WHO calls RG measures ‘ineffective’ and urges gambling ad ban

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for urgent and coordinated global action to mitigate harms associated with gambling, warning that the industry’s rapid expansion poses significant threats to public health and societal well-being.

In its latest fact sheet on gambling, the WHO underlined the need for comprehensive and population-wide interventions to prevent and reduce gambling harms.

It described banning advertising, sponsorship, and promotions as a necessary first step in tackling the problem.

The organisation also advocated for stronger regulatory measures, including universal registration systems requiring binding loss limits and stricter controls on gambling products and availability.

The WHO highlighted the prevalence of gambling disorders, which affect an estimated 1.2% of the world’s adult population, and warned of the broader societal harms stemming from gambling.

The organisation cited findings that those gambling at harmful levels are responsible for around 60% of the industry’s revenue, describing this as evidence of the industry’s reliance on its most vulnerable users.

“Gambling-related harms extend well beyond financial losses,” the WHO stated, pointing to increased rates of mental illness, family violence, and suicide as serious consequences.

The organisation also stressed that opportunities to gamble are often disproportionately located in areas of higher disadvantage.

RG measures ‘ineffective’

The WHO harshly criticised the industry’ responsible gambling measures, labelling them as “ineffective” and placing undue blame on individuals.

“Responsible gambling interventions are typically ineffective, particularly where the uptake of measures is optional,” the WHO asserted.

Instead, the organisation recommended providing individuals with tools such as universal pre-commitment systems that require gamblers to set loss limits and maximum bet sizes, as well as mandatory self-exclusion programmes.

The WHO emphasised that prevention through mandatory systems is far more effective than voluntary measures, which suffer from poor uptake and limited enforceability.

Lobbying and political influence

The WHO also addressed the influence of the gambling industry on government policies and research.

In jurisdictions where gambling is legalised, significant tax revenues often create a dependency that discourages meaningful regulation, the WHO stated.

“Perceived economic benefits of gambling markets may have precedence over poorly understood effects on health and well-being,” the WHO said.

“Gambling industry groups typically strongly oppose high-impact regulations and other measures that affect their commercial interests.

“Corporate political activity is widespread and effective in protecting the interests of these businesses.” the WHO added.

The organisation added that the research sector has also been “influenced by industry using funding and other support.”

It emphasised the need to limit industry influence on public health research and policy to ensure regulatory measures prioritise societal well-being over commercial interests.

WHO expert group

Recognising the disparities in gambling regulation across the globe, the WHO called on member states to strengthen monitoring and oversight of gambling operations.

“This should include reducing stigma and shame related to gambling, ending advertising and promotion, and a focus on other upstream efforts to prevent and reduce gambling harm,” the organisation stated.

The WHO also announced its efforts to coordinate a global network of experts to address gambling’s public health implications.

This includes developing new diagnostic tools for gambling disorders to better reflect populations outside North America and facilitating consensus on diagnostic boundaries.

Additionally, the WHO aims to document and share best practices in regulation, particularly to support low- and middle-income countries where gambling markets are rapidly expanding.

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