🃏 Are games like Omaze and McDonald’s Monopoly normalising gambling? A charity thinks so! GambleAware is raising alarms, suggesting these popular games might be exposing young ones to gambling habits without us even realising it. According to their latest survey, almost 27% of people who indulge in these games could be at risk of developing gambling problems. 😮
Interestingly, these prize draws aren’t currently classified as gambling. But GambleAware believes they share many similarities with gambling activities and wants everyone to understand the associated risks. With the increasing demand for treatment and support for gambling issues, it’s vital to spotlight this growing concern. 📊 The data shows adult problem gambling has climbed from 2.4% in 2020 to 3.8% in 2024, and many families feel the impact, with 4.3 million adults affected by a loved one’s gambling issues.
GambleAware’s CEO, Zoe Osmond, stresses the urgent need for action: “Gambling can be highly addictive, affecting lives, relationships, and finances. While it’s great that more people are seeking help, it’s equally concerning that we might be facing a public health crisis.” She calls for tougher regulations on gambling ads, warning labels, and a complete ban on gambling promotions in sports venues to help protect our youth. 🚫🏟️
The report highlights a push for stricter rules, with over 90% of people supporting bans on gambling adverts on TV, video games, and social media. Let’s talk about it: Should advertising laws be stricter to prevent gambling from becoming “harmless fun”? 🤔
Your thoughts? Comment below! 💬