Study: Gambling addiction even more dangerous than assumed

A commission of experts has come to the conclusion that gambling addiction is much more dangerous and harmful than previously assumed. In particular, gambling addiction can lead to psychological damage, criminal behaviour and, in the worst case, even suicide. But what proposals does the Commission make in its recently published study to improve the situation?

It is now almost a year since we at GambleJoe reported that 1.3 million Germans are said to have a ‘gambling disorder’. In the months that followed, there was some doubt about this high figure, so it is ultimately unclear how many gamblers with problematic or pathological gambling behaviour there are in Germany at the moment. A few weeks ago, a commission of experts published a report on gambling addiction in the specialist journal ‘The Lancet’. The commission came to the clear conclusion that gambling addiction is much more harmful than previously assumed.

Gambling can be a threat to public health

The commission is made up of experts from the fields of health policy, risk control, regulatory policy and gambling research. In its report, the Commission concludes that gambling can pose a serious threat to public health. Specifically, gambling addiction can lead to those affected suffering from physical and psychological damage as well as suicidal thoughts.

There is also the risk of becoming a criminal in order to finance the addiction. It is not uncommon for gambling addiction to lead to financial ruin for those affected. The addiction can also lead to the breakdown of relationships and families or the loss of a job. Several years ago, we at GambleJoe asked ourselves how gambling addiction can be recognised and combated.

The dangers of gambling have increased

The co-chair of the expert commission, Heather Wardle, pointed out that the situation has now worsened noticeably. This is mainly due to the proliferation of online casinos and online betting providers, which can be accessed around the clock by anyone with a smartphone. The danger is therefore omnipresent.

According to the Commission, it is estimated that around 450 million people worldwide are currently affected by the negative effects of gambling. Of these, around 80 million people are said to suffer from a gambling disorder or problematic gambling behaviour. Statistically speaking, gamblers from disadvantaged socio-economic groups and those with a low monthly income are particularly affected by gambling addiction.

What measures are required?

In ‘The Lancet’ article, the Commission calls for a well-resourced and effective regulatory system overall. In addition, the players should co-operate better internationally in order to develop functioning solutions. Ideally, gambling services should be less available in the future so that potential players are less tempted to take part in gambling.

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