Swedish state-owned operator Svenska Spel is celebrating a major milestone for its contributions towards public health in the country.

The operator’s independent research council has passed the SEK 100 million (£8m) mark for funding research on problem gambling and harm prevention, while simultaneously observing its 15-year anniversary since its inception in 2010.

In addition, a total of six new projects have been approved to tap into a collective fund valued at SEK 5m for research purposes.

Sara Lindholm Larsson, Research Council Chair, said: “It is a favour and a privilege to be able to contribute to the development of knowledge and evidence in this important subject. 

“Through research, we can better understand what drives unhealthy gaming and which interventions really have an effect.”

Anders Håkansson is the researcher who will get the most out of this year’s communal grant, a total of SEK 1m, to explore the future prospects of gambling harm-related care procedures, as well as the suicide prevention.

Another equally valued project is that of Olof Molander, which will analyse the implementation of internet-CBT for gambling disorder and comorbidity.

Elisabet Jerlhag Holm is another stand-out participant thanks to her project researching the correlation between gambling addiction and GLP-1 – a medication first developed against diabetes but which has also shown promise in fighting compulsive behaviours.

Emma Claesdotter-Knutsson will receive a grant of SEK 750,000 to evaluate the effects of family programmes within social services on youth gaming participation rates.

Sabina Kapetanovic will also utilise SEK 750,000 in funding to focus on underage demographics, particularly mid-adolescents and how gambling affects their mental health.

And last but not least, Johan Svensson has secured a SEK 700,000 grant to provide a wider and up-to-date public health perspective on gambling in Sweden.

Anna Johnson, President and CEO of Svenska Spel, concluded: “Passing SEK 100m in research support shows that we are serious about our long-term responsibility. 

“The research has provided new knowledge about everything from young people’s gambling habits to how healthcare can be developed – insights that make society better equipped to prevent gambling problems and create safer gambling.”