Spanish problem gambling rate joint lowest in Europe

According to a new survey, Spain and Denmark tie for the lowest rate of problem gambling in Europe.

Spain.- A survey carried out by Spain’s Carlos III University has found that the country had the joint lowest problem gambling rate in Europe in 2020. The rate of problem gambling as defined by the problem gambling severity index (PGSI) was estimated to be 0.25 per cent, tying with Denmark.

The survey also found that despite the decrease in land-based gaming due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there was not a significant rise in online gaming. The number of players at bingo halls, casinos, gaming halls, retail betting shops and gaming machines fell 50 per cent year-on-year to 3.8 million – around 11 per cent of Spain’s adult population.

Meanwhile, the number of people who gambled online remained steady at 1.5 million.

Some 80.9 per cent of adults were found to have taken part in at least one form of gambling, down four per cent from its highest peak in 2013. The most common reasons for gambling were entertainment or for socialising.

Lottery was the most popular product, particularly the longstanding Christmas lottery, El Gordo, which was played by around 24.5 million people, 70.8 per cent of the adult population. The El Niño and La Primitiva lotteries came next, and then ONCE scratch cards.

The proportion of adults playing scratch cards fell from 9.9 per cent to 9.4 per cent. They remained most popular with younger payers, the majority of customers being aged under 35.

Doctor in sociology, José Antonio Gómez Yáñez, author of the study, said: “The data corroborate the idea that gambling disorder is part of a multiple and multi-causal pathology picture. The root of the disorder is not found in the supply of games, but is part of a complex picture that affects people prone to this type of behaviour.”

Trade group Cejuego said the survey showed that gambling was a “normal” activity for Spanish adults.

Alberto Garzón, Spain’s minister for consumer affairs, has warned gambling operators to expect more changes to regulations in order to raise consumer protection standards.

Meanwhile, operators based in the Spanish enclave of Melilla in northern Africa have launched the Melilla Online Gaming Association to promote the sector’s economic contributions.