New research from the Lancet Public Health Commission states that the easier access to gambling games today may pose a threat to public health. In the report, Time for a Public Health Response to Gambling, the conclusion is that since gambling is expanding around the world, it could lead to significant problems, not just to a person's health but also to a person's relationships as well as finances.

The rise of global gambling is on a scale never seen before, pushing society toward an impending public health crisis unless governments take immediate action, warns new research from a team of health experts. A recent study by the Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling reveals that the continued expansion of gambling worldwide, fueled by increasing legalization and the migration to online platforms, threatens not only individual well-being but also financial and social stability.

The Lancet's report, called "Time for a Public Health Response to Gambling," delivers a call to action, highlighting the wide-reaching impact of global gaming, including online forms that have made gambling accessible around the clock to anyone with a smartphone.

Report findings on gambling as a public health issue

The Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling, composed of 22 doctors and PhD experts in public policy and health, investigated the societal impact of gambling. The researchers argue that the rapid growth of gambling across different countries, including new states and nations legalizing casino gaming, creates far-reaching harms affecting a person's mental and physical health, relationships, and finances.

The commission contends that policymakers have long neglected gambling-related harms, focusing instead on individual responsibility rather than acknowledging the industry's role. With gambling revenues expected to reach almost $700 billion annually by 2028 and around 80% of countries permitting some form of gambling, the Lancet team urges governments to shift their approach. Governments are conflicted, the report states, as they often gain tax revenue from a profitable industry while neglecting to consider the consequences on public health.

Gambling's migration to online platforms

One of the report's central concerns is the ease with which people can gamble online. "Traditional gambling products, such as lotteries and bingo, now have faster cycles and are accessible via smartphone apps," states the commission. Games and platforms once considered relatively low-risk now resemble online casino environments, constantly available at users' fingertips.

Heather Wardle, Co-Chair of the Commission and a gambling researcher at the University of Glasgow, highlighted the impact of advanced marketing techniques and technology. She states that anyone with a mobile phone now essentially has access to a casino 24 hours a day. Sophisticated marketing and technology make it easier to start and harder to stop, she adds.

The report warns of the addictive nature of online gambling products, which are designed for rapid interaction and are more intense than traditional gambling forms. Slot machines, once confined to casinos, are now on screens everywhere, encouraging continuous engagement and often excessive spending.

Recommendations for change

The commission calls on policymakers to adopt a public health approach to gambling, similar to efforts seen with tobacco and alcohol. They advocate for stricter gambling regulations, emphasizing the need to limit exposure by reducing or prohibiting gambling advertising. Additionally, the commission proposes universal support systems to aid those impacted by gambling-related harms, moving away from a system that places the responsibility on individuals to seek help.

"Current policies keep the focus on individuals with gambling problems, effectively diverting attention from the role of the commercial gambling ecosystem itself," the report asserts. By prioritizing responsible gambling programs that target individuals, the researchers argue, governments overlook the inherently addictive design of gambling products and the broader reach of online gambling.

A call for government action

The commission anticipates opposition from the gambling industry, which often cites the popularity of gambling as a harmless form of entertainment for most players. The industry will claim their products are enjoyed by millions without adverse effects, the report notes, but such assertions are misleading. The commission believes that governments should prioritize public health over industry profit, adopting regulations that safeguard citizens from the risks of gambling addiction.

The American Gaming Association, in response, talked about various industry initiatives to promote responsible gambling. Joe Maloney, AGA's Senior VP of Strategic Communications, said, "The industry has made significant investments towards advancing responsible gaming initiatives and expanding consumer resources." The AGA affirmed its commitment to dialogue and adopting best practices that support safer gambling environments.

The Lancet report concludes that government intervention is essential. "Governments have a duty to protect their citizens from harmful and addictive products and to adopt a public health response to gambling," the commission states, urging immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with the unchecked growth of global gambling.