity of gambling and the ability to plan gambling. The criteria for high risk are fixed over time, which makes it possible for us to follow the development in the player population between different times.”

The self-test determination of problem gambling is based on a 16 point questionnaire which includes how much money is spent, is that money meant for other parts of your life, do you lose track of time gambling, do you chase losses and whether or not your loved ones express concern over your gambling.

The following stats comparing pre and during lockdown activity were presented:

• Casino: 18% fewer high-risk players active during the lockdown
• Betting: 36% fewer high-risk players active
• Bingo: 23% fewer high-risk players active
• Poker:  13% fewer high-risk players active

While the above data bodes well for the gambling population in Sweden the government's restrictions on bonuses, time spent gambling online and deposit limit of SEK 5000 still stand until July 2021.

 Not All Gambling Is Made Equal

There has always been one question that has been unclear when it comes to gambling as a hobby – how much crossover exists from one gambling market to the next.

The fact that active gambling options like online casinos did not experience a massive surge in volume as soon as bingo halls closed down and sporting events ceased to be held goes to prove that gambling is a hobby and should be viewed as purely for entertainment.

Fans of online casino games continued to enjoy them during the pandemic and yet sports betting fans chose to wait for their form of entertainment to relaunch in order to enjoy it, they didn’t feel the need to gamble for sake of gambling.

Like with all things in life, gambling requires moderation, if you feel you are not able to control the urge to gamble check in with a local safe gambling organisation or even speak to a loved one. There is more support around you than you realise.