The Guardian's Perspective on Gambling: Public Health Approach is a Good Bet

The Guardian's Perspective on Gambling: Public Health Approach is a Good Bet 

The previous government’s online harms bill notably left out internet gambling regulation, and so far, Labour’s plans for this fast-growing sector remain vague. But with the gambling industry's rapid expansion and mounting concerns over problem gambling in the UK and globally, ministers will face pressure to clarify their stance soon. In 2018, sports minister Tracey Crouch resigned after a delay in capping stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals. Now, six years later, the debate over capping stakes on digital slot machines remains unresolved, with last year's white paper on the issue put on hold. Plans to introduce a statutory levy on gambling businesses for funding research and treatment, as well as creating an industry ombudsman, are also pending.

Even more troubling is the lack of a clear strategy to limit gambling advertising, which has become pervasive, especially in sports like football. Research recently revealed that Premier League fans encountered nearly 30,000 gambling ads over a single weekend, with some teams even promoting betting on child-oriented web pages. In response, the Guardian banned all gambling ads in 2023 due to these risks. Meanwhile, the NHS has doubled its specialist clinics in England to 15 to address the growing need for treatment.

Increased taxes on betting and gaming companies, which generated £15 billion in revenue (excluding £11 billion from the lottery) in the year ending March 2023, are anticipated in the upcoming budget. However, fiscal policies must not overshadow the public health concerns associated with gambling. A recent Lancet report placed gambling alongside tobacco, alcohol, and other "unhealthy commodity industries," advocating for a united approach from governments and regulators.

This approach would include addressing corporate tactics designed to shape consumer behavior and sway regulation, challenging the industry’s narrative that frames problem gambling as an individual choice rather than an outcome encouraged by a risky environment. A public health strategy would support broad, population-level interventions, such as age restrictions and advertising limitations, alongside treatment and advisory services, with an emphasis on preventive as well as remedial actions.

Digital technology, the Lancet experts argue, has far outpaced our grasp of its effects on people’s behavior, especially with smartphones essentially functioning as “pocket casinos.” The rapid growth of the gambling industry has already led to an estimated 80 million problem gamblers globally, with projected losses expected to hit $700 billion by 2028. Studies also indicate that these patterns disproportionately affect economically disadvantaged groups and that men are particularly vulnerable. The impact is profound, with connections to financial hardship, debt, suicide, mood disorders, and domestic abuse.

Despite these concerns, gambling liberalization is a global trend. Given the industry’s digital and mobile reach, there’s a strong case for collaborative international action alongside stricter national regulations. At a minimum, measures must be taken to protect young people, who are especially susceptible to the harms of gambling, similar to other online risks. Policymakers in the UK and worldwide must confront this challenge head-on.