We believe Svenska Spel is listening

The Swedish National Association of Gambling Addicts is a federation of societies for gambling addicts and relatives who work to prevent and counteract gambling addiction. Kim Grahn is the Chairman of the association. She feels that the dialogue with Svenska Spel works well, but that there is more to be done.

The responsibility for the care of gambling addicts lies with the state. Does this work well?

"The treatments that exist today are inadequate. It works quite well in large cities, but it is worse in provincial areas. Since the responsibility lies with the State, the level of knowledge is lower in municipalities and there is often no knowledge on how to treat gambling addiction. It should be stated clearly in the Social Services Act that gambling addiction is on a par with other forms of addiction, so that it will be natural to offer treatment to those who need it."

How has your dialogue with Svenska Spel been through the years?

"We have a healthy dialogue with Svenska Spel through various channels. We sense an inquisitiveness on their part, they are interested in knowing how we feel work should be conducted to counteract and handle gambling addiction. Our opinions are not always well received, although we feel that Svenska Spel is listening."

Is Svenska Spel doing enough to counteract gambling addiction?

"No, we naturally feel that there is always more that can be done. We feel that their advertising is too extensive and that they should be more open, for example when reporting winning odds. Another problem is the games on Vegas machines, particularly because they exist in alcohol-serving environments."

"We would appreciate seeing Spelkortet connected to Vegas so that customers must set up a limit for how much they will play, or that measures are taken to help players pause and break the pattern."

Do Svenska Spel’s customers receive enough information to make sensible decisions?

"That is a difficult question. There is a lot of information, which is good, but the difficulty lies in reaching the right target. Those who need information and tools are probably not the ones who are most receptive."

"The Internet is the best tool for in-depth information, but for raising awareness of the risks with gaming, advertisements are probably the most effective channel to convey such messages. Svenska Spel should definitely develop that kind of advertising further."