Gambling involves risking something of value — usually money or material goods or both — on an uncertain outcome. It includes buying lottery tickets, playing poker or other card games for money, betting on sports events, gambling at casinos or online and putting together a fantasy sports team. The element of risk and uncertainty is central to gambling, as is the desire to win.
Problem gambling occurs when the behaviour negatively affects an individual or family. It can lead to relationship breakdown, financial distress, poor health and unemployment. It can also divert income from essential household spending and create social stigma. Gambling harms can also undermine progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction and food insecurity, and promote corruption and criminal activities such as money laundering.
Easy access to gambling products – such as EGMs, casino-style games and betting apps – increase the likelihood of uptake, particularly in areas of higher disadvantage. This is driven by commercialization and sponsorship and the aggressive promotion of gambling, especially through sports. The design features of these products can mislead users with so-called dark nudges that encourage extended use. Health promotion messages are often inadequate, and counter-messaging highlighting the risks associated with these products can be effective in increasing awareness.
A clear definition of gambling is essential for establishing legal regulations and responsible gambling measures, as well as protecting consumers from fraud and exploitation. In addition, a strong regulatory framework is needed to prevent illegal gambling from circumventing national or regional laws and regulations.