The proliferation of gambling in Serbia has become a pressing social issue, particularly concerning its impact on the youth. With the expansion of the gambling industry, including the increase in registered gambling shops, and the pervasive influence of online gambling, the younger generation in Serbia is facing significant risks that affect not only their and their families’ lives but also the future of the country as a whole.
Prevalence of gambling among the youth
Gambling in Serbia has been growing exponentially during the late 2010s and early 2020s. According to the Association of Organizers of Games of Chance, there were over 2,900 registered gambling shops as of 2023, a stark increase from previous years. Based on this statistic, Serbia is ranked second in Europe, making these venues easily accessible to the general population, including minors (Bosnjakovic et al, 2024).
According to data provided by the Institute of the Public Health of Serbia, approximately 30% of Serbian adolescents aged 15-19 had participated in some form of gambling (Zrnic, 2023). It is important to emphasize here that minors in Serbia are legally prohibited from gambling, making the figure all the more alarming.
The European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs reported that around 11% of Serbian school students had spent money gambling online in 2019, placing Serbia in the top five among thirty-five countries participating in the relevant research (The Espad Group, 2020). The ranking and the percentage itself draw attention to the issue of online gambling and the need to regulate and control it at the state level.
Law and reality
The Serbian government has recognized the need to address the issue of youth gambling and has implemented legal measures aimed at curbing the problem, primarily by means of the Law on Games of Chance. The Law includes provisions for the protection of minors such as the prohibition of gambling advertising targeting minors and the requirement for gambling establishments to verify the age of their customers. Also, the Law stipulates that the minimum distance between an educational institution and a gambling venue must not be less than two hundred meters (Games of Chance Administration, 2020).
However, despite these measures, enforcement remains a challenge, proof of which can be found in the vicinity of many Serbian schools. State and city government officials state that there is a significant number of gambling venues that are breaking the law in terms of the minimum distance between them and schools (Paragraf, 2023).
When it comes to prohibiting minors from accessing gambling establishments, citizens report that, even if the staff does check their age and does not allow them to gamble at their venues, the children are often seen waiting in front of the door until they find an adult ready to do it instead of them, using their money (Glavonjic, 2022). The fact that adults are ready to assist the children in exposing themselves to potentially addictive activities draws attention to the general perception of gambling among the local population, as well as to the need to educate not only minors but adult individuals as well.
Factors contributing to youth gambling
In addition to the general public awareness and low level of enforcement of existing laws that have already been mentioned, several other factors contribute to the high rates of gambling among Serbian youth. One of the primary factors is the accessibility and availability of gambling venues. As previously mentioned, with over 2,900 gambling shops spread across the country, these establishments are often located in close proximity to schools and residential areas, making it easy for young people to access them.
Moreover, there has been a significant rise in online gambling, both globally and in Serbia, which has exacerbated the problem (Statista, 2024). Online gambling platforms are easily accessible via smartphones and computers, providing a 24/7 opportunity for children and young adults to engage in gambling activities. The anonymity and convenience of online gambling make it particularly appealing to the youth, who are tech-savvy and often less cautious about the risks involved.
Another contributing factor is the aggressive marketing strategies employed by gambling companies. These companies often use sports sponsorships, celebrity endorsements, and social media campaigns to attract a young audience (BBCNews, 2023). The glamorization of gambling in advertisements creates a perception that gambling is a normal and even desirable activity, further enticing young people to participate (Ipsos MORI, 2020).
The psychological, social and economic consequences
The psychological and social impacts of gambling on youth in general are profound. Even those working in the gambling industry recognize that gambling is tightly related to different mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and increased stress levels (The Association of Organizers of Games of ChanceAGOS, 2024).
Socially, gambling can lead to isolation, academic failure, and strained relationships with family and friends (Fulton, 2015). Young people who gamble frequently are more likely to experience academic underperformance and are at a higher risk of dropping out of school (Dowling et al, 2016).
The economic consequences of youth gambling are no less significant. Young people who develop gambling addictions often incur substantial debts, leading to financial instability and, in some cases, minors and young adults getting involved in criminal activities.
In Serbia, there is a strong correlation between gambling and unlicensed moneylenders, i.e. loan sharks, and minors are not excluded from that correlation (Euronews, 2023). Taking such loans affects not only the individuals who borrow the money, but their families as a whole, and this is even more evident when it comes to minors or very young adults, as they are often not financially independent at all.
Prevention and intervention strategies
Society as a whole has an important role in protecting a child from the risks of gambling and related problems. Moreover, addressing the issue of youth gambling requires an approach that includes prevention, education, and, later on, intervention strategies.
The government, as the crucial pivotal factor in fighting the issue of gambling among minors and young adults, must ensure that the existing legislation is applied in practice, which is often not the case. Additionally, the government should allocate adequate financial resources for raising awareness about the issue, educating the public about the risks associated with gambling, and further training medical and educational professionals who interact with at-risk children. One potential source of funding could be a tax specifically tailored for the gambling industry (Beta, 2023).
Intervention strategies should focus on providing support and treatment for young people who are already experiencing gambling problems. This includes offering counseling services, support groups, and rehabilitation programs tailored to the needs of young gamblers, and NGOs can play an important role in this sense.
Community involvement in combating youth gambling
Parents and guardians need to be aware of the signs of gambling addiction and take proactive steps to protect their children. This includes monitoring their children’s activities, setting clear rules and boundaries regarding gambling, and encouraging open communication about the dangers of gambling (List Zrenjanin, 2023).
Through our work, Humanium aims to empower children through education and help them determine a different future for themselves where gambling would not be a part of their lives. If you want to contribute to our cause, consider making a donation, volunteering or becoming a member.
Written by Zeljka Mazinjanin
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