Gambling Addiction: A Growing Global Threat, According to Experts

A new report published in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet raises serious concerns about the escalating dangers of online betting and commercial gambling. The report, compiled by a commission of 22 academic experts from around the world, highlights the urgent need for stronger global regulations to protect public health.

Rising Popularity, Growing Concerns

The commission’s findings reveal a stark reality: gambling, particularly online, is becoming increasingly accessible and pervasive. Online sports betting platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel, which exploded in popularity after the 2018 Supreme Court ruling legalizing sports betting in the US, exemplify this trend. Now, 38 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized the practice.

“The accessibility is now 24/7,” explains Heather Wardle, a researcher on the commission and professor of urban studies, social policy, and health 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.”

The Devastating Impact of Gambling Addiction

The report paints a grim picture of the consequences of unchecked gambling. It estimates that 72 million people globally are experiencing harm from gambling, a number expected to rise as commercial gambling continues to expand. Gambling addiction can lead to severe financial losses, job loss, relationship breakdown, and health problems. It can also increase the risk of suicide and domestic violence.

The report states that 16% of adults and 26% of adolescents who use online casino or slot products have gambling disorders. For those who use sports betting products, the rates are 9% of adults and 16% of adolescents.

Protecting Public Health: A Call for Action

The commission urges world governments to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with gambling. Their recommendations include:

• Restricting gambling access and advertising
• Implementing public awareness campaigns about the dangers of gambling
• Increasing access to support services for those struggling with gambling addiction
• Enforcing minimum age requirements and betting limits

The authors emphasize the need for a balanced approach that protects public health while acknowledging the legitimate role of gambling in society. “We know that gambling can be associated with very severe harms to health, to individuals, and it can be an addictive behavior,” says Wardle. “Our recommendations focus very much on that prioritization of protection of health and then the implementation of very strong regulatory systems to be able to protect public health while still permitting gambling to happen.”

It’s time to prioritize public health and address the growing threat of gambling addiction.