Provider Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa (SCML) on Tuesday expressed its commitment to finding answers to combat scratch card addiction, acknowledging that it is a problem that affects the people the institution most supports and is causing concern.
Ana Jorge commented to Lusa on the results of a study published on Tuesday by the Economic and Social Council (CES), according to which in Portugal about 100 thousand adults have problems with scratch card gambling, of which about 30 thousand have pathological gambling disorder.
Frequent use of scratch cards is more common among people with low incomes, low levels of education and women, according to the study, which included 2,554 interviews.
Noting that SCML has not yet considered the study’s findings, Ana Jorge assured that the institution will analyze them and “talk to those who understand the subject, people who deal with addiction issues.”
He also assured that SCML is “obviously prepared to find and respond to some of the issues that have been identified.”
However, he admitted that the institution already had “a lot of concern” because it also already knew “in a certain way – not scientifically, because no such study has been done – the characteristics of people who play more scratch cards.”
“We have noticed, and this is supported by the data that I have seen in the media, that this corresponds to the population most in need, the most struggling, the elderly, and also often those with other types of addiction,” the provider said.
In his opinion, this issue needs to be considered and posed from the point of view of treating addictions, which are a mental health problem, “rather than having a single and very linear solution.”
Ana Jorge noted that Santa Casa’s social games are also a way to regulate gambling. However, since scratch card is played on paper and not “online” like other games, it is more difficult to control, so alternatives must be found to deal with this situation.
He stressed the need for prevention, namely by providing information at points of sale and educating gambling dealers to pay attention, especially to certain people.
But he acknowledged that people find it difficult to gamble “in the sense of immediacy”: “Essentially, they are betting one euro, 50 cents, on the possibility of an immediate return, and this immediate return is the problem, at least from the point of view of , what is”. is perceived as being caught in a vicious circle of play.”
“We also need to pay attention to these characteristics of the population, increase literacy, increase knowledge,” because this is a “social problem” that affects the people that Santa Casa “supports the most, who are the most vulnerable people with the greatest needs.” for social or medical support,” he said, recalling that the purpose of social games is to allow money to be invested and resources to support this population.
The provider also noted that gambling should not be encouraged and that “the scratch card does not contain any advertising”, unlike other games, as “this game is different from others.”
He also mentioned that SCML is collaborating with the Services for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies (SICAD) and that it would probably “make sense to strengthen that relationship at this point.”
SCML has a responsible gaming support line (214193721, open from 2pm to 6pm and an email at [email protected], which “is the first step to ensure that a person can be helped,” Ana Jorge said.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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