Problem Gambling in Europe

by Meyer, Gerhard; Hayer, Tobias; Griffiths, Mark

• ISBN13: 9780387094854
• ISBN10: 0387094857
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-02-28
• Publisher: Springer Verlag

Summary

The proposed book will provide a comprehensive country-by-country survey of problem gambling in Europe. It is intended to summarize all the existing scientific knowledge about the extent of problem gambling and the effectiveness of legislative measures.Current market developments, such as the ongoing proliferation of gambling in most of the European countries and the introduction of new attractive gambling products as well as distribution channels (e.g., internet gambling or betting via mobile phones), suggest an increase in individuals who will engage in commercial gambling activities in the near future. These trends highlight the growing need to develop, implement and evaluate prevention programs to diminish the incidence of gambling-related problems. However, research activities and efforts to introduce evidence-based measures in order to prevent problem/pathological gambling vary considerably around the European countries. For example, in Germany no epidemiological study has been conducted yet to determine the prevalence rate of problem/pathological gambling in the adult population. In contrast, according to a new and unique legislation in Switzerland, the awarding of a concession to operate a casino requires a fully developed set of responsible gambling strategies that meet certain standards such as measures for the prevention and harm reduction of problem gambling, adequate staff training and the provision of data for research activities.Each chapter will be a country report on the psychological aspects of problem/pathological gambling and its prevention, including a scientifically-based analysis of current national policy.

Author Biography

Dr. Gerhard Meyer, Professor at the Institute of Psychology and Cognition Research at the University of Bremen (Germany), has been the principal investigator of several research projects dealing with problem gambling and delinquency, neuroendocrine response to casino gambling, brief intervention for problem gamblers and the addictive potential of different gambling forms. He also served as a consultant for national regulators as well as the gambling industry and acted as forensic expert witness in court cases.Tobias Hayer is a psychologist and received his diploma in 2001. Since 2001, he is working as a research assistant at the Institute of Psychology and Cognition Research at the University of Bremen (Germany). Tobias Hayer conducts research on issues related to problem gambling and school violence. Currently, he is completing his doctoral dissertation on adolescent problem gambling.Dr. Mark Griffiths is a Chartered Psychologist and Professor of Gambling Studies at the Nottingham Trent University (England). He has published numerous research articles, book chapters and a couple of books on gambling and has been keynote speaker at some of the most important international gambling conferences. Mark Griffiths also served as a member on a number of national gambling committees and advised many governments around the world. He has also won seven national and international awards for his research.

Table of Contents

List of Contributors.- Introduction.- Preface.- Problem gambling: A European perspective.- Country Reports.- Belgium.- Denmark.- Estonia.- Finland.- France.- Germany.- Great Britain.- Hungary.- Iceland.- Italy.- Lithuania.- Netherlands.- Norway.- Poland.- Romania.- Russia.- Slovak Republic.- Slovenia.- Spain.- Sweden.- Switzerland.