Over the past three decades, technological advancements have transformed various aspects of our lives. Besides the countless benefits of these advancements, there are severe challenges and negative consequences. One of the latter is the risks of excessive and addictive use of specific online activities such as online gambling and video gaming. While the majority of individuals gamble and play video games as a recreational activity in a healthy manner, a minority experiences addiction-like symptoms. Based on decades of research, gambling disorder and gaming disorder are now recognised as mental disorders by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

Several policies, responses, programmes, 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.

In 2021, the statute of the Pompidou Group was revised to broaden its scope to address the challenges related to drugs and addictions in a wider sense. Therefore, as part of the adopted Work Programme for 2023-2025, one of the core priorities is to tackle these new forms of addictions. 

Policy paper on risks and harms related to online gaming and online gambling

Based on the work of the Expert Group and the expert report on ‘Risks and Harms associated with Online Gaming and Gambling’, Pompidou Group member states at their 94th Permanent Correspondents meeting held in Naples on 30 May 2024 adopted the policy paper on ‘Strategies and regulatory options aimed at reducing risks and harms related to online gaming and online gambling’.This document provides conceptual guidance to political decision-makers and policy developers who are seeking to develop strategies, action plans, and regulatory frameworks to reduce the risks and harms associated with online gaming and gambling.

 Expert Group on Online Addictions

 Promoting the mental health of children and youth by addressing the risks of online gambling and gaming