A psychologist specialising in gambling addiction has warned that Iceland could see a significant increase in gambling-related problems in the coming years. The expert cited growing exposure to online betting and advertising, particularly among young people. Páll Heiðar Jónsson, a psychologist with the gambling treatment team at SÁÁ, Iceland’s National Centre of Addiction Medicine, said the expanding marketing of sports betting and online gambling services is helping to normalise gambling, especially through social media and influencer promotions aimed at younger audiences.
Original source: RÚV A SÁÁ psychologist expects gambling addiction to become more common in the coming years. Recent research suggests around one-third of boys in Iceland participate in sports betting. SÁÁ provides free counselling and treatment for people affected by gambling addiction and their families.
Advertising Targets Young People Children operating digital devices. Flickr (Creative Commons) Although SÁÁ has not yet seen an increase in people seeking help linked to betting activity surrounding the men’s FIFA World Cup, Jónsson said any effects may emerge later. The psychologist pointed to recent research indicating that around one-third of boys engage in betting.
In the meantime, the Icelandic Youth Survey found that about 40% of upper secondary school students had gambled during the past year. According to the expert, online casinos and sports betting services have become particularly popular, with many advertisements designed to appeal to young audiences through indirect marketing on social media. Páll Heiðar Jónsson also encouraged parents to pay attention to their children’s online activity and to discuss the risks of gambling.
SÁÁ offers free counselling, individual appointments and group treatment for people experiencing gambling addiction, as well as support for their families. The post Psychologist Warns Gambling Addiction Could Rise in Iceland appeared first on Iceland Review.
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