Health · Public Health & Disease · 7 hrs ago
Nearly six in 10 Italians say gambling addiction prevention is inadequate
A survey presented in Rome found that nearly six in 10 Italians consider gambling disorder prevention inadequate.
The study was conducted by the Fair Foundation and Ipsos Doxa as part of research into how well gambling messages explain risks and ways to stay safe.
Eight in 10 respondents named prevention, protecting young people and fighting illegal gambling as priorities for the sector.
More than a third said spending and time limits for each gambling session are the most effective tools, followed by self-exclusion and breaks.
The findings suggest that clear messages should reach everyone, not only people who gamble.
Fair Foundation director Stefano De Vita said support tools should be matched to individual players and warned against trying to win back losses.
Institutions and gambling businesses are being urged to change how they communicate and help build a different culture around gambling.
Nearly six in 10 Italians say current efforts to prevent and address gambling disorders are inadequate, according to a survey by Fondazione Fair and Ipsos Doxa.
The findings were presented in Rome at the Fair Forum, which focused on responsible-gambling communication.
Eight in 10 Italians said prevention, protecting minors and young people, and combating illegal gambling should be sector priorities.
More than a third of respondents identified spending and time limits per gambling session as the most effective tool to curb gambling.
Respondents said prevention messages should be clear, practical and aimed at the whole population, not only people who gamble.
- Who
- Nearly six in 10 Italians judged current prevention and response efforts inadequate.
- What
- A survey found that people want more action on gambling disorders and prioritise prevention, protecting young people and combating illegal gambling.
- When
- The findings were reported on October 14, 2026; the survey was presented that morning.
- Where
- The findings were presented in Rome at the Fair Forum.
- Why
- The survey examined whether messages from institutions and gambling operators make people aware of risks, protective tools and behaviours that can prevent problems.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The survey was presented in Rome at the Fair Forum, a gathering of institutions, sector authorities, academics and businesses on responsible-gambling communication.
Ilaria Ugenti presented the research findings.
- Survey
- Conducted by Fondazione Fair with Ipsos Doxa
- Public view
- Nearly 6 in 10 Italians said current prevention efforts are inadequate
- Sector priorities
- 80% prioritised prevention, protection of minors and young people, and action against illegal gambling
- Preferred tools
- More than one-third named spending and time limits per session as the most effective way to curb gambling
- Presentation
- Fair Forum, Rome
What people are saying
The tools available are so many, too many. The challenge is to direct them towards the individual characteristics of players and teach them that trying to recover money and losses is only the beginning of an endless economic disaster.
it is necessary for all parties—institutions, licensees, and operators of gaming halls and betting shops—to make a change of pace and create a different culture of gambling from the one that exists today.