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New Lancet Commission Urges Enhanced Regulation of the Global Gambling Sector

The Need for Stronger Global Regulation of Commercial Gambling: Insights from The Lancet Public Health Commission

Introduction

As commercial gambling continues to proliferate across the globe, it has become increasingly evident that strong and cohesive regulatory frameworks are essential to safeguard public health and well-being. In light of this urgent need, a new Commission from The Lancet Public Health has shed light on the escalating harms associated with gambling and the pressing necessity for comprehensive regulatory measures.

The Call to Action

The Commission, comprising a multidisciplinary group of scholars and practitioners with expertise in gambling studies, public health, and regulation, concluded that gambling poses significant threats to public health. Their systematic review and meta-analysis revealed alarming statistics: around 448.7 million adults globally are engaged in risky gambling behaviors, while approximately 80 million are struggling with gambling disorders. These findings underscore the critical need for urgent regulatory action.

Changing Landscape of Gambling

Professor Heather Wardle, Co-Chair of the Commission from the University of Glasgow, emphasized that public perceptions of gambling must evolve. Traditionally viewed as iconic activities like visiting a casino or purchasing a lottery ticket, gambling has morphed into a pervasive phenomenon driven by technology. With mobile devices now serving as "casinos in people’s pockets," sophisticated marketing strategies and design mechanics encourage excessive engagement, making it increasingly difficult for individuals to control their gambling habits.

Understanding Gambling Harms

The spectrum of gambling-related harms is extensive, encompassing financial ruin, deteriorating physical and mental health, broken relationships, increased risk of suicide, domestic violence, and rising crime rates. The Commission’s assessment reveals a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, particularly children and adolescents, who are often exposed to gambling advertising in unprecedented ways and are further enticed by gamified online gambling experiences. Dr. Kristiana Siste from the Universitas Indonesia poignantly stated the need for actions aimed at protecting the younger demographic from these harms.

The Role of the Gambling Industry

The Commission’s findings also spotlight the gambling industry’s troubling influence on public discourse and regulatory frameworks. With their vested interests prioritized, gambling operators often promote their activities as harmless entertainment, sidelining the public health implications of their practices. Professor Malcolm Sparrow from the Harvard Kennedy School argued for heightened regulatory measures, highlighting the growing threats communities face from gambling harms.

Inequality and Gambling

The Commission noted that commercial gambling is thriving in over 80% of countries, particularly in lower- and middle-income regions where regulatory infrastructures are often weak. Such vulnerabilities exacerbate existing social inequalities, making it imperative to address gambling as a public health crisis that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The pervasive nature of online gambling, even in jurisdictions where it is illegal, underscores the urgent need for coordinated international responses.

Recommendations for Regulation

To combat the harms linked with gambling, the Commission recommends a multi-faceted approach to regulation, advocating for policies that minimize exposure to gambling, impose restrictions on marketing, and provide affordable treatment for those affected. Echoing Dr. Charles Livingstone’s observations regarding Australia’s gambling landscape, the call for reform is starkly urgent, given the rising tide of gambling-related mental health issues recognized by the public.

Global Collaboration and Leadership

The implications of the Commission’s findings extend well beyond national borders. Effective regulation necessitates a unified global response, spearheaded by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and other intergovernmental bodies that must prioritize gambling harms in their agendas. The proposal for an international alliance to advocate for reduced gambling harms highlights the importance of collaboration among stakeholders, including those with lived experiences.

Conclusion

The Lancet Public Health Commission’s report brings to the forefront a growing public health crisis that demands immediate, concerted action from policymakers and communities alike. Recognizing gambling not just as a leisure activity but as a significant public health issue is crucial for implementing the necessary regulations to mitigate its harms. As the call for action reverberates, it is imperative that global leaders act swiftly and decisively to uphold the health and safety of populations worldwide.

References

Wardle, H., et al. (2024). The Lancet Public Health Commission on gambling. The Lancet Public Health. doi.org/10.1016/s2468-2667(24)00167-1

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