Bosnia and Herzegovina, country with one of the largest number of betting per capita in Europe, is testifying to the dramatic increase of pathological gambling. Behind the statistics showing billions in traffic, destroyed families, lost generations and silent social collapse are hidden. The youngest pathological gambler in BiH is only 15 years old.
The illusion of winnings
According to the FBiH Tax Administration, the total turnover of sports bookmakers in 2024. year amounted to 1,622,623,024 KM. In a society that struggles with unemployment, inflation and inequalities, bookmakers offer illusions of fast earnings and for many become “last hope”. In transition chaos are often ignored by the consequences that remain deeply engraved in the community tissue.
Gambling experts do not observe as a vice but as a progressive disease that progresses through four phases, as follows: winning phase – addict see gains as confirmation of its value; Losing phase – Unexpected losses are interpreted as “bad luck”; Stage of despair – Losses become a logical sequence and phase of hopelessness – no more exit, gambler tone.
Experts warn that generational gap and economic insecurity affect the development of addiction, while society often silently or normalizes this pattern of behavior. Sociologist Vladimir Vasić points out for “Dnevni Avaz” that the pathological gambling is the disease of modern society with serious consequences.
– We don’t talk more only about the individual who loses money, but about the collapse of his family, professional and social identity. Gambling leads to neglect of family and social obligations, and can be a trigger for other destructive forms of behavior – theft, violence. We, as a cube dependent, do not see, as we do not see alcohol or narcotic addicts, while their addiction does not disturb the social order. The gambling is only spoken when it ends tragically – says sociologist Vasić for “Avaz”.
Spiral of crime
Psychologist Cedomir Novaković points out that gambling most often resorts to those who are already in trouble.
– The most risky form of deviation is a cube, because it is fast, anonymously and available. People lose large sums of money in a very short time, which often leads to spirals of crime and violence – says Novakovic.
While statistics grow, and betting spreads, the question that remains is – where is the output? The Company must recognize gambling as a systemic problem, not an individual vice. Prevention, Education and Support Strategies are needed, in order to interrupt the vicious circle in which generations are lost.
