World Health Organization Unhappy With Global Responsible Gambling Measures

Article by : Erik Gibbs Dec 4, 2024

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concerns over the global handling of gambling-related harms, describing current responsible gambling measures as largely ineffective. According to the WHO, the rapid growth of the gambling industry is creating significant public health challenges, which require urgent and coordinated international action.

In a recent fact sheet, the WHO outlined the far-reaching consequences of gambling, which include financial distress, mental health issues, family breakdowns, and even suicide. The organization pointed out that gambling is often concentrated in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage, exacerbating existing inequalities. Moreover, gambling disorders now affect an estimated 1.2% of the global adult population, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive interventions.

The WHO sharply criticized existing responsible gambling initiatives, which it claims place undue responsibility on individuals rather than addressing systemic issues. Voluntary measures, such as optional self-exclusion programs or unregulated spending limits, were deemed insufficient due to low participation rates and poor enforcement. Instead, the organization called for mandatory systems that require gamblers to set spending caps and implement universal pre-commitment tools.

Advertising and promotion of gambling are also areas of concern for the WHO. It argued for a complete ban on marketing strategies, sponsorship deals, and other forms of promotion, asserting that these practices contribute to the normalization of gambling and target vulnerable populations, including children and those in economically deprived areas.

The gambling industry’s influence on policymaking and research also drew criticism. The WHO warned that regulatory measures are often watered down to protect economic interests in countries where gambling generates significant tax revenue.

This dependency on revenue discourages stricter oversight and prioritizes profits over public health. The organization further noted that industry lobbying frequently undermines efforts to implement high-impact regulatory changes, such as binding loss limits or restrictions on gambling products.

To address these challenges, the WHO is advocating for stronger global collaboration. It aims to develop new diagnostic tools for gambling disorders that better reflect diverse populations and share regulatory best practices, especially in low- and middle-income countries where gambling markets are expanding rapidly.

The organization also plans to coordinate a global network of experts to improve understanding and monitoring of gambling-related harms. By calling for stricter regulations, enhanced monitoring, and reduced industry influence, the WHO seeks to prioritize public health and societal well-being in gambling policies.