The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for increased global action to prevent and reduce gambling harm in its latest fact sheet, published Monday.
The organization reflects on the serious impact that gambling can have as the industry continues to expand.
Harms include, but are not limited to, child neglect, crime, mental illness, suicide, and strained relationships. The WHO reveals that, on average, six people are affected for every individual gambling at high-risk levels.
Gambling harm continues to rise
Global gambling revenue is projected to reach $700 billion by 2028, according to the fact sheet, driven by increased accessibility of gambling products and smartphone use in low and middle-income countries.
Alarmingly, the WHO points out that around 60% of these losses for gamblers come from people who are gambling at harmful levels, adding that 1.2% of the global adult population is estimated to have a gambling disorder.
This also comes as U.K. gambling charity Gamble Aware recently reported a 12% rise in people seeking help.
Electronic gambling machines (EGMs), otherwise known as slots, were identified as the most harmful. The WHO warns that their design often misleads users and encourages prolonged play. Similarly, online gambling poses increased risks due to its constant availability.
WHO calls to stop ads and promotions
The WHO stressed the need for "population-wide interventions" to mitigate harm, such as putting an end to gambling advertising and promotions.
“Sponsorship or other association with popular sporting leagues, and the colocation of gambling products in social settings, are key mechanisms. Aggressive promotion of gambling in popular and social media also increases gambling activity,” the WHO wrote.
“[Gambling] has been normalized through new commercial associations with sport and cultural activities that are now heavily promoted.”
Other suggestions include universal registration systems requiring binding loss limits, restricting opening hours, and stricter regulation and enforcement. For instance, WHO says that clear warning signs about potential harms are likely to be more effective than suggestions to stop when gambling is no longer fun.
“There is no global agreement on the regulation of online gambling. Unlicensed providers regularly offer unregulated gambling products, and there is an urgent need for the regulation of online gambling,” says the publication.
The other side
As the WHO highlights, governments benefit significantly from gambling taxes, creating disincentives to reduce harm. For instance, some of the highest-taxing states include New York, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, which take 51% of sportsbooks’ revenue.
Still, governments must work to protect consumers from unlicensed, illegal, and offshore operators that do not generate lawful taxation revenue.
“Without effective protections, gambling may undermine progress toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” per the release. These goals, established by the United Nations in 2015, include good health and well-being, reduced inequalities, and peace, justice, and strong institutions.
Founded in 1948, the WHO is a United Nations agency that works to “promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable.”
