Scary statistics from AFP article about problem gambling

[The Buzz]

In an article about Albania passing a law banning sports betting and other forms of gambling beginning 1 January 2019, AFP presents the following statistics:

According to a study by the University of Tirana, one out of four gamblers has attempted suicide at least once. Another 70 percent have struggled with stress and psychological problems

According to Tirana lawyer Vjollca Pustina, about 70 per cent of divorce cases brought to court in the capital this year have been linked to gambling.

According to official figures, Albanians spend about €140 million to €150 million on sports betting annually, which amounts to 70 per cent of what the average family spends on healthcare. But when accounting for illegal betting, the real figure is estimated to be around €700 million, according to the government.

Of course, surrounding these stats are stories about Albanian residents who have committed suicide and been divorced due to gambling, with the disclaimer, "There are scores of other families who have been ruptured by the destructive addiction."

While Buzzy doesn't doubt the veracity and seriousness of these stories, we wish the numbers (especially the one claiming that at 1 in 4 gamblers has attempted suicide) came with some context. How do they define gamblers? What's the definition of "struggling" with stress? When was this study done and how? Is this restricted to "gamblers" in Albania?

Check out the complete article here and let us know your thoughts: https://www.straitstimes.com/world/e...n-the-new-year

[Cash Bonus]

Nothing is worth taking your own life for. If gambling is really an addiction problem for anyone, they need to seek professional help. Different governments throughout the world will do their best to ban all forms of gambling, not just in Albania.

[matthewt]

Maybe the claim of 1 in 4 is true. If it is, then maybe something is behind the reason. It's all guess-work, until a reporter goes to Albania and conducts an investigation, right?