The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged immediate and coordinated global efforts to address the harms linked to gambling with cautioning that the industry’s rapid growth presents serious risks to public health and societal welfare.
In its latest fact sheet on gambling, WHO emphasized the importance of comprehensive measures to prevent and mitigate gambling-related harms. It identified banning advertising, sponsorship and promotions as an essential first step in addressing the issue. The organization also called for stricter regulations, which also includes universal registration systems with mandatory loss limits and tighter controls on gambling products and their availability.
The WHO noted that gambling disorders affect approximately 1.2% of the global adult population and highlighted the broader societal harms caused by gambling. Additionally, it stated about a research results, which showed that individuals gambling at harmful levels generate about 60% of the industry’s revenue, with stressing the sector’s dependence on its most vulnerable users.
They highlighted about higher rates of mental illness, domestic violence, and suicide as significant consequences. Moreover, they emphasized that gambling opportunities are frequently concentrated in economically disadvantaged areas.
The WHO sharply criticized the industry’s responsible gambling strategies with calling them “ineffective” and unfairly placing responsibility on individuals. They argued that mandatory prevention tools are more effective than voluntary approaches, which, in contrast, are often poorly adopted and difficult to enforce. They also mentioned about the gambling industry’s impact on shaping government policies and research initiatives.
With acknowledging the global inconsistencies in gambling regulation, the WHO urged member states to enhance monitoring and oversight of gambling activities. It also plans to share effective practices, particularly to help low and middle-income countries with rapidly growing gambling markets.
The WHO mentioned:
In its latest fact sheet on gambling, WHO emphasized the importance of comprehensive measures to prevent and mitigate gambling-related harms. It identified banning advertising, sponsorship and promotions as an essential first step in addressing the issue. The organization also called for stricter regulations, which also includes universal registration systems with mandatory loss limits and tighter controls on gambling products and their availability.
The WHO noted that gambling disorders affect approximately 1.2% of the global adult population and highlighted the broader societal harms caused by gambling. Additionally, it stated about a research results, which showed that individuals gambling at harmful levels generate about 60% of the industry’s revenue, with stressing the sector’s dependence on its most vulnerable users.
They highlighted about higher rates of mental illness, domestic violence, and suicide as significant consequences. Moreover, they emphasized that gambling opportunities are frequently concentrated in economically disadvantaged areas.
RG measures considered unsuccessful
The WHO sharply criticized the industry’s responsible gambling strategies with calling them “ineffective” and unfairly placing responsibility on individuals. They argued that mandatory prevention tools are more effective than voluntary approaches, which, in contrast, are often poorly adopted and difficult to enforce. They also mentioned about the gambling industry’s impact on shaping government policies and research initiatives.
With acknowledging the global inconsistencies in gambling regulation, the WHO urged member states to enhance monitoring and oversight of gambling activities. It also plans to share effective practices, particularly to help low and middle-income countries with rapidly growing gambling markets.
The WHO mentioned:
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