Internet gambling and casino apps accessible on mobile phones are contributing to a surge in problem gambling and potential addiction among hundreds of millions of people around the world, with the industry expected to grow by 7,000 by 2028. It is said to be worth billions of dollars.
Members of the Commission on Gambling, set up by UK-based medical publisher The Lancet, said: “The harms of gambling are much more serious than previously understood, and the rapid global expansion of the gambling industry and the digital transformation It’s getting even worse.”
Some of the effects of gambling addiction are well known, including the effects on finances, employment, relationships, and mental health.
But there are also knock-on effects on physical health that are sometimes overlooked, according to the commission, with the number of people with gambling disorders at 80 million worldwide and the number suffering from at least one negative effect of gambling at 4. It is estimated that there are over 100 million people. .
“Everyone with a mobile phone now has 24-hour access to a virtual casino in their pocket,” said Heather Wardle, co-chair of the committee, from the University of Glasgow. It accused the provider of implementing “sophisticated marketing and technology.” ” and “Design mechanisms that encourage repeated and long-term engagement.”
The commission states that “persuasive design techniques and interfaces are used to shape consumer behavior and maximize user engagement,” adding that “compelling design techniques and interfaces are used to shape consumer behavior and maximize user engagement.” “Data-driven algorithms are being used to target the promotion of unique content.”
Thanks to mobile phones and apps, popular sports betting and online slot machines are now easily accessible to children who would previously have been too young to access brick-and-mortar bookmakers and casinos.
“Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the allure of easy money and the game-like design of online gambling,” said Christiana Siste from the University of Indonesia.
