Does Gambling Impact Health? New Study Says Nearly 80 Mn Adults Experience Gambling Disorder

A study published in Lancet Public Health says harms caused by gambling are more severe than thought, intensified by the rapid global growth and the industry's shift towards digital platforms.

Gambling Disorder: A new study published in The Lancet Public Health has revealed that nearly 80 million adults globally suffer from gambling disorder, highlighting the widespread and severe health impact of commercial gambling. The findings, presented by the Lancet Public Health Commission that has called for regulatory reform, indicate that the harms from gambling have been significantly underestimated and are exacerbated by the rapid expansion of digital gambling platforms.

According to the report, gambling-related harm extends far beyond financial loss. It includes physical and mental health issues, such as addiction, relationship breakdowns, increased risk of suicide, domestic violence, and heightened crime rates. The global gambling industry's growth, driven by sophisticated digital technologies, has made it easier to access gambling, with many individuals facing difficulties in controlling their engagement.

The commission’s review estimates that approximately 448.7 million adults experience some form of gambling-related harm, with 80 million classified as having “gambling disorder” or “problematic gambling”. The study shows that these harms disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children, adolescents, and individuals from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds. Lower- and middle-income countries are particularly at risk, as they lack robust regulatory frameworks to manage the rising impact of gambling.

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‘A Casino In Their Pocket, 24 Hours A Day’

Professor Heather Wardle, co-chair of the commission from the University of Glasgow, stressed the urgent need for global attention to the issue, noting that gambling today is driven by large technology companies, making it far more accessible than traditional gambling models. “Anyone with a mobile phone now has access to what is essentially a casino in their pocket, 24 hours a day,” Wardle said, underscoring the danger of unregulated digital gambling, and highlighting the “phenomenal” growth trajectory of the industry. “Highly sophisticated marketing and technology make it easier to start, and harder to stop gambling, and many products now use design mechanics to encourage repeated and longer engagement.”

In addition to financial losses, the commission report highlighted how gambling is linked to severe social and health consequences, such as family disintegration and increased suicide risk. Adolescents and children are especially vulnerable, with digital gambling often integrated into video games, enticing young users with "game-like" features that promote excessive engagement.

The report also sheds light on the gambling industry's complex ecosystem, which uses digital marketing, media sponsorship, and fintech innovations to promote gambling. It further criticises the industry's influence over public policy, often undermining legitimate scientific discourse on the health risks of gambling.

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Commission Calls For Global Alliance To Address Gambling Issue

Dr. Kristiana Siste, from Universitas Indonesia, emphasised the need for stronger global regulations to protect children and adolescents. “We know that early exposure to gambling increases the risk of developing gambling disorders later in life,” she said, adding that many countries are ill-equipped to combat the global reach of online gambling.

The commission’s findings also raise concerns about the potential of gambling to exacerbate social inequalities, particularly in regions where regulatory measures are weak. With commercial gambling available in over 80% of countries, there is growing fear that the industry could derail progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially in reducing inequality and poverty.

Dr. Charles Livingstone from Monash University in Australia stressed that regulatory reform must be a priority for all nations, regardless of whether gambling is legal. The commission has called for tighter controls on gambling marketing, restrictions on its availability, and the provision of universal support and treatment for individuals harmed by gambling. Additionally, it advocates for international cooperation to tackle gambling harms, calling for a coordinated response from organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).

The commission concluded by urging policymakers to treat gambling as a public health crisis on par with other addictive industries like alcohol and tobacco, and called for the establishment of a global alliance to address the issue.