Excessive online gaming and online gambling can result in significant risks and harms, including addiction, social isolation, financial debt, and psychological distress. While the online gaming and gambling industry may put forward arguments against the idea that excessive use of their products can lead to addiction, existing science and research suggest otherwise. Several policies, responses, programs, and interventions are currently in place to address the risks associated with excessive online gaming and gambling. These initiatives involve regulatory policies, public awareness campaigns, self-exclusion programs, counseling and treatment services, and industry initiatives. However, continued research and evaluation are necessary to assess the effectiveness of these initiatives and identify areas for improvement.

The Pompidou Group has been mandated to address related challenges under the 2023-25 Work Porgramme. Following the call of nomination of experts, 14 member States have nominated their professionals to be part of the group. The newly established group is comprised by expert from: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Israel, Mexico, Norway, North Macedonia, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Switzerland and the WHO.

The group held its first meeting on 10 – 11 May in Paris and agreed on a plan of work to prepare a comprehensive report with an analysis of risks and harms associated with online gaming and gambling and overview of current responses to be delivered by November 2023.