World Health Organization. (2024) Gambling. Geneva: World Health Organization.
External website: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/g...
Key facts
- Standardized global estimation of gambling harms has been limited, but estimates suggest that 1.2% of the world’s adult population has a gambling disorder. Harm from gambling by others is also widespread.
- Industry analysts estimate global gambling revenue will reach US$ 700 billion by 2028 (1). Smartphone use in low- and middle-income countries will drive much of this growth.
- People gambling at harmful levels generate around 60% of losses (gambling revenue) (2).
- Gambling can threaten health, leading to increased incidence of mental illness and suicide. It can drive poverty by diverting household spending from essential goods and services.
- Gambling harms also include relationship breakdown, family violence, financial distress, stigma, income-generating crimes (theft, fraud), neglect of children, and erosion of civil institutions via corruption and corporate political activity. Gambling is also a common way to launder money obtained through illegal activities.
- The rapid normalization of gambling is occurring through commercialization and digitization. Sponsorship and marketing are also key factors in rapid global growth.
Item Type
FactSheet
Publication Type
International
Drug Type
Behavioural addiction
Intervention Type
Prevention, Harm reduction
Date
December 2024
Publisher
World Health Organization
Corporate Creators
World Health Organization
Place of Publication
Geneva
EndNote
Subjects
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Gambling > Gambling disorder / problem
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder prevention or harm reduction
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder industry or business
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder prevalence
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder harms
MP-MR Policy, planning, economics, work and social services > Marketing and public relations (advertising)
T Demographic characteristics > Affected family members / concerned persons
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder prevention or harm reduction
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder industry or business
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder prevalence
F Concepts in psychology > Process / behavioural disorder (addiction) > Process disorder harms
MP-MR Policy, planning, economics, work and social services > Marketing and public relations (advertising)
T Demographic characteristics > Affected family members / concerned persons
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