Original scientific paper

POLICY CHALLENGES OF PROBLEM GAMBLING IN SLOVENIA

Matej Makarovič ; School of advanced social studies, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Mirna Macur ; School of advanced social studies, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
Borut Rončević ; School of advanced social studies, Nova Gorica, Slovenia

Abstract

Debates on gambling and related policy‐making are rarely based on conclusive and reliable data about this sector’s social effects. The said is also true for Slovenia. In this paper, we are calculating social costs of gambling in Slovenia and in the Goriška region in view of plans of possible investments into new resort casinos. In the first section, we review the gambling history and the current gambling market. After that we estimate the extent of the current problem and pathological gambling on the basis of the limited available data and develop scenarios of possible future trends. After that we examine strategies used in Slovenia to help and care for pathological and problem gamblers, and evaluate existing mechanisms. At the end of the paper we present two conclusions. Firstly, preventing gambling addiction is a difficult task, although expansion of the gambling sector does not necessarily imply a steep increase in social costs of gambling. Comprehensive system of responsible gambling including preventive measures and treatment of gambling addiction is the key issue. Secondly, available data on trends and developments regarding problem gambling in Slovenia is insufficient. Therefore, it is vital that we establish an observatory for longitudinal research on these issues and it should become part of a comprehensive system of socially responsible gambling.

Keywords

gambling sector; social costs; problem and pathological gambling; prevention and treatment; evaluation

Hrčak ID:

68699

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/68699

Publication date:

2.5.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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