Hundreds of Medical Experts Call for Action on Gambling Addiction

Summary

A coalition of more than 300 international health and addiction experts has published an evidence-based appeal in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions calling on national governments, regulators and international bodies to treat gambling-related harm as a growing public-health crisis. The group, led by Professor Zsolt Demetrovics of Flinders University, points to a rise in gambling disorders driven by the proliferation of online gambling and sports betting.

The authors stress the need to focus on vulnerable and minority groups — including young people — who are disproportionately affected. They propose a universally applicable prevention framework combined with locally tailored treatment programmes, and are now working to identify priority research questions to guide policy and funding decisions.

Key Points

Over 300 health and addiction experts have issued a joint call to action on gambling harm.
The appeal was published in the Journal of Behavioral Addictions and is led by Professor Zsolt Demetrovics.
Rising availability of online gambling and sports betting is linked to increased rates of gambling disorder globally.
The experts recommend prioritising prevention, evidence-based policy and treatment, with attention to vulnerable and minority groups, especially young people.
The group aims to define core research priorities to make best use of limited financial and human resources in gambling research.
They advocate an evidence-backed, universally applicable prevention framework that can be adapted to local contexts.

Context and relevance

As online betting and sports wagering expand, regulators, public-health officials and the gambling industry face mounting pressure to respond. This joint statement elevates gambling harm from an individual clinical issue to a cross-border public-health concern, linking research priorities to policy outcomes. For policymakers, healthcare providers and industry stakeholders, the article signals a push for stronger, evidence-based intervention strategies and for funding to be targeted at the highest-impact questions.

Why should I read this?

Because it’s a wake-up call. Hundreds of experts saying the same thing means this isn’t a niche problem — it’s a rising public-health headache that will affect regulation, treatment services and industry operations. If you care about policy, public health or the future shape of gambling regulation, this gives you the headlines and the direction they’ll likely take next.

Author note

Punchy and plain: this is significant. With a big, cross-country expert cohort backing an evidence-first plan, expect pressure on governments and watchdogs to act — and for research funding to come under sharper scrutiny. Worth a closer read if you want to stay ahead of policy shifts.