1	Problem gambling in Norway Lisbon, October 2003
2	A nation of punters Norway 2002: Population 4.5 million Spent 29.6 billion NOK on gaming (3.94 billion Euros) 32 % more than the year before Net figures: 9.6 billion NOK (1.2 billion Euros) 6,500 NOK per capita (870 Euros – net 1,280 Euros) Estimated Internet gaming +1 billion NOK
3	The gaming market in 2002 in billion NOK
4	Many problem gamblers – but how many? Two surveys commissioned by The Norwegian Gaming Board in 2001: One on youth and gambling in Norway One covering the population from 15 to 74 years of age Both surveys submitted in 2003
5	”Youth and gambling” 12 000 young aged 13-19 years participated Responce rate: 92 %
6	Thousands are affected 3.2 % of young Norwegians have a gambling problem The figure is a conservative evaluation of the result The extent of problem gambling could be between 3.2 and 6.0 % of the young
7	Gaming pattern 32 % of the gaming on slot machines (which have a 18-year limit) 26 % on lotto and sports betting 12 % schratch cards and poker 4 % Internet and horse racing 10 % other gaming
8	Other findings Young problem gamblers play on average 245 times a year Overwhelming majority of boys More often from low-income families and with a non-western backround Lower self confidence than other youths In the risk zone of suicide attempts Often develop other addictions and multiple problems
9	”Gambling and problem gambling in Norway” 10 000 persons aged 15-74 participated Response rate: 55%
10	Main conclusions 1.4 % have or have had a gambling problem 0.6 % are or have been pathological gamblers 0.8 % have or have had a gambling problem
11	The situation today 0.3 % are pathological gamblers (NODS) 0.4 % are problem gamblers 42 % of them are 15-24 years of age The findings are considered to be minimum figures Problem gamblers over-represented among those who did not answer
12	International comparison of pathological gambling
13	80 % gamble annually 95 % of the adult population have gambled at some time 80 % gambled during the last year - 41 % of these gambled at least once a week 74 % participated in a lottery (lotto) during the last year 21 % gambled on slot machines – bingo 20 % 4 % gamble on the Internet (2002)
14	Facts to worry about Gambling problems are an increasing concern in general Younger people seem to be especially vulnerable Young Norwegians gamble extensively on slot machines, sports betting and the Internet Very few clinics offer treatment to young people
15	Knowledge leads to results The number of slot machines (AWPs) will be reduced from 18,000 to 10,000 Fewer sites – better control of the age limit of 18 years New age limit (18 years) on sports betting from January 2004 Norway still free of casinos
16	The future We need more knowledge – more surveys will follow in the future A common international aim: Minimise harm and promote a public health perspective
17	English summaries of the surveys www.lotteritilsynet.no