The rise of smartphones and the internet has transformed the way we gamble, making it faster and easier than ever before.“Now the casino comes to us,” said Timothy Fong, an addiction psychiatrist and co-director of the UCLA Problem Gambling Studies Program. This shift has not only changed the landscape of traditional casino games but has also introduced new forms of online gambling, from sports betting to wagering on stocks and elections, and even video games with gambling elements. This accessibility has fueled a rapid growth of the global gambling industry, as highlighted by participants at a recent forum held at Harvard University.
in 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting, allowing individual states to legalize it. Since then, 38 states, along with Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico,have made sports betting legal. Today, some form of gambling is permitted in more than 80% of countries, and consumer losses are projected to reach $700 billion by 2028, according to The Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling.
The growth of the industry is also a growing concern among public health experts. About 2 million people in the United States struggle with a gambling addiction, according to the National Council of Problem Gambling. In the past three years, the risk of gambling addiction has grown by 30%, the institution says. “We see the expansion of gambling activity not only on our phones,but in our real lives to the point that gambling is not only endemic,but it’s so much part of our daily lives that it has changed the fabric of what we do to our body,our brains and our minds,” said Fong,who spoke at the Harvard event.
Problem gambling is a public health issue, the panelists agreed, that demands public health solutions. Gambling, in various forms, has existed for provided that humans have, and at its core involves “putting something of value, usually money or time, on an event of uncertain outcome in order to win a larger reward,” according to Fong.
In recent years, the impact of the gambling industry has been amplified, largely by its convergence with financial and tech industries. This fusion creates a seamless online experience, offering instant gratification and the ability to place bets anywhere and anytime with just a tap. “It’s definitely much more harmful than the usual other kinds of traditional gambling that people indulge in,” said Shekhar Saxena, professor of global health at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “It’s continuous, it’s intense, and it can be financially — and also physically and mentally — extremely harmful.” Online gambling can be 10 times more harmful than other forms of gambling, according to Saxena.
For some people, recreational gambling can be an occasional part of life without lasting harm.Though, online accessibility has made it easier for recreational gambling to evolve into “early problem gambling,” as Fong describes it, leading to behaviors like lying or overspending —similar to early signs of alcohol abuse disorder. Gambling addiction,or gambling disorder,is recognized by the medical community as an addictive behavior with biological and psychological risk factors similar to other addictions.
Key Points on Online Gambling and Public Health
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Global Industry Growth | Consumer losses projected to reach $700 billion by 2028. |
| U.S. Sports Betting | Legal in 38 states, washington D.C., and Puerto Rico as 2018. |
| Gambling Addiction | 2 million people in the U.S. struggle with addiction; risk grew by 30%. |
| Online Gambling Impact | 10 times more harmful than traditional forms, according to experts. |
The rapid expansion of online gambling has brought with it important public health challenges. As the industry continues to grow, it is indeed crucial to address the emotional, health, and economic harms of problem gambling through policy change and treatment. The conversation at Harvard underscored the need for public health solutions to mitigate the impact of this pervasive issue.
The Rising Tide of Online Gambling: Risks, Vulnerabilities, and Solutions
The digital age has revolutionized many aspects of life, including how people gamble. Unlike traditional gambling, which often occurs in social settings, online gambling is typically done in isolation, making it harder to detect addictive behaviors. This shift has led to a surge in gambling addiction, a condition that experts describe as “ongoing, continued engagement in gambling activities, despite harmful consequences.”
According to Victor Ortiz, who leads the Office of Problem Gambling Services in Massachusetts, even recreational gamblers who don’t meet the criteria for a gambling disorder are at risk.“When you put on a public health lens, what you see is that those individuals have higher rates of obesity, consuming alcohol at higher rates, and using prescription drugs at a higher rate,” he said.
Who Is Most Vulnerable to Gambling Addiction?
teens and young adults are particularly susceptible to the lure of online gambling. Lia Nower, director of the Rutgers Center for Gambling Studies, explains that young people are often targeted by advertising designed to nudge them into using social sports wagering apps, which can then escalate to sports betting for money.
“The longer someone plays and the more intensely they play over time,the higher the rates of problem gambling,” nower said. “We are starting people much younger; we are anticipating there are going to be more problems.”
In Massachusetts, such as, 46% of middle and high school students have gambled in the past year, despite legal age restrictions of 18 for the lottery and 21 for casinos.
Historically, low education and economic status have been the primary risk factors for problematic gambling. However, with the rise of sports betting, individuals of higher economic and educational backgrounds are now equally at risk.
The Role of Advertising and Isolation
Parents are increasingly alarmed by the gambling ads their children are exposed to. Ortiz’s office has received a growing number of calls from concerned parents. “We’re getting more and more calls from individuals who are experiencing significant distress who are not our typical callers,” he said.
The isolation of online gambling exacerbates the problem. Lia Nower notes that many gamblers lie in bed at night on their iPads while their partners sleep, allowing addiction to worsen unnoticed.This isolation often leads to heightened anxiety, depression, and other destructive behaviors.
how to Mitigate the Risks of Online Gambling
Treating gambling addiction requires a multifaceted approach, according to timothy Fong, a leading expert in the field. “The longer you stay in professional treatment, the better you do,” he said, highlighting that California offers a state-funded treatment program.
Treatment often includes:
- medications to reduce gambling urges
- Psychotherapy to manage impulses
- Restoring a sense of connection and purpose
Despite these interventions, the field of gambling lacks the research and awareness seen in other public health issues like tobacco or alcohol use. Advocacy groups for gambling reform are sparse, and families often conceal gambling-related problems due to stigma, limiting public understanding of the societal harm.
The need for Stricter Regulations
Gambling regulations vary widely across states, and advertising remains poorly regulated. Some casinos and online gambling platforms operate with minimal oversight, according to experts.
To address these issues, Lia Nower is advocating for a federal regulatory agency similar to those combating tobacco and alcohol. Other experts are calling for stricter regulation of gambling ads to protect vulnerable populations.
Key Statistics on Gambling Addiction
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Teen Gambling in MA | 46% of middle and high school students have gambled in the past year |
| Risk Factors | Low education, economic status, and now higher socioeconomic groups |
| Treatment success | Longer professional treatment leads to better outcomes |
| Regulatory gaps | Advertising remains poorly regulated; minimal oversight for online platforms|
A Call to Action
The rise of online gambling presents a significant public health challenge. While treatment options exist, the lack of awareness and regulation continues to fuel the problem. Advocacy for stricter regulations and increased public awareness is essential to mitigate the risks and protect vulnerable populations.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction,seek professional help. California’s state-funded treatment program is one of many resources available to those in need.—
By understanding the risks and advocating for change, we can work toward a safer, healthier relationship with gambling in the digital age.n### The Push for stronger Gambling Regulations: A Public Health Imperative
As online gambling continues to surge in popularity, experts are calling for stricter corporate and federal regulations to protect vulnerable individuals. Dr.Lia Nower, a leading advocate in the field, emphasizes the need for an “opt out” vs. “opt in” system, allowing gamblers to set limits on their time and financial deposits. “I’m a big proponent of affordability guidelines, which put the onus on the gambling companies to assure us that this person is not spending more than they can afford,” she said.“And all of these things would have to be prescribed federally.”
However, the rapid pace of technological advancements often outstrips the ability of governments to respond effectively. “So many times the technology is moving exponentially way faster than the governments can respond to, or that the public can respond to,” noted Dr. Timothy Fong. Currently, Congress is reviewing two pivotal bills: The GRIT Act, which would allocate 50% of federal sports excise tax revenue to gambling addiction treatment and research, and the SAFE Bet Act, which mandates federal standards on advertising, affordability, and artificial intelligence in states with sports betting.
The Role of Public Health in Gambling Regulation
Dr. Saxena highlights the importance of a public health framework in addressing gambling addiction. “The public health framing is talking about the environment in which people live … and the kind of incentives that are there,” he said. “Yes, people have some responsibility, but it’s the environment, it’s the technological environment, the social environment, and the economic environment in which people live.”
Education plays a critical role in mitigating gambling harms.dr. Fong advocates for awareness campaigns starting in grade school, while Dr. Nower stresses the need to re-educate adults, including teachers, coaches, and parents. “This starts with re-educating adults, teachers, coaches, parents,” she said.
Massachusetts: A Model for Responsible Gambling?
Massachusetts, one of the last states to legalize casinos, has taken a proactive approach to gambling regulation. By learning from other states, the legislature has allocated resources to combat gambling problems effectively. The Office of Problem Gambling Services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is pioneering a public health model to address these issues.
Is Responsible Gambling Possible?
While the gambling industry and tech companies promote the idea of responsible gambling, experts remain skeptical. Dr.Fong argues that online gambling must be regulated with the same rigor as food safety, air quality, and water quality. “(Online gambling) has to be regulated just like food safety, air quality, water quality, because it is an issue of public health,” he said.
Key Legislative Proposals on Gambling Regulation
| Bill | Purpose |
|——————-|—————————————————————————–|
| The GRIT Act | Allocates 50% of federal sports excise tax revenue to addiction treatment and research. |
| The SAFE Bet Act | Enforces federal standards on advertising, affordability, and AI in sports betting states. |
The debate over gambling regulation is far from over. As technology evolves, so too must the policies designed to protect public health. For more information on these legislative efforts, visit the national Council on Problem Gambling and Congress.gov.