Council of Europe to Focus On Gambling Harm Prevention

Article by : Erik Gibbs Jan 29, 2025

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The Council of Europe has launched a new initiative aimed at addressing gambling-related harm, with a particular focus on young people. The 46-member organization introduced the project during a two-day conference in Rome, highlighting the growing risks associated with online gambling and gaming. As digital platforms become more accessible, concerns are rising about their impact on mental health, especially among adolescents.

Experts at the conference emphasized that while only a small percentage of young people develop addiction-like symptoms, those who do often suffer severe consequences. Orsolya Kiraly, a researcher at Eotvos Lorand University’s Institute of Psychology, warned that excessive gambling and gaming can lead to significant functional impairment.

She explained that adolescents are particularly vulnerable since their brains and personalities are still in development. The negative effects can range from disrupted sleep and family conflicts to unhealthy eating habits and poor hygiene.

A report from the Council of Europe’s Pompidou Group, which focuses on anti-drug and addiction policies, outlined how gambling and gaming companies design their products to be as immersive and habit-forming as possible. Research on the long-term effects is still limited, but organizations such as the World Health Organization have already classified gambling disorders as a public health concern.

Recent studies suggest that online gambling poses a serious risk to adolescents, with an estimated 26.4% of young online gamblers experiencing some level of addiction. The issue is particularly pronounced in sports betting, where around 16.3% of adolescent participants show signs of problem gambling.

At the same time, many video games now incorporate gambling-like mechanics, including loot boxes—virtual items that players can purchase without knowing what they will receive. These features can encourage compulsive spending and gambling behaviors, particularly among young players.

Kiraly pointed out that boys are generally more affected by gambling-related disorders, while girls tend to be at greater risk of addiction-like behaviors linked to social media. She also noted a major obstacle in understanding the full scope of the problem: gaming and gambling companies hold vast amounts of data but often restrict access to researchers unless they have ties to the industry. This lack of transparency limits independent studies and complicates efforts to create effective policies.

The gaming industry’s rapid growth has only added to the urgency of the issue. A report from PwC projects that global gaming revenue could surpass $300 billion by 2028, nearly doubling its size since 2019. Meanwhile, gambling remains a dominant force in many countries. Italy, for example, saw gambling expenditures reach €148 billion (US$154 billion) in 2023, a significant increase from €89 billion (US$93 billion) in 2012, according to Italy’s National Research Council.

Despite the growing concern, many European nations still lack comprehensive strategies to tackle gambling-related harm. The Council of Europe hopes its initiative will help governments develop effective policies before the problem worsens.

One of the challenges in addressing gambling addiction is the difference in how various age groups respond to the issue. Simona Pichini, director of the addiction center at Italy’s National Health Institute, noted that most calls to the country’s gambling helpline come from adults who are already in crisis.

Many reach out only after facing financial ruin, losing their homes, or experiencing social isolation. In contrast, young people rarely seek help because they do not always recognize the extent of the problem.