Game over? An evaluation study of policy measures to reduce problem gambling with focus on youth gambling

Problem gambling among youth is strongly associated with mental health problems, alcohol and drug use, and delinquency. The Norwegian gambling machine market has increased dramatically, and legal regulations are liberal compared to most countries. Followi ng a Parliament decision restrictions on the machine gambling market will be enforced from January through December 2005 and comprise a significant reduction in the accessibility of gambling machines, particularly for young people (under 18 years), and li mitation of structural features of the machines that enhance potential gambling addiction. Drawing on single distribution theory and empirical studies from the alcohol policy field, this evaluation study aims at assessing whether -, and if so to what exte nt -, overall amount of machine gambling as well as incidence of problem gambling among youth are reduced in response to the policy measures, and furthermore whether the intervention affects frequent gamblers and low income gamblers more than other groups of gamblers (differential effects). Data will comprise school surveys among 20,000 13-19 year olds at three time points (September 2004, 2005 and 2006) including panel data for the majority of students.