This report by the Council of Europe provides an overview of the excessive and addictive nature of online video games and gambling. The report addresses assessment, demographics, cultural differences, and structural characteristics. Associated risks and harms are also outlined, including as they relate to physical health, mental health, substance use, interpersonal consequences, societal impacts, and legal issues.
In terms of interventions, the authors conclude that:
- Regulation is lacking, especially in the video gaming industry.
- There are often financial conflicts of interest with efforts to address problem gambling behaviour.
- Prevention programmes (especially for adolescents) are critical and should focus on the importance of social support and long term effects.
- The effectiveness of prevention, treatment, and harm minimisation measures for online forms and new populations needs more research as well as implementation.
- Collaboration with industry is necessary for harm reduction, prevention, and intervention.
- Ongoing monitoring is required to identify challenges and inform quick responses.
