The Spelinspektionen has identified a concerning rise in problem gambling among young adults and minors, particularly among underage boys since 2019. This trend has remained largely stable among girls.
In a recent report, the Swedish Gambling Authority revealed a significant increase in the number of younger citizens engaging in real-money games of chance. The findings highlighted that young men are particularly vulnerable to gambling harm.
New Gaming Verticals Attract Younger Players
The 2024 appropriation bill’s findings indicate a growing number of minors and young adults (aged 18-24) engaging in gambling activities. This trend is especially pronounced among male players. Several factors contribute to this increase, including how younger players fund their gambling activities and the resulting impacts.
The report concludes that the rise of video gaming and the prevalence of lottery-like elements, such as loot boxes, serve as gateways to real-money gambling. Additionally, skin gambling has become popular among Counter-Strike players, normalizing gambling for younger audiences. Skin gambling involves using rare and expensive in-game cosmetics to play games of chance, with winners potentially securing valuable skins worth thousands of dollars. Despite being treated as unlicensed gambling in most markets, skin gambling has gained traction among new-generation bettors.
The Internet’s Role
The report also highlights the role of gambling streams in the growth of youth gambling. Many gambling content creators have amassed large audiences, and some established streamers have incorporated gambling into their content. Aggressive marketing efforts by gambling companies have further exposed younger people to gambling.
The accessibility of online platforms and lax or non-existent ID checks by black market operators have made it easier for minors to gamble, raising significant concerns.
Financial Implications for Students
The Swedish regulator noted that many young adults finance their gambling using student loans or wages. Some even resort to high-cost loans to fund their gambling activities, a practice most common among men aged 23 and 24 who struggle to control their gambling habits.
Overall, the Spelinspektionen has observed a rise in problem gambling among underage boys since 2019, while the trend has remained unchanged among underage girls. Although exact data on young adults experiencing gambling problems is limited, there has been a notable increase in the number of individuals under 25 seeking gambling treatment services.
The Spelinspektionen has forwarded the survey results to the government, including underage gambling data from the Central Association for Alcohol and Drug Information (CAN).
