A recent report from the medical journal The Lancet has shed light on the negative effects of the gaming industry’s involvement in gambling research, particularly in the context of problem gambling. The report, which consulted experts on various subjects related to problem gambling, highlights the ongoing impact of problem gambling on the global population.
According to the report, the gaming industry’s influence on research has allowed gaming operators to shape the narrative surrounding compulsive gambling in a way that benefits them. This influence has also led to a narrow focus on a small subset of individuals who gamble, diverting attention away from industry practices and corporate behavior.
The commission behind the report emphasized the need for a serious and sustained effort to address the growing threat of gambling harms. They warned that the global gambling industry could see net losses totaling nearly $700 billion by 2028 if action is not taken.
The report also highlighted the prevalence of problem gambling, with figures indicating that 5.5% of women and 11.9% of men engage in risky gambling behaviors. When extrapolated to the global population, these figures translate to 448.7 million people affected by gambling and 80 million adults who have experienced problem gambling.
In response to these findings, the commission recommended strengthening gambling industry regulation to combat the effects of problem gambling and ensure that research in this area is not unduly influenced by industry interests. They emphasized the need for international cooperation and sustained effort to address the complex issues surrounding problem gambling.
Overall, the report serves as a call to action for policymakers, regulators, and researchers to prioritize public health considerations in their response to problem gambling. By taking a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to addressing the negative effects of gambling, the global community can work towards reducing the impact of problem gambling on individuals and society as a whole.