Recent research finds gambling categorized as a severe behavioral disorder with high risk factors.
New Research Shows Gambling Addiction Can be More Harmful Than Previously Considered
A study published by The Lancet in collaboration with various universities globally indicates that gambling addiction might have more devastating consequences than previously believed. The study estimates that roughly 450 million individuals worldwide could be affected.
Gambling Negatively Impacting More Individuals Than Anticipated
The study, conducted by a panel of experts in fields related to health, gambling research, regulation, and risk control, suggests that gambling addiction could cause substantially more harm to those affected than initially thought. The goal behind the study is to bring attention to an often overlooked, under-researched, and rapidly growing public health concern.
According to the experts, gambling is not just a pastime, but an harmful and addictive behaviour that can negatively impact an individual’s health, wealth, and relationships. Families and communities of gambling addicts often suffer long-term consequences. Moreover, in severe cases, gambling addiction can lead to financial disaster or suicide.
"You have a casino in your pocket 24/7 with a smartphone." – Heather Wardle, co-chair of the commission from the University of Glasgow, Zeit Online
The experts estimate that 46.2% of adults and 17.9% of young people partook in gambling activities last year. Around 450 million people worldwide have been negatively impacted by at least one behavioural symptom of gambling addiction. An estimated 80 million people are likely to have a gambling disorder.
Behavioural Symptoms of Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is classified as a severe behavioural disorder, often characterized by subtly emerging symptoms that gradually worsen over time. Some typical behaviours that may indicate a gambling addiction include:
Increased Time Investment: Individuals affected by gambling addiction may start investing more time in gambling, often neglecting their family, friends, and professional responsibilities.Rising Bets: Over time, to maintain the initial thrill, they may place larger bets and engage in riskier activities.Chasing Losses: The urge to recoup losses by continuing to gamble can reinforce the cycle of dependency.Secrecy and Deception: These individuals may engage in secretive gambling, lie about the frequency and amount of their bets, and conceal the extent of their gambling from others.Financial Problems: Gambling addiction can lead to financial difficulties, such as empty accounts, debt, selling property, or taking out loans to continue gambling.Social Isolation: Gamblers may withdraw from their social environment to focus on gambling and hide their behaviour.Irritability and Restlessness: Attempts to stop gambling may result in restlessness, irritability, and strong internal pressure.
These symptoms, according to experts, gradually worsen and significantly harm the lives of those affected. Early detection and treatment can aid in breaking the cycle and restoring personal well-being.
Those impacted by gambling addiction, according to the study, are mostly individuals from disadvantaged social backgrounds. With the increasing integration of gambling in video games like FIFA through “loot boxes,” an increasing number of children and adolescents are also becoming affected.
Continued Spread Likely
The study suggests that the number of gambling addicts has yet to reach its peak. Innovative marketing strategies and sponsorships make gambling more attractive and accessible, despite efforts by both state and non-state actors to combat this. In our digitized, globally connected world where everyone can access casinos anytime, anywhere, via their mobile phone, this poses an increasing threat to public health.
The report calls for governments and political leaders to treat gambling as a public health issue, similar to other addictive and unhealthy products such as alcohol and tobacco. The expert commission also notes a conflict of interest within the legislature, which benefits financially from gambling through tax revenues, requiring more robust regulatory mechanisms to contain the spread of gambling addiction.
As per the Gambling Atlas 2023 [English link], approximately 30% of Germans aged between 16 and 70 took part in gambling activities in 2021. Around 2.3% of the German population aged between 18 and 70 are affected by a gambling disorder, which equates to approximately 1.3 million people. Additionally, around 5.7% of the population exhibits at least risky gambling behavior.
The regulation of gambling, especially when it’s illegal, can be challenging. While illegal online casinos are frequently shut down, they often reappear quickly thereafter. In many countries, the closure of an unlicensed platform can even take longer than its reopening.
Illegal gambling is also prevalent in Germany. The Bavarian Automaten-Verband recently warned about the expansion of illegal gambling and criticized the systematic disadvantage of legal providers.
- Given the rapid growth of gambling addiction as a public health concern, it's crucial for authorities to reconsider their approach towards gambling, viewing it as equally harmful as other addictive substances like alcohol and tobacco.
- The advent of gambling in video games has expanded the reach of this addictive behavior beyond traditional casinos, potentially affecting a larger number of children and adolescents, thereby exacerbating the problem newsheadlines often overlook.
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