VAD STÅR PÅ SPEL? : En studie av hur spel om pengar konstrueras som ett socialt problem i kommunala styrdokument

Sammanfattning: The aim of this paper is to examine the construction of problems with gambling as a social problem. We have through a document study examined the intertwined causes, consequences, actors and solutions related to gambling and how twentyone Swedish municipalities define gambling through their official strategies. In regard to rather recent changes in the law (SFS 2001:453) with added responsibility to the municipalities, gambling is now a part of addiction. Our results show that few regulatory documents mention causes behind gambling disorder and most of the municipalities focus on solutions. The choice and use of terms seems to vary and to what extent they mention gambling as a part of their social work. We have also observed that a conjunction between mental health issues and gambling problems are described as both cause and consequence, which appears necessary to be recognized during treatment. We consider that our result also shows a possible variety in the attitudes and ideas of what a gambling addiction or abuse means for the individuals and/or the society as a whole. In summary it appears that regarding where one lives in Sweden, the care for gamblers in need of support will continue to differ.