Criminogenic problem gambling: a study of verdicts by Swedish courts

This study explored the characteristics and consequences of criminogenic problem gambling in Sweden. All verdicts (N = 283,884) delivered by Swedish general courts between 2014 2018 were subjected to a key word search for term ‘problem gambling’ its synonyms. Verdicts that met criterion (n 1,232) inspected manually cases which clearly was main cause committing crime 282) analyzed quantitatively. The most common types crimes fraud embezzlement (67%). Each year around 400 individuals, companies, organizations became victims gambling-driven crimes, with nonprofit being severely affected. Those convicted such older, greater extent female first-time offenders, compared national statistics on general. suggests Sweden, middle-aged women are high-risk group severe problems should be monitored particularly closely companies indications problematic gambling. We conclude although driven relatively rare justice system, they bring considerable harm perpetrators themselves.