This is a call from the National Assembly 2025!
We are now losing our service called Svartjenesten, due to lack of financial resources. The helpline is the very heart of our organization and the gateway to all our help services. Refusal of support for our helpline forces us to close the “front door” to our services – the first, crucial contact for many who seek help.
We believe it should not be possible to force the closure of a relief service that is only increasing in scope, while billions are flowing in from gambling!
The numbers are going down so we don't need any help - or do we?
Even though more and more people are contacting us, decision-makers believe that gambling addiction is no longer a critical societal problem, and thus they do not consider our services as necessary. This is despite the fact that we are increasing in scope. This conclusion is based on a survey from the University of Bergen and data from gaming providers.
The profit from Norsk Tipping is only increasing, and the volunteers are rejoicing. Everyone can pat themselves on the back that more money is being distributed in the east and west, but the gambling addicts and their relatives are being put in the drawer. This is despite the fact that gambling addicts still account for the largest share of the profit per player.
Annual first-time applications 2010-2024.
The expertise is not valued, even if the offer is unique and works!
Gambling addiction is a serious challenge that requires specialized help. Gambling Addiction Norway has worked for 23 years to ensure good help for both addicts and their relatives. Our services cover aftercare, debt counseling, guidance in everyday life and support - a comprehensive offer for the whole family.
The design of our services is unique in that those affected have the opportunity to meet like-minded people. A meeting place where new insight and understanding of one's own addiction is created. An arena for expressing feelings and thoughts. By maintaining our services, we reduce the risk of relapse and ensure a safe transition to independent everyday life after clinical treatment.
Our relief efforts are recognized as important but are being given low priority when it comes to financial support, despite the fact that the profits from game providers continue to grow – profits that our users have helped generate. Ironically, they get nothing in return, and the help many need is in danger of disappearing.
Volunteers are the driving force, so many people believe that operations are free of charge, but that is not the case.
The help we offer is run by volunteers with personal experience and provides support through individual conversations and self-help groups. This service has been a lifeline for many, but it requires resources to ensure training, skills development and necessary follow-up. Without funds, we cannot maintain the help services in a responsible manner.
As Norway's only user organization dedicated to gambling addiction, a closure will have serious consequences. There will be increased pressure on specialist and municipal health services. Research, health institutions, user councils, for example, will have to find their user expertise in other ways.
We know what works – we have the experience and expertise. But we need financial support to continue. Let's not lose the help that so many need. Who are we helping? It's those who live in financial ruin, the relatives who lose their loved ones to addiction, those who fight shame, anxiety, depression and exclusion? Those who are desperately trying to get out of a difficult addiction. This is happening at the same time as several actors and organizations are celebrating the profits from Norwegian gaming companies!
What is needed?
- Gambling addiction Norway should be secured through the National Action Plan against gambling problems with good operational frameworks. We are the only offer of our kind and have garnered support for this for many years now from other organizations and professionals in the field. In 2025, a new action plan will be created and now it is time to turn words into action. We cannot just be "important" when someone wants our support in a case.
- A significant portion of the gambling profits are channeled to the DAM Foundation for further distribution to voluntary teams and associations.
Therefore, we demand that a portion of these funds be targeted and earmarked for measures that combat gambling addiction – a growing societal challenge that affects both individuals and their relatives.
- An alternative to the points above is direct transmission from the gaming companies with a framework that truly states that the exclusive rights model, Norway and politicians take gambling addiction seriously.
The Board, on behalf of Gambling Addiction Norway
