The Ministry of Digital Transformation has developed a Strategy to minimize the negative impact of gambling and combat gaming addiction by 2035.
The Ministry of Digital Transformation has developed a Strategy to minimize the negative impact of gambling and combat gaming addiction by 2035.
As noted in the ministry’s press release, the key aspect of the document is preventing this negative phenomenon, rather than combating its consequences.
It is also reported that in this document, the state officially defines gambling as a factor that threatens not only people’s well-being, but also national security.
In the context of combating gambling addiction, the following is provided, among other things:
«The new policy establishes the creation of a full cycle of support: from informing the population about the risks and ways to get help to the treatment, rehabilitation, and return to normal life of people with gaming addiction,» the Ministry of Digital Affairs promises.
The Ministry of Health, which will be responsible for the medical component of this system, plans to introduce screening for gaming addiction, create clear patient routes, update treatment approaches, and expand access to mental health services.
«We are particularly focusing on supporting families who have suffered financial and psychological consequences. We will train doctors, psychologists, and social workers to work with such cases,» the Ministry of Digital Transformation assures.
It is reported that more than 40 government bodies and institutions will be involved in the implementation of the strategy.
The document is currently available for discussion and submission of proposals.
As dev.ua previously reported, according to Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation Natalya Denikeeva, there are currently almost 15,000 people on the register of game addicts. But the Ministry of Digital Affairs admits that this is only a small part of those citizens who truly have a gaming addiction.
The head of the newly created state agency «PlayCity» Gennady Novikov stated that the existing Register of Game Addicts performs its functions, but does not have all the necessary functionality.
