A study by The Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling reveals that gambling poses a greater threat to public health worldwide than previously understood. The rapid growth of online and mobile gambling has made access to casinos as easy as reaching into your pocket. Researchers are now urging governments to treat gambling with the same level of scrutiny as tobacco and alcohol. According to the study, nearly 16% of adults who engage in online casinos or slot machines face gambling-related disorders, with children increasingly at risk.
A Global Perspective
“As part of our study, we brought together over 20 international public health experts to review global regulations and research on gambling. Our focus was to understand the global impact of the commercial gambling industry, particularly its growth in low- and middle-income countries,” says Professor Heather Wardle from the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Glasgow, co-author of the report.
The commission highlighted the lack of regulatory infrastructure in many of these countries, making them particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of gambling. The team also proposed a set of recommendations for regulating gambling to protect public health.
The Hidden Costs of Gambling
The report estimates that around 450 million people worldwide have experienced gambling-related risks, such as financial issues, relationship breakdowns, job loss, and mental health struggles. Of this group, approximately 80 million suffer from problematic gambling, which can lead to severe consequences, including a heightened risk of suicide.
“Many countries are liberalizing gambling regulations due to the economic benefits and revenue generated by the industry. However, gambling also carries significant hidden social costs that are hard to quantify and often overlooked by policymakers. The question is whether it’s possible to develop the gambling industry while adequately protecting citizens from its harmful effects,” notes Professor Wardle.
The Impact of Technology
The growing accessibility of the internet and mobile phones allows the gambling industry to reach more people than ever, including teenagers and younger children. With smartphones providing 24/7 access to online casinos, gambling has become more pervasive. Advanced technologies embedded in gambling apps make it easy to start but challenging to stop.
“Gambling has become a digital commodity. Companies use sophisticated data analytics and marketing strategies to lure new customers. This global expansion of the gambling industry lacks robust regulatory safeguards, creating a deeply concerning public health risk,” explains Wardle.
Vulnerable Groups: Children and Adolescents
Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to gambling-related harm. A systematic review and meta-analysis commissioned by the study found that nearly 16% of teenagers engaging in online casinos or slot machines experience addiction, compared to 9% of adults. Among those betting on sports, 26.4% of teenagers and 16% of adults face similar issues.
“The risk is especially high among socio-economically disadvantaged groups. In some cases, gambling mechanics are even embedded in video games,” Wardle points out.
Regulatory Challenges
One of the study’s key findings was the inconsistency in enforcing age restrictions for gambling worldwide. “Nearly everywhere, the law prohibits minors and children from gambling, but enforcement is often weak. For example, in some African countries, age restrictions exist in principle but lack proper oversight. Strict age verification processes and strong regulatory bodies are urgently needed,” Wardle emphasizes.
The report calls for fines and license revocation for companies that fail to comply with regulations. It also recommends banning gambling advertisements to prevent normalizing gambling as a standard activity, particularly among children.
“Advertising positions gambling as harmless entertainment, but we must treat it as a risky behavior with potential public health consequences. We shouldn’t normalize gambling for children,” says Wardle.
Global Standards and Solutions
To mitigate harm, the gambling industry often portrays itself as a source of economic benefits, such as tax revenue and employment opportunities. In response, regulators worldwide have shifted from banning gambling to regulating it.
“We advocate for universal regulatory standards, including advertising restrictions, loss limits in gambling games, free and affordable treatment options for those affected, and awareness campaigns to educate the public about gambling risks,” Wardle suggests.
The commission also underscores the need for a global initiative recognizing gambling as a public health issue. It calls on UN agencies and intergovernmental organizations to include gambling in their health strategies. Additionally, the researchers propose creating an international task force to reduce the harms caused by gambling.
“Gambling is a global problem requiring global solutions. We must act now to protect the most vulnerable populations and prevent further harm,” Wardle concludes.
