In connection with the state budget for 2027, Gambling Addiction Norway participated in several budget hearings at the Storting in October. Increased expertise, accessible help and strengthened support for relatives are among the issues we have raised.
We have had one overarching message: Gambling addiction must be taken seriously, and help must be available when people need it.
Photo: Runa Årskog, advisor – network and user participation at Game Addiction Norway.
We have raised this in the consultations.
Increased competence in the support system
Increased expertise about gambling addiction among GPs, NAV, municipal services and other parts of the support system. Gambling addiction must be understood as an addictive disorder, not a moral problem.
Better interaction between services
Better interaction between services, with earmarked funds for municipalities for capacity building and coordinated assistance.
Equal access to help throughout the country
Equal access to treatment and support services throughout the country, with particular attention to the challenges in Northern Norway.
Help for relatives on their own behalf
Strengthened support for relatives, who need help for their own part, even when the gambler does not seek treatment.
Strengthening the Relatives' Alliance
Strengthening the Relatives' Alliance, which does important work to highlight the needs and rights of relatives across diagnoses and areas of society.
Better prevention among children and young people
Better prevention among children and young people, with increased attention to gambling, gambling-like mechanisms in computer games, and young people who develop serious debt problems.
Better debt advice and financial follow-up
Better debt advice and more comprehensive financial follow-up.
Strengthened efforts in correctional services
Strengthened efforts against gambling addiction in correctional services, and funding to continue our work in prisons and probation services.
Strengthened supervision of the gambling market
Strengthening the Lottery and Foundations Authority, so that the authority has the necessary resources to monitor the gambling market and follow up on illegal actors.
Predictable funding for NGOs
Multi-year and more predictable funding for voluntary organizations, so we can ensure continuity, retain expertise and spend more time helping people.
Need for treatment
Common to all the contributions is the need for treatment, not just good intentions.
Thank you to the committees of the Storting for the opportunity to raise these important issues.
Do you have any questions or want to talk?
Feel free to contact us on the Helpline, via email or the contact form.
