Swedish parliament moves to support problem gamblers

Local councils in Sweden will be required to provide support to problem gamblers under a new amendment passed by Swedish parliament.

The amendment to the Social Services and Health Care Act, rules that “compulsive gambling is a serious problem” and as damaging to public health as drug and alcohol abuse.

Municipal councils will actively work to counter gambling abuse from young people in particular.

“Welfare has developed a knowledge support on gambling and are now working to develop a support for the treatment of problem gambling,” a government statement said.

Swedish parliament

BOS general secretary Gustaf Hoffstedt said the move was in line with the association’s intentions.

“We have of course a professional responsibility to prevent gaming addiction, but no country has so far succeeded in eliminating problem gambling altogether,” he added.

The new law will take effect from January 2018.

Earlier this month, the two trade bodies BOS and SPER expressed fresh interest in working together on issues that were relevant to members of both associations, including responsible gambling.