A global health commission warns about online gambling’s growing threat to public health. The Lancet’s 22-member commission found current regulations inadequate. The commission’s report highlights the rapid growth of online gambling and its potential impact on 72 million people worldwide.
Louisa Degenhardt, the commission’s lead, emphasized that gambling is no longer casual entertainment. She explained that commercial operators aggressively target potential gamblers, driving industry growth. Legal gambling exists in over 80% of countries, allowing online casinos and slot machines to operate widely. Research shows that 16% of adults and 26% of adolescents who gamble online develop gambling disorders. Similarly, 9% of adults and 16% of adolescents betting on sports face addiction risks.
In the U.S., sports betting expanded significantly after a 2018 Supreme Court ruling. Thirty-eight states and Washington, D.C., now permit sports betting. A 2022 Pew survey revealed that 19% of U.S. adults had placed a sports bet in the previous year. The report also links gambling to severe social and health issues like job loss, family conflict, health deterioration, and increased risks of suicide and domestic violence.
Online Platforms and Calls for Stricter Regulations
Online gambling platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel intensify gambling risks. These platforms offer constant access and use targeted advertising, making it difficult for gamblers to stop. Heather Wardle, a commission researcher, noted the challenges of disengagement due to continuous availability.
FanDuel stated its support for a regulated market, offering features for users to set gambling limits. DraftKings also has similar measures but declined to comment on the report. The commission criticized governments for weak gambling controls and called for stronger public health protections.
The commission’s recommendations include stricter advertising controls, public education on gambling’s risks, and support systems for affected individuals. Countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and Ontario have already imposed advertising restrictions. Germany and Spain enforce operating limits and loss caps for online betting platforms.
Alan Feldman from the University of Nevada’s Gaming Institute argued that existing safeguards are often misunderstood. He stressed the need for personal responsibility in gambling decisions. Previous studies link online sports betting to higher rates of substance use disorders and psychological distress. Wardle called for urgent regulatory action, emphasizing the severe health risks posed by expanded gambling access.
