Gambling during economic downturns: a comparative Nordic study of gambling revenue data

Background: Gambling expenditure is influenced by a range of individual-level and societal factors. Changes in these may also impact gambling consumption. Yet, little research has investigated how macroeconomic changes, such as changes in disposable income and economic downturns, translate to gambling consumption. Some forms of gambling may be impacted by economic downturns, but no comparative evidence is available. Methods: The current study uses longitudinal gambling company revenue data (2019–2022) and household disposable income data to chart how economic fluctuations and downturns during the early 2020s have impacted gambling consumption at a product category level in three Nordic countries (Sweden, Finland, and Denmark). Results: Results show that overall, Nordic gambling markets were not affected by changes in household disposable income during this period. However, at product category level, we found a significant negative association between disposable income and lotteries and EGMs in Sweden, as well as a significant positive association between disposable income and online casinos and betting in Finland. Conclusion: Gambling is not ordinary leisure consumption, and the consumption of gambling can even increase during financial uncertainty. However, these processes can vary across contexts based on differences in gambling provision and baseline gambling consumption.