“Soft” forms of gambling (e.g., lotteries) are considered to be less risky than “hard” forms of gambling (e.g., casino table games). This study examined the level of problem gambling among adults living in the Czech Republic who gamble on different forms of gambling. Data from a survey of 2,498 adults were examined. The only form of gambling that most respondents (61%) viewed as having a low risk of developing problem gambling was paper scratch cards. Online betting, online poker, casino table games, and electronic gaming machines were viewed as high-risk forms.
Compared to those who engaged in only hard forms of gambling or a combination of soft and hard forms of gambling, the percentage of people with low-risk, moderate-risk, or problem gambling was lowest among those who engaged only in soft forms of gambling (e.g., lotteries and scratch cards) in the past year or month. However, because many people engaged in these activities, the absolute number of respondents with problem gambling or some level of risk was the highest. Women were more likely to play soft forms of gambling than men. People who gambled in the past month or year were more likely to develop gambling problems than those who had not gambled as recently.
