Excessive online gaming and gambling pose significant risks, including addiction, social isolation, financial debt, and psychological distress. As these issues have emerged as public health concerns, various policies and interventions have been implemented, such as regulatory measures, public awareness campaigns, self-exclusion programs, counseling services, and industry initiatives. However, ongoing research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures and identify areas for improvement.
In 2021, the Pompidou Group revised its statute to address a broader range of drug and addiction-related challenges. As part of its work program for 2023-2025, one of the main priorities is to address new forms of online addiction. This document, adopted at the Pompidou Group's 94th meeting in Naples on May 30, 2024, aims to provide guidance for policymakers developing strategies and regulatory frameworks to minimize the risks associated with online gaming and gambling. It complements the 2024 Pompidou Group expert report on these issues.
Authors
- Format
- Number of pages
- 23
- Pages
- 23
- Published in
- France
- Ref
- 112024ENG
- Size
- 1 MB
- Type of document
- Document
Table of Contents
- Policy paper on strategies and regulatory options aimed at reducing risks and harms related to online gaming and online gambling 1
- Policy paper on strategies and regulatory options aimed at reducing risks and harms related to online gaming and online gambling 2
- Introduction 6
- Understanding risks and harms 8
- Concepts of risk and harm reduction 8
- Risks and harms of online gambling 8
- Risks and harms of online gaming 8
- Developing a strategy 10
- Aims and expected impact 10
- Strategic objectives 10
- Raising public awareness 10
- Empowering families and educators 10
- High-quality scientific research 10
- Prevention 11
- Treatment 11
- Harm reduction 11
- The industrys contribution to risk and harm reduction 11
- International governmental co-operation 11
- Regulatory options 12
- Online gambling 12
- Online gaming 13
- Applying consumer protection and product safety regulations 13
- Major obstacles and challenges in the implementation of regulations 14
- Online gambling 14
- Online gaming 14
- Evaluation and adjustments 16
- Key indicators and verification sources 16
- Monitoring 17
- Overview of regulatory options 18
- General regulatory options 18
- Specific regulatory options 18
- Challenges in introducing and implementing regulatory measures 19
- Making multistakeholder co-operation work 20
- Key principles for engaging stakeholders 20
- Ensuring stakeholder commitment 20
- Definition of terms 22
