Sweden Shows Responsibility; Do Swedes?

Sweden has solidified its policy with all that regards online gambling by establishing a state run, monopoly online casino, which provides gambling services to Swedes, regulated and modified by the government. Part and parcel of such policy, the National Institute of Public Health in Sweden has conducted an expansive survey in the country to measure the extent of the gambling phenomenon in the country, and keep track of a potential gambling problem, which may arise under such circumstances.

The survey, conducted over an entire year, has sampled 16,500 Swedish adults, a considerable number compared to surveys held in any industry. Based on this sample, it was found that between 126 000 and 157 000 Swedish adults play poker at a once per month basis, at least.

These masses visit the only site available to them, the abovementioned state run Svenske Spel. They are mostly men, with 9 or 10 poker players of the male gender. Their ages range mostly between 25 and 40.

With a focus on poker, the study revealed that players tend to spend more at virtual poker tables when compared to playing other games on casinos, even when the same players are concerned. They are also more likely to become problem gamblers when compared to players of other games.

The numbers point at a success in operating the casino site and managing the business in country. The study also shows that the government is concerned and aware of a problem evolving and intends to prevent it. It also, however, shows that a problem may arise if not checked, by government, the providers and by the gamblers themselves. As such, the survey is a clear call for taking caution. Swedish gamblers: försiktighet!