The extent and distribution of gambling harm in Finland as assessed by the Problem Gambling Severity Index

Abstract

Our results provide support for the public health approach to gambling: harms were reported even at low gambling frequency-expenditure levels. In addition to the high-risk approach, adopting a population-level approach to preventing gambling harm could shift the population distribution of harm in a lower direction.

Problem gambling worldwide: An update and systematic review of empirical research (2000–2015)

“…A more recent study using data from the nationwide Finnish Gambling 2011 survey was carried out among 4,484 Finns aged 15–74 years (Raisamo, Mäkelä, Salonen, & Lintonen, 2014). The overall problem gambling prevalence rate was 0.6% (PGSI 8+), and problem gambling was more prevalent among males.…”

“…Problem gambling was more likely to occur among men (e.g., Abbott et al., 2014; Bondolfi et al., 2000; Bonke & Borregaard, 2006; Brodbeck et al., 2009; Castrén et al., 2013; Çakici, 2012; Druine et al., 2006; Ekholm et al., 2012; Götestam & Johansson, 2003; Kun et al., 2012; Olason et al. 2015; Orford, Wardle, Griffiths, Sproston, & Erens, 2010; Raisamo et al., 2014; Sassen et al., 2011), single or divorced individuals (Bakken et al., 2009; Bonke & Borregaard, 2006; Çakici, 2012; Druine et al., 2006; Makarovič, 2010; Olason & Gretarsson, 2009; Wardle et al., 2011), individuals of a younger age (Abbott et al., 2014; Bondolfi et al., 2000; Costes et al., 2011; Ekholm et al., 2012; Götestam & Johansson, 2003; Kun et al., 2012; Laanso & Niit, 2009; Olason et al., 2015), individuals with a lower level of education (Abbott et al., 2014; Bakken et al., 2009; Costes et al., 2015; Meyer et al., 2015; Olason & Gretarsson, 2009), individuals that belong to an ethnic minority (Goudriaan, de Bruin, & Koeter, 2009; Makarovič, 2010; Seabury & Wardle, 2014; Wardle et al., 2011) or who had been born abroad (Abbott et al., 2014; Bakken et al., 2009; Meyer et al., 2015), and individuals unemployed or with a low income (Castrén et al., 2013; Costes et al., 2015; Druine et al., 2006; Goudriaan et al., 2009; Ilkas & Turja, 2003; Kun et al., 2012; Meyer et al., 2015; Sassen et al., 2011). …”

The Extent and Distribution of Gambling-Related Harms and the Prevention Paradox in a British Population Survey

“…In gambling (and problem gambling), it is important to adopt a broader perspective focusing on the role of other contextual factors including situational and structural characteristics (Griffiths & Delfabbro, 2001; Molinaro et al, 2014; Reith, 2012). Previous Canadian (Currie et al, 2006; Currie, Miller, Hodgins, & Wang, 2009) and Finnish (Raisamo et al, 2014) studies indicate that the odds of at least two gambling-related harms increase steadily with greater gambling frequency and expenditure.…”

“…A previous Finnish population study reported most gambling-related harms were among the majority of low-risk gamblers, even though the individual risk of harm was highest among problem gamblers (Raisamo et al, 2014). This study was the first to lend support to the PP among gamblers.…”

“…Gambling growth over the past 20 years has placed gambling-related harms at the foreground of public health concerns for adults (Raisamo, Mäkelä, Salonen, & Lintonen, 2014) and youth (Molinaro et al, 2014). Although gambling is a socially acceptable behavior (Griffiths, 1996), epidemiological research estimates that 0.2%–2.3% of adults in the general population meet the criteria for problem or pathological gambling (Gainsbury et al, 2014).…”