The Rise of Online Betting: A Public Health Threat

Online betting has become a global phenomenon, booming across the world and posing a serious threat to public health, according to a new report.

A Global Warning

The report, published Thursday by the medical journal The Lancet, comes from a public health commission on gambling convened by the prominent publication. Its panel of 22 expert academics from over a dozen countries reviewed extensive research on gambling’s impact. Their findings paint a concerning picture: current global regulations are inadequate in protecting the public from the harms associated with gambling.

“We’re not talking about people playing cards around a table anymore,” said Louisa Degenhardt, the commission’s epidemiology lead, a professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, highlighting the evolution of gambling into a more pervasive force. “Many people might be experiencing real harm from gambling – we think that it’s probably around 72 million people globally. That number is likely to increase, as we are seeing the increase in commercial organizations targeting people to gamble more.”

Escalating Impacts

The report quantifies the problem significantly:

• Gambling is legal in some capacity in over 80% of countries worldwide.
• 16% of adults and 26% of adolescents who use online casino or slot products have gambling disorders.
• 9% of adults and 16% of adolescents who use sports betting products have such disorders.

Here in the United States, sports betting has exploded following the Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling striking down a national ban. 38 states and Washington, D.C., have legalized it since then, with 30 permitting and regulating mobile sports betting.

Even casual gamblers and family members of those struggling with gambling problems face consequences. Financial losses, job insecurity, relationship breakdowns, and health issues are just some of the immediate and long-lasting burdens the report identifies.

The Digital Danger

The report emphasizes the unprecedented role online gambling plays in this escalating problem. It points to legal sports betting apps like DraftKings and FanDuel, online casinos, and virtual slot machines as prime examples of how the accessibility and targeting of online platforms contribute to the issue.

“The accessibility is now 24/7,” said Heather Wardle, a researcher on the commission and a professor at the University of Glasgow. “They can target advertising to you that they know you will respond to. It makes it incredibly difficult to switch off. … Any greater exposure to gambling is associated with greater harms.”

Calls for Stricter Action

The report calls for a comprehensive approach to tackle this public health crisis.

Key recommendations include:

• Restricting gambling access and advertising
• Launching awareness campaigns about gambling’s negative consequences
• Providing more robust support for those affected by gambling problems
• Implementing and enforcing minimum age requirements and betting limits

The report acknowledges that various states and countries are already taking steps in these directions. However, it stresses that a global, coordinated effort is essential to mitigate the harm caused by the rapidly expanding gambling industry.

Seeking Help and Support

Gambling addiction is a treatable condition. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available.

Reach out to reputable organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling here for confidential support and guidance.