The Rise of Online Betting: Impacts on Public Health and Gambling Disorders

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In the age of smartphones and the internet, the landscape of gambling has undergone a radical transformation. Traditional high-stakes gambling once confined to casinos is now accessible at the touch of a finger. Today, individuals can place bets anywhere and anytime, engaging in activities that range from rolling dice in classic casino games to betting on sports events, elections, and even stocks. The allure of instant gratification through online gambling raises a pressing question: what are the health implications of making these activities so easily accessible?

The Legalization of Sports Betting in the U.S.

The landscape of gambling in the United States shifted dramatically in 2018 when the U.S. Supreme Court rescinded the federal ban on sports betting, allowing individual states to legalize it. Since then, 38 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico have embraced sports wagering. This legalization mirrors a global trend, where gambling in some form is permitted in over 80% of countries. According to the Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling, global consumer losses are projected to exceed $700 billion by 2028.

The Rise of Online Betting: A Double-Edged Sword

While the growth of the online gambling industry offers entertainment and the potential for financial gain, it also raises significant concerns among public health experts. The National Council of Problem Gambling identifies about two million people in the U.S. struggling with gambling addiction, a figure that has surged by 30% in just three years. The industry’s rapid expansion was a hot topic at a recent Harvard University forum, where experts urged that problem gambling should be treated as a serious public health issue needing immediate attention.

Timothy Fong, an addiction psychiatrist and co-director of the UCLA Problem Gambling Studies Program, observed, "The expansion of gambling activity… has changed the fabric of what we do to our body, our brains, and our minds."

Understanding Gambling as a Disorder

Gambling is not just a harmless or enjoyable pastime; it is increasingly recognized as an addictive behavior with distinct biological and psychological risks. Fong describes gambling addiction as "ongoing, continued engagement in gambling activities, despite harmful consequences." Unlike traditional forms of gambling, which often happen in social settings, online gambling frequently occurs in isolation, which can obscure problematic behaviors and exacerbate issues like anxiety and depression. Research indicates that those who gamble online—especially on multiple sites—face the highest risk of harm.

Shekhar Saxena, a professor of global health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, emphasizes that online gambling can be up to 10 times more harmful than traditional gambling. It’s not simply a matter of self-control or morality; the addictive nature of online gambling can lead to overspending and deceitful behavior akin to early signs of substance use disorders.

Who is at Risk?

Among those vulnerable to developing gambling disorders are teens and young adults. With directed marketing toward younger demographics, many are lured into using social sports betting apps, where they may be led to gamble for real money. In Massachusetts, a staggering 46% of middle and high school students reported having gambled in the past year.

It’s important to note that while traditional risk factors for problem gambling include low education and socioeconomic status, the rise of sports betting has broadened this landscape. Individuals of higher education and income levels are now also susceptible, potentially leading to more widespread issues across demographics.

Seeking Help for Gambling Addiction

Addressing gambling addiction necessitates a multifaceted treatment approach that combines biological, psychological, and social interventions. As with other addictions, medication can help manage impulses, while psychotherapy plays a crucial role in controlling urges to gamble. Social connection and purpose are also vital for recovery; Fong notes that “the longer you stay in professional treatment, the better you do.”

Despite the growing recognition of gambling as a public health issue, research and advocacy lag significantly behind initiatives focused on other addictive behaviors such as alcohol and tobacco. Stigma surrounding gambling often leads families to conceal issues, hampering public understanding and support systems.

Current legislation around state gambling regulations is inconsistent, with advertising often poorly regulated. However, initiatives such as the GRIT Act, which seeks to allocate half of federal sports excise tax revenue to gambling addiction treatment and research, and the SAFE Bet Act, which aims to enforce federal advertising standards, represent steps toward addressing this growing problem.

The Future: Regulation and Responsibility

As the gambling industry continues to grow, experts advocate for stricter regulations to ensure consumer safety. The overarching message from the Harvard panelists emphasizes that online gambling must be regulated in the same way as public health issues like food and water safety. "The public health framing is talking about the environment in which people live… it’s not just about individual responsibility," shares Saxena.

With the right measures in place, society can work toward mitigating the detrimental effects of online gambling while preserving the enjoyment that this form of entertainment can provide. Striking this balance will require ongoing dialogue, education, and appropriate regulation, shaping a healthier landscape for all involved in the world of gambling.