Heterogeneity in the Perceived and Realized Use of Gambling Harm-Minimization Tools
Session Title
Responsible Gambling: Tools & Self-Assessment
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation
Start Date
26-5-2026 12:00 AM
Abstract
Gambling harm-minimization tools, such as loss limits, have become a widely adopted policy instrument for reducing the negative consequences of gambling across jurisdictions. However, the existing literature provides limited evidence on heterogeneity in the use of these tools and on how they are perceived by individuals. To address this gap, we use a novel and unique dataset that combines objective player account data from the Finnish legal gambling monopoly’s customer registry, demographic and other background variables from various administrative registries, and subjective survey data on experiences with and opinions about harm-minimization tools, as well as attitudes toward general gambling restrictions. We find substantial differences across player subpopulations in both the use and perception of harm-minimization tools. We also discuss how these findings influence conclusions regarding the effectiveness of such tools.
Heterogeneity in the Perceived and Realized Use of Gambling Harm-Minimization Tools
Gambling harm-minimization tools, such as loss limits, have become a widely adopted policy instrument for reducing the negative consequences of gambling across jurisdictions. However, the existing literature provides limited evidence on heterogeneity in the use of these tools and on how they are perceived by individuals. To address this gap, we use a novel and unique dataset that combines objective player account data from the Finnish legal gambling monopoly’s customer registry, demographic and other background variables from various administrative registries, and subjective survey data on experiences with and opinions about harm-minimization tools, as well as attitudes toward general gambling restrictions. We find substantial differences across player subpopulations in both the use and perception of harm-minimization tools. We also discuss how these findings influence conclusions regarding the effectiveness of such tools.