The World Health Organization (WHO) is addressing the rapid growth of regulated gambling.
The WHO has published a fact sheet detailing its latest research on global gambling and its impact on the well-being of patrons around the world. The sheet provides insights into how gambling impacts health leading to financial stress, mental illness and relationship issues.
The WHO has called for strict regulation and enforcement by regulators and operators as the industry continues to grow as new markets emerge and existing markets expand.
Global gambling revenue is projected to reach $700 billion by 2028, according to industry analysts. The WHO attributes the rapid growth of gambling to an uptick in sponsorships and marketing deals along with the commercialization and digitization of the industry.
The increase of gambling-focused marketing worldwide has impacted the health of bettors.
The WHO has determined that approximately 1.2% of the world’s adult population suffers from a gambling disorder. Around 60% of gambling revenue losses derive from players who gamble at harmful levels. The WHO’s fact sheet also acknowledges problem gambling treatment options and its lack of impact with approximately 0.14% of the adult population seeking formal and informal help to treat a current gambling problem.
As a result of the slow uptake of treatment options, the WHO has determined that responsible gambling interventions are “typically ineffective.” The WHO has suggested involuntary systems to increase uptake.
World Health Organization to create gambling group
The organization has made suggestions to improve practices but has acknowledged the regulatory challenge in making changes due to the opposition of “high-impact regulations.”
As a result of its research and desire to reduce gambling harm, the WHO is bringing a group of gambling experts together to address public health concerns. The group will be tasked with leading the development of new diagnostic instruments to treat gambling disorders. It will also use data from larger regulated countries to help emerging markets.
