The Need for Stronger Global Gambling Regulation: Insights from a New Commission

Stronger global regulatory controls are imperative to mitigate the detrimental effects of commercial gambling on public health and wellbeing. This is the compelling conclusion drawn by a new Lancet Public Health Commission on gambling, which convened a multidisciplinary group of experts to analyze the profound implications of gambling on society. As the global landscape of gambling evolves, it is increasingly clear that enhanced regulatory frameworks are essential to safeguard individuals and communities against the harms associated with gambling activities.

A Comprehensive Investigation of Gambling Harms

The Commission synthesized a plethora of studies, culminating in a striking estimate: approximately 448.7 million adults worldwide engage in some form of risky gambling behavior. Among these, a staggering 80 million individuals are grappling with gambling disorder or problematic gambling. These figures represent just the tip of the iceberg, as they are believed to be conservative estimates. The systematic review highlighted that online gambling, particularly through casino and sports betting platforms, poses significant risks.

Notably, the analysis suggests that 15.8% of adults and 26.4% of adolescents engaging with online casino games exhibit signs of gambling disorder. Similarly, problematic gambling is evident in 8.9% of adults and 16.3% of adolescents who partake in sports betting. These trends underscore the urgent need to address the rapid expansion of online gambling, which has seen an exponential increase, facilitated by accessible technology and aggressive marketing strategies.

The High Cost of Gambling

While the financial ramifications of gambling, including substantial losses and potential ruin, are widely acknowledged, the impacts extend far beyond financial health. The Commission’s findings reveal a troubling association between commercial gambling and various negative outcomes, including:

• Mental health issues: Anxiety, depression, and other psychological disorders are prevalent among those affected by gambling.
• Interpersonal conflicts: Relationships and family structures often suffer, leading to breakdowns in communication and support systems.
• Elevated suicide risk: The despair linked to gambling can drive individuals to extreme outcomes, including self-harm.
• Domestic violence and crime: Gambling-related stress can increase incidences of violence, both within families and across communities.

Moreover, these harms do not impact demographics evenly; vulnerable populations, particularly children and adolescents, bear the brunt of gambling exposure due to pervasive advertising and gamified design mechanics integrated into online platforms and video games. The Commission highlights the need for immediate protective actions for these groups, emphasizing that early exposure can lead to lifelong gambling disorders.

Reevaluating Gambling Industry Practices

The Commission’s findings delve deep into the tactics employed by the gambling industry to promote its interests, often at the expense of public health. The combining forces of digital marketing, sophisticated consumer surveillance, and sports sponsorship create a robust ecosystem that continuously entices individuals to engage with gambling products.

Professor Malcolm Sparrow from Harvard Kennedy School articulates the industry’s contradiction between portraying gambling as harmless entertainment while communities face escalating threats from its harms. This disconnect calls for an urgent shift in how gambling is perceived and regulated.

Addressing Gambling-Era Inequalities

The expansion of commercial gambling is particularly pronounced in lower- and middle-income countries, where weak regulations exacerbate existing social inequalities. The Commission’s report posits that these gambling practices hinder progress toward key UN Sustainable Development Goals related to inequality, poverty alleviation, gender equity, and improved health.

Dr. Kristiana Siste from Universitas Indonesia highlights the dire situation where online gambling thrives despite prohibition due to ineffective national law enforcement. This underscores the need for a coordinated international approach to tackle the borderless nature of online gambling and its associated harms.

Call to Action: Global Leadership and Regulation

In response to the alarming trends, the Commission advocates for comprehensive gambling regulation in all countries, regardless of legal status. Recommendations encompass:

• Population exposure reduction: Implementing restrictions on access and advertising to lessen the visibility of gambling products.
• Universal support and treatment: Ensuring that affordable, effective services for those affected by gambling are widely available.
• Social marketing campaigns: Raising awareness about gambling harms through well-funded educational programs.

The call for action extends to international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) to integrate gambling as a public health priority in their agendas. The formation of a new alliance comprising individuals with lived experiences of gambling harms, researchers, and professionals is also essential for advocating systemic change and providing leadership.

Conclusion

The Lancet Public Health Commission’s findings are a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by the commercial gambling industry. As gambling evolves into a pervasive global phenomenon, the need for stronger regulatory frameworks has never been more urgent. By prioritizing gambling as a public health issue and implementing robust regulations, countries can work towards minimizing the harms and protecting vulnerable populations from the detrimental effects of gambling. Global leadership and cooperative efforts are essential in this endeavor to combat the widespread impacts of gambling and encourage a healthier, more informed society.