The group of experts recommends trying to better diagnose pathologies linked to gambling, and to organize better prevention and proper management of the problem. For the first time, gambling was included in the anti-addiction plan (2007-2011) of the Ministry of Health.
Historians, sociologists, addictologists, neurobiologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists have looked into the subject. They pointed out in particular “the absence of systematic and multidisciplinary studies in this field” in France. They recommend the realization of a national survey to “take the measure of the problem”, and in particular to measure “the social, professional and family consequences incurred”.
They also indicated that better information is needed on the subject. This could involve setting up a national crisis line for excessive gamblers.
Another problem to be taken care of, experts indicate that “the majority of problem gamblers have another addiction”, which can be linked to alcohol, but also to tobacco. Gambling addiction can also be a psychiatric disorder. Addiction physicians and psychiatrists are therefore invited to “ask their patients about their relationship to gambling”.
Excessive practice of “classic” games, such as poker, games of chance, but also video games, is addictive.