Over the past three decades, technological advancements have revolutionised various aspects of our lives, presenting both advantages and disadvantages. One significant challenge is the addictive use of online technologies and digital devices. This report addresses the excessive and addictive nature of online video games and gambling, now recognised as mental disorders by the World Health Organization. The risks associated with these behaviours extend beyond individual well-being, impacting physical and mental health, relationships, work, education, and finances. Additionally, societal costs are substantial.

Prevalence rates indicate a significant portion of the population is at risk, particularly males, adolescents, and young adults. The development of such problems is influenced by the characteristics of the activity, individual traits, and environmental factors. The intentional design of online activities to be immersive and addictive exacerbates the issue. Moreover, the convergence of gambling and gaming, with features like paid random outcomes, blurs boundaries and targets vulnerable populations, including children and young people.

Regulation is lacking, especially in the video gaming industry, where measures to reduce excessive gaming among minors have shown limited effectiveness. Financial interests often conflict with efforts to address problem behaviours in gambling. Prevention programs, especially those targeting adolescents, are essential and should focus on social support and sustained effects. While prevention, treatment, and harm minimisation measures exist, their effectiveness for online forms and new populations needs further study and implementation. Cooperation with industries is vital for efficient harm reduction, prevention, and intervention. Constant monitoring is necessary to identify emerging challenges and inform timely responses. Addressing the evolving landscape of online gambling and gaming requires a multifaceted approach involving research, regulation, prevention, treatment, and industry collaboration. Prioritizing efficient measures across all levels is crucial to mitigate harms to individuals and reduce societal costs associated with addictive behaviours in the digital age. 

The present report focuses on the excessive and addictive use of online video games and online gambling, which were declared as mental disorders by the World Health Organization in the eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).