Incidence of Problem Gambling in Romania

Abstract

This paper aims to reveal the importance of the prevention programs for gambling disorders based on the cognitive-behavioral approach. The development of prevention programs and the psychological interventions can influence in a positive manner the problem behaviors resulting from compulsive gambling and related co-morbidities. Findings of the most recent survey conducted by the market research company GfK Romania revealed that the incidence of problem gambling in Romania is at the lower limit of the European average. The “Betts and Gambling in Romania” survey was conducted for the “ROMSLOT-Slot Organizers’ Association” and “Romanian Bookmakers” – the data collection taking place during the period July 25 – August 16, 2016, on a national representative sample +18. In the last years was developed a national prevention and treatment program for compulsive gamblers and their family, named “Responsible Gambling Project”. Keywords: Gambling disorders; Incidence; Prevention; Psychological intervention.