This convenient world of exponential increases in gambling applications has turned our cell phones into a window of opportunity for luck. However, this rapid growth in technology is a concern to health experts as it has grown so quickly as an emerging global health risk. According to the Lancet Public Health, “The global gambling industry is rapidly expanding, with net losses by consumers projected to reach nearly US$700 billion by 2028. Online gambling products are designed to be rapid and intensive, characteristics that are associated with higher risk of harm for consumers.”

A new wave in digital betting

Now, with just one tap, users get access to the world of betting from sports to slots at any given time. Easy wins and quick gratification keep players hooked onto the apps but these same elements cultivate a compulsion culture of gambling where users quite easily lose track of both time and money. The apps blur the lines dividing entertainment from addiction something to be seen in traditional casinos.

A hidden epidemic

Research indicates that the more people are turning to gambling applications, the higher the problem gambling rates. These applications have allowed anonymity and ease of access, leading to higher risks of harm from gambling, from financial devastation to mental health emergencies. The World Health Organization has finally sounded the alarm by calling on countries to identify this hidden epidemic.

Vulnerable populations at risk

Young adults, and anyone who lives in poor economic conditions, are usually the ones targeted. Gamification of gambling compete with rewards, rankings, and immersive graphics does all the harm before those people understand how addicted they have become.

The need for regulation

As the government tries to find a way to understand the effect of this trend, there are now more and louder voices clamouring for regulation. There should be stricter guidelines on advertising, age verification, and features about responsible gambling in an application. If nothing is done regarding it, unregulated expansion can become a big issue for public health.

A digital dilemma

As we venture out into this new, edgy online gaming world, we might see that the benefit of convenience comes with a cost. This isn’t an issue of personal choice. Rather, it is one of shared responsibility to protect ourselves against an onrushing tide of addiction.

We really have to ask ourselves in this digital age: Do we find a balance between the thrills of the game with health in our communities? As the stakes rise too must our vigilance.
“Change is inevitable. Change will always happen, but you have to apply direction to change, and that’s when it’s progress.” — Doug Baldwin
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