Aruba study finds 25% of recent gamblers show elevated risk
Regulation2 min read
A study commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the Temporary Organisation found that 25% of surveyed recent gamblers in Aruba fell into moderate- or high-risk categories. The survey covered 720 adults; the researchers cautioned that its non-random recruitment and screening measure do not establish gambling disorder or represent a complete population measure.
Of the gamblers examined, 20% fall into the moderate-risk category and 5% into the high-risk category. The research was carried out among 720 adult residents of Aruba. The study was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) and the Tijdelijke Werkorganisatie (TWO).
According to the report, 64% of the adults surveyed had taken part in at least one form of gambling in the twelve months before the survey. The risk categories are based on the short version of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). They cover only recent gamblers for whom a valid score was available. The report states that the results do not mean a quarter of all people in Aruba have a gambling problem. It describes the PGSI as a screening instrument for risky gambling behaviour rather than a clinical diagnosis of gambling addiction.
The researchers also examined the availability of support services, and 65% of respondents think there is insufficient help for people with gambling problems. The report says this figure reflects respondents' perception and is not an objective measure of care capacity on the island.
The report lists methodological limitations: the 720 participants were recruited in public places rather than through a random sample. The results were weighted afterwards by age and gender, but the report says possible selection effects cannot be fully ruled out. The report says it gives a first extensive picture of gambling participation and risky play in Aruba but is not a complete measure of the whole adult population.
The Aruban government announced on 2 November 2026 that it had received the research report. The report is intended to contribute to the further development of gambling policy and player protection on the island. The researchers worked with the Kansspelautoriteit Aruba, which is currently being established. This supervisor is to be responsible for licensing, supervision and enforcement within the gambling sector.