In this study, the researchers did a cost-of-illness study to estimate how much problem gambling (PG) cost Sweden in 2018. The researchers used the prevalence method to estimate the costs. Their estimates showed that the costs of PG were substantial (1.42 billion euros in 2018). Over half of the costs (59%) came from indirect costs such as reduced work performance, job loss, and death. Intangible costs, such as physical violence and distress, were also a large part of the total costs (28%). Direct costs for PG, such as prevention and treatment, were the smallest (13%). Policy makers could use this research to invest more money in creating useful prevention and treatment programs. These programs could help reduce the indirect and intangible costs of PG in the future.
