Gambling’s global reach is vast, legal in some form within more then 80% of the nearly 200 countries worldwide. But this widespread accessibility has raised concerns, particularly about the burgeoning online gambling landscape and its potential impact on public health.
A recent report from the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, an autonomous institution dedicated to gambling reform, paints a worrisome picture. This group, with expertise in lobbying practices within both British and American gambling industries, emphasizes its commitment to data-driven policymaking.
Their research reveals a concerning statistic: approximately 16% of adults and 26% of adolescents who engage in online gambling display signs of a gambling disorder. the figures are equally alarming for sports betting, with 9% of adults and 16% of adolescents exhibiting problematic gambling behaviors.
Adding fuel to the fire, the world Health Organization (WHO) projects a staggering $700 billion global market for legal online gambling by 2028. The U.S.is expected to bear a considerable brunt of this,with projections estimating losses of at least $1 trillion to the online gambling market by the same year. This follows a 2021 UN report estimating annual losses of up to $1.7 trillion in illicit betting markets.
Reflecting this trend, a 2022 Pew Research survey found that 19% of U.S. adults placed sports bets within the past year,whether in person or online.
The WHO emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive, population-wide public health policies designed to mitigate the detrimental effects of gambling and address its addictive nature.
Among their seven key recommendations is a call to end the ubiquitous advertising, promotion, and sponsorship of gambling within sports and other activities. However, it appears that many states are disregarding these WHO strategies, perhaps exposing themselves and regulators to legal challenges.
The aggressive tactics employed by online gambling platforms to attract new customers and fuel addiction are also a cause for concern. A current lawsuit against DraftKings, for example, alleges that the company actively ”nurtured” a gambler’s addiction.
YieldSec, a gambling software security company commissioned by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, has shed light on the dangers of online gambling.
YieldSec estimates that the illegal online gambling market in the U.S. reached over $40 billion in 2023. However, enforcement remains a challenge, with illegal operators often stepping in to fill the void when others are shut down.
The Campaign for Fairer Gambling maintains that promoting legal gambling as a means of reducing addiction or eliminating illegal gambling is misleading and ultimately unsustainable.
For individuals struggling with problem gambling,the National Council on Problem Gambling provides valuable resources,including a state-by-state tool to locate help and a list of critical phone numbers for support.
How can policymakers effectively address the public health challenges associated with the rise of online gambling?
Interview with Dr.Sarah Thompson: Understanding the Global Impact of Online Gambling
Editor (Time.news): Thank you for joining us today,Dr. Thompson. With gambling now legal in various forms across more than 80% of the world’s countries, what are the most pressing public health concerns associated with this widespread accessibility?
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. The expansion of gambling, especially online, raises important public health concerns. The data we have from the Campaign for Fairer Gambling shows that about 16% of adults and 26% of adolescents who gamble online show signs of a gambling disorder. These numbers are alarming. Coupled with the rise in popularity of sports betting—where 9% of adults and 16% of adolescents exhibit problematic behaviors—we are indeed facing a critical issue.
Editor: Those statistics are certainly concerning.With the World Health Organization predicting a $700 billion global market for online gambling by 2028, how do you think this will affect gambling behaviors in the U.S.?
Dr. Thompson: The forecast of $1 trillion losses to the online gambling market in the U.S. by 2028 is particularly significant. It highlights not only financial implications but also suggests a potential increase in gambling addiction, especially among vulnerable populations.The WHO’s emphasis on developing extensive public health policies is urgent. Without such measures, the negative social and health impacts could widen.
Editor: The WHO has recommended an end to the advertising and sponsorship of gambling, especially in sports. Why do you think many states are not following this guidance?
Dr. Thompson: There’s a complex interplay of interests at work here. States often view gambling as a revenue source and may disregard WHO recommendations due to potential political and financial repercussions. This short-sightedness risks exposing states to legal challenges, especially as lawsuits, like the one against DraftKings, spotlight the aggressive marketing practices that can exacerbate gambling addiction.
Editor: Speaking of aggressive marketing, the lawsuit against DraftKings mentions that they “nurtured” an individual’s gambling addiction. What practices from online platforms are most concerning in your opinion?
Dr. Thompson: Online platforms often employ elegant targeting techniques to attract new gamblers. They utilize aggressive promotions, bonuses, and targeted advertising, which can effectively hook individuals, especially those already predisposed to addictive behaviors. It’s concerning that these platforms often prioritize profit over public health and safety.
Editor: The illegal online gambling market is estimated to have reached over $40 billion in the U.S. in 2023. What barriers exist that prevent effective enforcement against these illegal operators?
Dr. Thompson: Enforcement is particularly challenging due to the internet’s global nature. Illegal operators are quick to adapt and often resurface even after being shut down. Additionally, regulatory frameworks in different states and countries vary considerably, complicating efforts for unified enforcement. the Campaign for fairer Gambling suggests that promoting legal gambling as a solution to addiction is fundamentally flawed, and we need to rethink our strategies.
Editor: What advice can you offer individuals who might be struggling with gambling addiction?
Dr. Thompson: for those affected by problem gambling,I highly recommend reaching out to the National Council on Problem Gambling. They provide comprehensive resources, including a state-by-state locator tool for assistance and critical contact numbers. It’s crucial for individuals to seek help early and understand that they’re not alone in this struggle.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Thompson. The implications of online gambling on public health are profound, and it’s essential for both policymakers and individuals to take these findings seriously.
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s important to engage in continuous dialog about the impacts of gambling and advocate for stronger policy measures that prioritize public health.