Overview

• An expert commission published in The Lancet reveals gambling addiction causes significant physical, psychological, and social harm.
• Approximately 450 million people worldwide are adversely affected by gambling, with 80 million experiencing severe gambling disorders.
• The rapid growth of online gambling, facilitated by mobile technology, exacerbates the issue, making gambling accessible 24/7.
• Vulnerable groups, including children, adolescents, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, are most at risk.
• The commission calls for robust regulatory frameworks and international cooperation to mitigate gambling's public health impact.