About Spillavhengighet Norge

Spillavhengighet Norge works locally, regionally, and nationally to prevent gambling addiction. We contribute to ensuring that the voices of those with gambling addiction and their next of kin are heard, and we shed light on the hidden aspects of addiction.

The organization is an independent interest group with close cooperation with various professional communities in the field of gambling addiction. Spillavhengighet Norge was established in 2002 and currently has 7 employees and approximately 50 volunteers.

Established in 2002
7 Employees
50 Volunteers

It started in 2002

Spillavhengighet Norge started as a next of kin organization in Lyngen by Lill-Tove Bergmo. At that time, the organization was called PTS – Pårørende Til Spillavhengige (Next of Kin to Those with Gambling Addiction). This came about after she, as a next of kin, experienced gambling addiction up close.

Timeline

Two next of kin met after experiencing gambling addiction firsthand.
They met regularly to plan how they could create a support system aimed at next of kin.

In January, we held our first press conference. It was about our desire to start groups for next of kin in collaboration with Ko-Rus Øst. We received numerous inquiries immediately, and by the end of the year, we had 7 self-help groups in operation

The organization is established as an interest group. We secured a place in the steering committee for the first action plan against gambling problems in Norway. The action plan included a section related to support groups. As a result of the action plan, we were given the opportunity to apply for financial support. Since then, the organization has received grants through the action plan.

First political breakthrough. Lyngen Municipality in Troms became the first slot machine-free municipality in Norway. The media covered the story extensively, with up to 30 interviews per day. The organization shed a significant spotlight on why the slot machines needed to be removed. Society gained insight into the seriousness of gambling addiction, and other municipalities wanted to follow Lyngen’s example.

This year, we received the first inquiries related to problems with video games, and most of them were associated with the MMO RPG genre (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games).

We won the battle, and Norway became free of gambling machines.
After this, we experienced a significant decrease in inquiries, and several support groups were disbanded.
It became necessary to restructure our work.

Due to the decline in inquiries, Pårørende Til Spilleavhengige merged with LOMS – Landsorganisasjonen Mot Spilleavhengighet. The result was a reorganization, transitioning from being an organization for next of kin to becoming an organization for both problem gamblers and their next of kin.

The new organization takes shape and is named Spillavhengighet Norge. The changes were announced in March. With the new structure, we were able to divide the country into 5 regions. These regions formed the basis for the national organization.

The inquiries are increasing again, and online gambling stands out as particularly problematic. At the same time, inquiries related to video games are on the rise.
The organization hires its first employee, a part-time managing director at 30 % employment.

The organization’s tasks increase, as do the inquiries.
The managing director’s employment percentage is increased to 60 %

Through the Norwegian Directorate of Health, the organization receives project funding. Consequently, a political adviser and marketer are hired in 100% project positions.
The position of the managing director increases to 100 %.
The organization grows in terms of both groups and the number of volunteers. With a small administration, the development is rapid. A strategic plan for the next 4 years is created.

There is a significant increase in the number of inquiries, and the organization has around 40 volunteers and 13 groups throughout the country. The organization grows largely based on structured marketing and plans on how the organization should be further developed.

This year was different because the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. The organization quickly adapted to find solutions for those affected, and digital group meetings were established when the country went into lockdown. We experienced a significant increase in the number of inquiries, and relapses characterized the year.

This year, the organization underwent significant development. The administration expanded from 5 to 7 employees and extended its network with more national user committees and partners. Much of the meeting activity in 2021 was influenced by the pandemic and was conducted digitally.
In March 2021, the organization shared the report explaining the direction we wanted to take regarding the gambling model.

The Board

Ann Kristin Giæver Mathisen

Ann Kristin Giæver Mathisen

Chairperson
Christoffer Lian

Christoffer Lian

Vice Chairperson
Dan Karlsson

Dan Karlsson

Board Member
Hogne Thin Markussen

Hogne Thin Markussen

Board Member
Roger Asker

Roger Asker

Board Member
Harry Olav Wiik

Harry Olav Wiik

Board Member
Ulrike Michaela Wessels

Ulrike Michaela Wessels

Board Member
Bjørn Tore Hanssen

Bjørn Tore Hanssen

Deputy Member
Gunn Mari Fallmo

Gunn Mari Fallmo

Deputy Member
Jenny Robinson

Jenny Robinson

Deputy Member

Help us by donating

Our operations are based on voluntary work. All contributions go to helping those affected by gambling addiction.