Incidence of Problem Gambling in Romania Brief Report

In the context of the most recent survey conducted by the market research company GfK Romania on the incidence of problem gaming in Romania, this paper aims at revealing the importance of the prevention programs for gambling disorders based on the cognitive-behavioral approach. The survey named “Betts and Gambling in Romania” was conducted for the “ROMSLOT- Slot Organizers’ Association” and for “Romanian Bookmakers”. The data were collected by means of an interview taken from 988 individuals (N=988) during the period July 25-August 16, 2016, on a national representative sample +18, with a sampling error of ± 3%. The results of that survey showed that the incidence of pathological gamblers in Romania with over 18 years of age is 0.6%, namely 98,000 individuals. Even if the survey carried out by GfK Romania showed that Romania is at the lower limit of the European average, the gambling disorders still remain an important public health issue, associated with high rates of psychiatric co-morbidity. Consequently, in recent years has been developed a national prevention and treatment program for pathological gamblers and their family, named “Responsible Gambling Project”. In as far as, the gambling addiction involves more than the person concerned but frequently his entire family. Most likely, the prevention programs development and the psychological interventions may positively influence the problem behaviors resulting from compulsive gambling and related co-morbidities. Responsible gambling represents an informed choice on the probability of winning, a form of entertainment and relaxation in low-risk situations; it promotes a gambler’s state of well-being.

Author(s): Steliana Rizeanu

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