BIPS Institute Seminar: Gambling disorder from a public health perspective

At the BIPS-Institutsseminar, Tobias Hayer addressed gambling disorder from a public health perspective. His presentation examined how the ongoing expansion of gambling markets is associated with increasing individual and societal risks.

Hayer highlighted the growing importance of digital gambling offers and hybrid formats at the intersection of gaming and gambling. These developments, he noted, are linked to potential negative consequences, which were discussed in terms of prevalence, risk factors and social impacts at the population level.

The talk presented key research findings within an explicit public health framework. The analysis drew primarily on national studies and was complemented by international evidence. Particular attention was given to vulnerable groups, social consequences and problematic patterns of gambling behavior.

Hayer also outlined key research needs. He discussed appropriate methodological approaches for studying gambling disorder, as well as issues related to prevention, player protection and evidence-based regulation of gambling markets.

Tobias Hayer is Head of the Gambling Research Unit at the Institute of Public Health and Nursing Research, University of Bremen.