A recent report by an international health commission highlights the significant public health threats posed by the rapid expansion of online gambling. The commission, formed by The Lancet medical journal, comprises 22 experts from various countries who assessed current regulations and found them lacking in protecting the public from gambling-related harms.
Published on Thursday, the report indicates that the global commercial gambling industry has grown substantially due to the rise of online betting, which may impact around 72 million people worldwide. Louisa Degenhardt, an epidemiology expert leading the commission, emphasized that gambling has evolved beyond casual play, with commercial entities increasingly targeting potential gamblers.
The report reveals that gambling is legal to some extent in over 80% of countries. Based on a comprehensive review of research, the authors estimate that 16% of adults and 26% of adolescents engaging with online casinos or slot machines experience gambling disorders. Similarly, 9% of adults and 16% of adolescents involved in sports betting exhibit such disorders.
In the United States, the legalization of sports betting has surged since the Supreme Court lifted a federal ban in 2018, with 38 states and Washington, D.C. now permitting it. A Pew Research survey from 2022 noted that 19% of U.S. adults had placed a sports bet in the past year.
The report also highlights the broader impacts of gambling, which can lead to job losses, relationship issues, health problems, and increased risks of suicidality and domestic violence. Casual gamblers and the families of those with gambling problems can also suffer significant consequences.
Online gambling platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel are cited as contributing to this issue, providing 24/7 access and targeted advertising that can exacerbate gambling-related harms. Heather Wardle, a researcher on the commission, pointed out that such constant accessibility makes it difficult for individuals to disengage.
FanDuel responded by expressing support for a regulated marketplace that prioritizes customer protection, offering features that allow users to set limits on their gambling activities. DraftKings has similar measures in place, though it declined to comment directly on the report.
The commission criticized global governments for insufficiently addressing the harms associated with gambling and called for stronger public health protections. Recommendations include stricter controls on access and advertising, public awareness campaigns about gambling risks, and enhanced support for affected individuals. The authors urged governments to establish and enforce age restrictions and betting limits.
Some regions, like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ontario, have already implemented various advertising restrictions, while countries like Germany and Spain enforce operational limits and mandatory loss caps for online betting.
Alan Feldman, director of strategic initiatives at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ International Gaming Institute, noted that many suggested safeguards are already in place but argued that they often misunderstand responsible gaming. He emphasized the need for individual accountability in gambling decisions.
Previous studies have shown that online sports betting correlates with increased rates of substance use disorders and psychological distress, reinforcing concerns about the addictive nature of gambling.
Wardle reiterated the urgent need for protective measures, emphasizing the serious health risks associated with expanded gambling access. She called for robust regulatory systems to safeguard public health while still allowing for the continuation of gambling activities.
