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Swedish Report Warns of Rising Youth Gambling and Financial Risks!

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Swedish Report Warns of Rising Youth Gambling and Financial Risks!
The Swedish Gambling Authority has released a new report highlighting the growing concerns around youth gambling in Sweden, particularly among young men.

The findings, presented to the government as part of the 2024 appropriation bill, shed light on rising gambling engagement among individuals aged 18-24, as well as an increase in underage gambling. The study draws on data from the Central Association for Alcohol and Drug Information (CAN) to examine trends, risk factors, and financing methods linked to youth gambling.

The report reveals that gambling among minors is becoming more prevalent, with young men displaying a particularly strong interest. A key contributing factor is the influence of video games incorporating gambling-like mechanics, such as loot boxes and skin gambling. These in-game features blur the lines between gaming and gambling, increasing the likelihood of gambling participation from an early age. Additionally, online marketing, influencer promotions, and casino streaming have further fueled engagement, making gambling more accessible and appealing to young audiences.

Since 2019, gambling classified as ‘risky’ has been rising among underage boys, while remaining stable among girls. Among young adults, trends are more complex, but there has been a noticeable increase in individuals under 25 seeking help for gambling-related problems. Financial concerns have also emerged as a key issue, with many young adults using their wages or student loans to gamble. Alarmingly, there is also a growing trend of individuals—particularly men aged 23-24 and those struggling with gambling control—resorting to high-cost loans to finance their gambling activities. This raises significant concerns about the potential for addiction and long-term financial difficulties.

The Swedish Gambling Authority continues to monitor these trends and assess potential regulatory measures to mitigate gambling harm among young people. In a related development, the authority has addressed concerns about a potential data breach involving the Spelpaus self-exclusion register. Some individuals have reported receiving marketing from unlicensed operators despite being registered for self-exclusion. However, the authority has denied any information leaks and is actively investigating the matter.

With youth gambling on the rise and new digital influences shaping engagement, the report underscores the need for stronger consumer protections, awareness campaigns, and potential regulatory interventions to curb gambling-related harm among Sweden’s young population.

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