Gambling has long gone beyond entertainment and has become a problem for millions of people. The latest research by the international medical commission, The Lancet, shows that it not only causes financial losses but also negatively affects mental health. Therefore, gambling regulation becomes necessary to prevent mass tragedies.

Gambling needs urgent regulation

In recent times, gambling, especially in digital format, has become one of the most serious threats to mental health worldwide. Experts from universities such as Monash and Glasgow, as well as professionals and people who have faced the negative consequences of gambling, urge immediate action at the global level.

The commission, consisting of public health and healthcare experts, published a report that convincingly demonstrates that the widespread use of gambling leads to a significant increase in physical, mental and social harm. Research shows that the digitalization of the gambling industry makes it more accessible and attractive to a wider audience, which in turn exacerbates the problem of addiction.

The reasons for the spread of addiction include:

• One of the key aspects of this problem is aggressive and intrusive advertising of gambling, especially among vulnerable groups of the population. Children and adolescents from low-income families, who are faced with intrusive marketing campaigns on a daily basis, are at particular risk. In this regard, as noted in the commission’s report, one way to protect these groups may be to limit the availability and advertising of gambling.
• The constant development of mobile technologies and digital platforms contributes to the rapid growth of the gambling industry. Various video slots contribute to the popularity of gambling entertainment to a greater extent. The top slot among players is Gates of Olympus, which we found here while searching for information. Now, users have access to gambling. This creates ideal conditions for the formation of addiction, when the habit of betting becomes automatic.
• Loyalty programs, registration bonuses and psychological techniques used in the development of applications contribute to the fact that users constantly return to games.

Taking into account these factors, the commission suggests that countries introduce stricter control measures – a ban or restrictions on advertising, marketing and sponsorship of gambling. In particular, it is recommended that an independent regulatory body be created that will monitor compliance with the new rules and protect vulnerable groups of the population.

It is already obvious that without timely and effective regulatory measures, the consequences of the spread of gambling will only worsen. These measures will not only help protect people’s health but also strengthen public welfare, preventing what could become a real epidemic of addiction. It is important to remember that every time society allows the gambling industry to develop without proper control, it jeopardizes the future of the next generation.