Digital Betting Is Fueling a Global Public Health Crisis

Online gambling has changed a longtime hobby into a widespread global business that affects public health in considerable ways. Experts caution that digital betting is growing fast, thanks to smart phones, online ads, and loose laws. This growth leads to more gambling problems for people.

Experts Warn That Digital Gambling Reaches More People and Creates New Risks

Harvard Kennedy School professor Malcolm Sparrow points out that mobile access has an influence on traditional gambling barriers making it available 24/7. A recent report in The Lancet shows that almost half of all adults worldwide — about 2.3 billion people — have gambled in the past year. Among teenagers 18% have taken part, which raises worries about early exposure and its long-term effects.

Although a small percentage of gamblers end up with a serious addiction, the consequences spread far beyond the individual. One person with a gambling problem can have a negative impact on six to eight other people, including their family and employers. Experts say we should look at gambling as a public health issue instead of blaming individuals. 

Rachel Volberg, who studies gambling at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, points out that the gambling industry often tries to put the blame on individuals rather than dealing with the risks built into the system as reported by Harvard Magazine.

Jürgen Rehm from the University of Toronto compares the problem to an iceberg, with the worst cases showing up. He points out that while just 1% fit the gambling disorder definition, millions more deal with major money and personal troubles. The report says almost 12% of men and 5.5% of women face risks tied to gambling.

Looser Gambling Laws and Digital Marketing Fuel a Rise in Teen Betting

A worrying trend is the rise in young people’s online gambling. Even with age limits, 10% of teens bet online last year, and 26% of them might develop gambling problems — much higher than adults. Experts caution that online casinos, slots, and sports betting are behind this increase, as they aim to keep users playing often and for long periods.

The worldwide gambling industry gains from digital technology that lets companies gather lots of customer information. Firms use predictive algorithms and tailored ads to influence how people act, often tapping into sports fan culture. Social media, celebrity endorsements, and live betting options make gambling easier to access and more attractive than ever before.

In the US online sports betting has grown since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that removed federal limits. Right now, 37 states and Washington D.C., let people bet on sports online, and the industry spends a lot on ads. In 2024 American gamblers bet $150 billion on sports, including wagers on play-by-play game statistics. Specialists caution that young people are at risk to get hooked on sports and video-based betting.

Around the world, governments have relaxed gambling rules to boost tax income often without thinking about the social price tag. Research in The Lancet connects gambling to financial troubles, unemployment, mental health problems, and even abuse at home.

One study showed that a 10% increase in gambling spending led to people being almost twice as likely to fall behind on their mortgage payments.To reduce these risks, experts suggest tougher rules. These include setting yearly loss limits, stopping credit-based bets, and putting limits on ads and game design. They also say it is crucial to keep gambling research free from industry sway.