The World Health Organization criticized pro-gambling advocates who oversell the industry’s economic benefits while downplaying its negative effects.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced strong concerns about the efficacy of current gambling regulations in its fact sheet on gambling that was released on December 2, 2024. The WHO is calling for more stringent measures to protect vulnerable individuals. The organization criticized the gambling industry’s existing safer gambling initiatives, arguing that they are insufficient in addressing the serious societal harms caused by gambling. Instead, the WHO has recommended that jurisdictions adopt a more resolute and comprehensive approach to gambling regulation, including mandatory harm prevention measures and a crackdown on gambling advertising.
WHO’s Critique of Current Safer Gambling Measures
The WHO’s statement took aim at what it called the industry's flawed approach to safer gambling. According to the WHO, current industry practices often place the responsibility for gambling harm on the individual, rather than addressing systemic flaws in the industry itself. Many of the existing safer gambling tools, such as self-exclusion and loss limits, are optional and ineffective, the WHO argued. These tools, while beneficial in theory, are often underused and do not adequately protect the most vulnerable gamblers, who are most at risk of harm.
While the WHO acknowledged that certain measures—such as loss limits, maximum bet sizes, and self-exclusion—are helpful, it emphasized that these solutions should be made mandatory. The organization recommended that jurisdictions implement pre-commitment systems, where players are required to commit to safe gambling practices before engaging in gambling activities. This approach, the WHO argues, would be far more effective in reducing the risk of harm to vulnerable players.
Stronger Action Needed on Gambling Advertising
Another key area of concern for the WHO is the widespread promotion of gambling. The organization called for an outright ban on gambling advertisements, sponsorships, and promotions, describing such actions as a necessary first step in combating the broader societal issues associated with gambling. According to the WHO, the marketing of gambling products exacerbates the problem by exposing vulnerable populations to the risks of addiction and financial harm.
The organization cited troubling data, noting that approximately 60% of the gambling industry’s revenue is generated by players with gambling problems. These individuals make up just 1.2% of the adult population globally, but their disproportionate spending highlights the extent of their vulnerability. In addition to financial distress, the WHO pointed out that gambling-related harms often contribute to or result in mental health issues, domestic violence, and even suicidal tendencies.
The WHO also highlighted the fact that gambling establishments are often concentrated in economically disadvantaged areas, further exacerbating the harm caused. This targeting of vulnerable communities compounds the negative effects of gambling, particularly in regions already struggling with poverty.
Gambling Advocates Are Overselling the Economic Benefits
In its report, the WHO also criticized proponents of the gambling industry who focus on its supposed economic benefits while downplaying the significant social and health risks it poses. The WHO argued that these advocates often oversell the positive impact of gambling on local economies, while minimizing the long-term negative effects on individuals and communities.
The WHO pointed out that gambling can create a form of financial dependency that undermines efforts to regulate the industry effectively. Industry lobbying, the WHO noted, has been successful in preventing more robust regulations in many markets. Furthermore, the WHO raised concerns about the influence of the gambling industry on research into gambling-related harms. The organization alleged that gambling-funded research has been less likely to highlight the risks associated with gambling addiction and other harms.
The UK’s Efforts to Address Gambling Harm
In response to these concerns, the WHO cited the UK’s efforts to address gambling harm through a research, education, and treatment levy. This initiative seeks to replace the current system where gambling operators voluntarily donate to charities working on gambling-related harm prevention. The WHO praised this initiative, viewing it as a step in the right direction toward ensuring that funds are directed more effectively toward harm reduction and public health initiatives.
The WHO also acknowledged that gambling regulation varies significantly across different jurisdictions. While some countries have implemented comprehensive regulations, others have been slower to act, often due to industry influence and financial dependence on gambling revenue. The WHO reiterated that universal measures, such as stopping gambling advertising and improving harm prevention strategies, should be adopted globally to safeguard public health.
Monitoring and Regulating Gambling: A Global Necessity
In its statement, the WHO emphasized the need for governments to closely monitor and regulate gambling operations, products, and activities. The organization advocated for a more coordinated international response to gambling-related harms, with an emphasis on reducing stigma, offering better support for those affected by gambling, and focusing on upstream efforts to prevent harm before it occurs.
The WHO also expressed its intention to conduct further research into gambling addiction, develop new diagnostic tools, and document best practices in regulation to support policymakers around the world. This research would help identify more effective ways to prevent gambling-related harm and improve treatment options for those already affected.
Industry Pushback: Concerns Over Black Market Gambling
While the WHO’s call for stricter regulations has gained attention, it has also faced criticism from some sectors of the gambling industry. Advocates for the industry argue that imposing tougher regulations may drive gamblers to the black market, where they would be exposed to even greater risks. The concern is that if legal gambling operations become too restrictive, players may turn to unregulated platforms that lack the safeguards offered by licensed operators.
Despite these concerns, the WHO maintains that stronger regulatory frameworks are essential for protecting public health. The organization asserts that while the risks of black market gambling are real, they should not deter governments from implementing stricter regulations and stronger protections for vulnerable populations.
The World Health Organization’s stance on gambling regulation calls for a fundamental shift in how the industry is managed. By advocating for mandatory harm prevention measures, a ban on gambling advertising, and increased research into gambling addiction, the WHO is pushing for a more robust and responsible approach to gambling regulation. While the WHO’s recommendations face resistance from some quarters, they represent a growing consensus that stricter oversight and greater public health protections are necessary to mitigate the harms associated with gambling.
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