New Study Confirms Gambling Expansion Fuels Gambling Harm

According to the Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG), a groundbreaking study reveals a clear connection between gambling expansion in western society and rising levels of gambling harm.

“The total consumption model applied to gambling” study analyzed data from 40,000 gamblers

The research study titled “The total consumption model applied to gambling” analyzed data from 40,000 gamblers and highlighted that gambling harm is connected to the total volume of gambling activity in society.

Funded by a coalition of international academic and government organizations, the study validates the Total Consumption Model of gambling and concludes that universal prevention strategies are essential to preventing problem gambling.

The funding for this research includes contributions from major local authorities in Great Britain. Those offerings are mandated by the 2005 Gambling Act to prioritize the “prevention of harm” as a licensing objective.

Additional funding came from leading health and gambling-focused organizations in several countries. In addition to proper funding, gambling harm requires addressing systemic behaviors and societal trends.

In the United States, gambling expansion proponents often rely on “responsible gambling.” The social responsibility initiatives address harm among a small percentage of vulnerable individuals.

CFG says no evidence suggests that American gaming regulators have successfully reduced gambling harm

However, CFG argues that American gaming commissions are not doing enough to help compulsive gamblers. The organization reaffirms that U.S. jurisdictions have failed to successfully reduce gambling harm. Gambling expansion in recent years has only increased public health risks.

Derek Webb, gambling reform philanthropist and Founder & Funder of the Campaign for Fairer Gambling (CFG), said: “For years, we’ve warned in the U.K. and Europe that expanding gambling leads to expanding gambling harm. In the U.S., the situation is even more dire, as the existing illegal offshore online gambling market remains significant. State-by-state legalization of online gambling has done little to curb this illegal market or mitigate harm. Federal intervention is the only way to address this escalating issue.”

CFG is an independent gambling reform organization that specializes in analyzing the gambling sector’s business and lobbying practices in both the U.K. and U.S.

The organization promotes fairer gambling through research, advocacy, and reform. CFG also provides policymakers with reliable data to facilitate informed debates and responsible gambling policies.