Svenska Spel announces backing for gambling addiction studies

The group’s independent research council will contribute SEK4.1m ($377,000/€347,000/£298,000) towards the research studies. The council has distributed SEK45m to 35 research projects and studies since 2010.

The five studies selected in 2023 are spread across academic institutions working with a variety of partners. They will investigate topics such as the impact of self-exclusion to the challenges brought about by fast payments.

“This year’s granted research project will contribute both to increased knowledge about gambling addiction and which gambling responsibility measures work,” said Sara Lindholm Larsson, chairperson of Svenska Spel’s independent research council.

“It is important for society that we can continue to support this research.”

SEK1m has been awarded to a study examining the impact of fast payment solutions on problem gambling. The recipient is Nathan Lakew of the Department of Clinical Neuroscience at Karolinska Institutet.

The Department of Psychology at University of Gothenburg will get SEK800,000 for a study that explores craving among problem gamblers. SEK800,000 has also been awarded to the Department of Clinical Sciences at Lund University for a study into family-centred treatment.

The Department of Clinical Sciences at Lund University will receive SEK800,000 for the study into how gamblers and concerned significant others are affected by the Spelpaus self-exclusion tool.

Finally, the Department of Criminology at Malmö University has been granted SEK700,000 for a study into gambling among university students. Claes Andersson’s study is part of a larger international project within the including the World Health Organisation (WHO).