Svenska Spel Awards €500,000 for Gambling Harm Research

Svenska Spel Receives Record Proposals, Awards €500,000 for Gambling Harm Research

With the growing focus on gambling harm prevention, Svenska Spel has committed a substantial amount to tackle this pressing issue.

Svenska Spel’s independent research council, funded by the state-controlled gambling operator, has received a record number of research proposals aimed at preventing gambling-related harm. This year, 18 proposals were submitted—nearly double the amount compared to last year—demonstrating an increased interest and urgency in this critical social issue. After thorough evaluation, seven proposals were selected to share a total funding of SEK 5.9m (€500,000), marking one of the largest grants the council has ever awarded.

The largest portion of the funding will be allocated to Philip Linder from the Karolinska Institutet. His research will focus on the causal effects of gambling advertising on behavior. Using advanced statistical methods, the study will delve into how exposure to gambling ads influences gambling patterns in real-life settings. The findings aim to uncover whether gambling advertising directly increases gambling frequency, and if so, to what extent and among which demographics this effect is most pronounced.

The growing recognition of gambling research as a crucial social issue is evident from the record number of high-quality applications, according to Sara Lindholm Larsson, chair of Svenska Spel’s research council. Larsson noted: “This year’s applications were of exceptionally high quality, showcasing innovative ideas and collaborations. Selecting the final recipients was a challenge, but this is exactly what we want: an abundance of high-quality projects seeking solutions to reduce gambling harm.”

With an increased focus on gambling harm prevention, Svenska Spel is making strides in supporting evidence-based solutions. This funding will not only fuel research but also generate new insights into how gambling-related harm can be effectively addressed through research and regulation.

Svenska Spel’s commitment to responsible gambling continues to grow, as reflected in its record-breaking number of proposals and generous funding allocation. By supporting pioneering research, Svenska Spel is helping shape the future of safer gambling and enhancing our understanding of the causes and effects of gambling harm.