Experts from around the world have come together to call for urgent action on the growing issue of gambling harms, warning that without immediate intervention, the problem will only continue to worsen.
The call to action came from a group of international experts gathered at Monash University in Australia for a special symposium on gambling addiction. The experts, who came from a range of disciplines including psychology, sociology, public health, and addiction studies, all agreed that urgent global action is needed to address the escalating problem of gambling harms.
According to the experts, the rise of online gambling and the proliferation of gambling opportunities in many countries have contributed to a dramatic increase in the number of people experiencing gambling-related harms. These harms can range from financial difficulties and relationship breakdowns to mental health issues and even suicide.
Dr. Sally Gainsbury, a leading expert on gambling addiction from the University of Sydney, emphasized the need for a coordinated and international approach to tackling the problem. “Gambling harms are a global issue that requires a global response,” she said. “We need to work together to develop evidence-based policies and interventions that can help prevent and reduce the negative impact of gambling on individuals, families, and communities.”
The experts also highlighted the need for greater awareness and understanding of gambling harms, as well as increased investment in research and treatment programs. Dr. Alex Blaszczynski, a psychologist and director of the University of Sydney’s Gambling Treatment Clinic, stressed the importance of early intervention and support for those affected by gambling addiction.
“We know that early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in helping people overcome gambling addiction,” Dr. Blaszczynski said. “But too often, people don’t seek help until their problems are already quite severe. We need to do more to raise awareness and ensure that support services are readily available to those who need them.”
The experts also called on governments and regulators to take stronger action to protect vulnerable populations, such as young people and those with existing mental health issues, from the harms of gambling. They urged policymakers to implement stricter regulations on the gambling industry, including measures to reduce the availability of high-risk gambling products and to limit advertising that targets vulnerable groups.
Overall, the experts stressed that urgent action is needed to address the growing problem of gambling harms. “We cannot afford to wait any longer,” Dr. Gainsbury said. “The time to act is now, before more lives are ruined by this insidious addiction.”
