Banning Gambling Advertising in Sweden: An Argument in Favor of Coercive Paternalistic Action

Abstract: The increasing amounts of gambling advertising within Sweden have generated discussions about the harm it may cause to the Swedish population, and how responsibility needs to be taken by the government in order to minimize the damage made by the encouragement of this hazardous consumption. This essay will present arguments in favor of coercive paternalistic action in the shape of a ban on all gambling advertisement, and put forward further arguments as to why this approach is not only justified and necessary, but favorable to soft paternalistic action and libertarian paternalistic action. It will be concluded that coercive paternalism is the level of paternalism which will have the greatest possible impact with the smallest possible cost, this in terms of balancing wellbeing with autonomy. As such, the population of Sweden will be able to continue exercising their freedom to gamble, but will not be exposed to encouragement of doing so by companies existing to exploit the financial desperation and disposition to addiction of persons.