Global Call for Robust Gambling Regulations to Protect Consumers

With online gambling and mobile betting on the rise worldwide, concerns about excessive gambling harm have surged. Lawmakers across 33 jurisdictions, analyzed in a study between 2018 and 2021, are being urged to prioritize the health and well-being of their citizens in gambling legislation. The study emphasizes that current regulations often focus on individual-level harms, necessitating a shift towards comprehensive policies addressing wider social and economic impacts.

Protection of customers from excessive gambling varies widely across the globe, with some jurisdictions offering robust player protection and others having more lenient rules. The rise of online gambling and mobile betting has intensified these concerns, prompting a call for more stringent regulations globally.

The Lancet Public Health journal study reveals that over 80% of countries have some form of legal gambling, yet legislative changes often prioritize individual-level harms. The call is for governments to recognize the broader societal impacts of gambling and implement comprehensive policies to safeguard public health.

While global gambling policies are evolving, the study emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in addressing gambling as a public health issue. Current regulations primarily focus on individual responsibility, but the call is for a more collective approach that considers wider social and economic implications.

The study aligns with the UK Gambling Commission's chief executive, Tim Miller, who advocates for international collaboration among regulators. The aim is to ensure users worldwide can enjoy safe, secure, and responsible gambling services, emphasizing the importance of effective cooperation in the evolving landscape of online gambling.