Extent and cost of gambling ‘vastly underestimated’ in Britain, which spent less than £1.5m on prevention activity last year for a population of 65 million.
A compulsory levy on the gambling industry is needed to address the “vastly underestimated” harm it is causing to society, according to academics.
Major investment and an overhaul of UK laws are needed to alleviate the growing economic burden of gambling on society as it is increasingly recognised as a public health issue, the study, published in the BMJ, said.
Dr Heather Wardle, assistant professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the paper’s lead author, said: “Gambling harms have been vastly underestimated. It is placing major burdens on resources, relationships and health.”
Professor Gerda Reith, the University of Glasgow’s professor of social sciences and an author on the paper, said: “As a society we need to face up to the broad environment that gambling harm is produced in, the role of the industry, as well as the policy climate that they operate in.
“Gambling harms disproportionately affect poorer or more vulnerable groups in ways that can exacerbate existing inequalities
“We urgently need a marked change in approach, and one that is long overdue.”
A government spokesperson said: “While millions of people enjoy gambling responsibly, protecting people from the risks of gambling-related harm is absolutely vital.
“Operators must adhere to strict rules protecting children and vulnerable people, and the Gambling Commission has strong powers to ensure they comply.
“We are also expanding specialist support for gambling addiction through the NHS long-term plan, and Public Health England are committed to reviewing gambling-related harm.”
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