The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the harmful effects of gambling, calling for a global ban on gambling advertising, sponsorships, and promotions. The agency says existing responsible gambling measures are failing to curb the problem and is urging governments worldwide to adopt stricter regulations.
Gambling Industry Expansion Poses Public Health Risks
The WHO’s recent fact sheet outlines the alarming growth of gambling and its impact on individuals and society. It emphasizes that gambling-related harms extend far beyond financial losses, affecting mental health, relationships, and even societal cohesion.
Gambling disorders now affect an estimated 1.2% of adults globally, a statistic the WHO says is likely underreported. These disorders are linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. According to the WHO, gambling advertising exacerbates these harms by normalizing risky behaviors and making gambling appear socially acceptable.
“We can no longer rely on so-called responsible gambling measures,” the WHO stated. Instead, the agency advocates for decisive action to reduce exposure to gambling triggers, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Proposed Measures: From Ad Bans to Loss Limits
The WHO recommends several concrete steps to mitigate gambling harms, starting with a total ban on advertising.
The organization argues that:
- Gambling ads disproportionately target younger audiences, increasing their likelihood of developing gambling habits.
- Sponsorships by gambling companies, particularly in sports, blur the line between entertainment and betting.
- Promotions like free bets or bonuses create a false perception of “risk-free” gambling.
In addition to advertising bans, the WHO is pushing for stricter regulations on gambling products and accessibility. These include universal registration systems requiring gamblers to set binding loss limits before playing and increased oversight of online gambling platforms.
A Global Problem with Local Consequences
While gambling disorders are a global issue, their prevalence and impact vary by region. High-income countries often see the most advanced gambling markets but also face higher rates of addiction. Meanwhile, developing nations are grappling with the rapid proliferation of online gambling, often without adequate regulatory frameworks in place.
The WHO warns that gambling-related harms disproportionately affect marginalized communities. For example, in regions like Africa and Latin America, where gambling is expanding rapidly, the societal impact is often compounded by economic instability and limited access to healthcare.
Industry Pushback and Public Debate
The gambling industry has predictably pushed back against the WHO’s recommendations. Operators argue that advertising and promotions are essential for their business models and claim that self-regulation is sufficient to address the problem.
Critics, however, point to rising gambling addiction rates as evidence that self-regulation has failed. “The industry has shown time and again that it prioritizes profits over people,” said a public health advocate.
Public sentiment around gambling regulation is mixed. Some argue for the freedom to gamble as a personal choice, while others view stricter measures as necessary to protect vulnerable populations.
The Road Ahead: Will Governments Take Action?
The WHO’s call for a global advertising ban is likely to spark intense debate among policymakers. Countries like the UK and Australia have already implemented stricter gambling regulations in recent years, including restrictions on advertising and online gambling.
For now, the organization’s recommendations serve as a wake-up call. Whether governments and the gambling industry will heed this warning remains to be seen.
