Urgent Action Required to Combat Gambling Harms!

A groundbreaking report from a commission published in *The Lancet Public Health* has revealed that the health impacts of commercial gambling are far more severe than previously recognized. Renowned international experts in public health and gambling regulation strongly advocate for heightened regulatory measures to mitigate these harms.

The commission, which includes prominent figures such as Monash University's Associate Professor Charles Livingstone, examined extensive literature and data through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Their conclusion is clear: gambling poses a significant threat to public health, necessitating a dramatic enhancement and tightening of regulations governing the gambling industry.

Amid growing concerns, the Australian Government has faced criticism for postponing a decision on numerous recommendations from an all-party Parliamentary inquiry into online gambling. This inquiry, spearheaded by the late Peta Murphy, produced 31 unanimously supported recommendations, advocating for a comprehensive ban on gambling advertisements and the establishment of a national body to regulate online gambling.

The commission's recommendations extend beyond Australia, calling for effective gambling regulation globally, regardless of its legal status in individual countries. This includes reducing public exposure and availability of gambling through strict restrictions on access, marketing, and sponsorship. Furthermore, the report calls for affordable and universal support for individuals affected by gambling harms, coupled with robust social marketing to raise awareness of these issues.

Professor Livingstone emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Australians currently spend an astonishing AUD 1,555 per adult per year on gambling. The prevalence of online betting, particularly linked to sports like football, continues to surge despite mounting public concern and the amplified voices of those struggling with gambling-related issues.

New findings from the commission detail the staggering scale of gambling's impact, with projected net consumer losses expected to reach nearly USD 700 billion annually by 2028. This alarming trend correlates with the rapid global proliferation of mobile technology and the gambling industry’s digital evolution.

Globally, approximately 448.7 million adults are estimated to engage in risky gambling behaviors, resulting in adverse personal, social, and health consequences. A subset of 80 million adults face severe gambling disorders, creating a cascade of issues such as mental health struggles, relationship breakdowns, increased suicide rates, domestic violence, heightened crime, job losses, and significant financial troubles.

The data further identifies at-risk groups, including children and adolescents who encounter unprecedented gambling advertising, particularly in low socioeconomic settings. The report highlights the disturbing trend of integrating gambling into video gaming, further endangering vulnerable populations.

The commission calls for global leadership to prioritize gambling as a pressing public health issue. It urges entities like the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations to actively incorporate gambling harm reduction strategies into their health initiatives. A proposed resolution at the World Health Assembly specifically addressing the public health implications of gambling is also on the table.

Co-Chair Professor Heather Wardle of the University of Glasgow emphasized the drastic changes in gambling landscapes, stating, "While many envision traditional casinos or lottery tickets when thinking of gambling, the reality is vastly different today. Mobile technology effectively provides a 24/7 casino experience, enabling sophisticated marketing that entices continual engagement with a commodity fraught with health risks."

The report concludes with a stark warning: inaction now could lead to an even more entrenched gambling culture that becomes exponentially more challenging to address. As the global gambling industry continues to expand at an unprecedented rate, the time for decisive action is now—before gambling harms spiral further out of control!