CONASAMA warns of rising digital gambling addiction risks

Health specialists from the National Commission for Mental Health and Addictions (CONASAMA) have issued warnings regarding the rising risks of gambling disorder, commonly known as ludopathy, driven by digital betting platforms. Psychiatrist Guillermo Peñaloza Solano noted that the disorder is characterized by a loss of control, where individuals continue to gamble despite facing economic losses, debts, family conflicts, or work problems, often driven by the expectation of recovering lost funds.

Digital platforms exacerbate this issue by allowing 24-hour access via mobile devices and providing immediate rewards that create a sense of instant gratification. Adolescents and young adults are identified as particularly vulnerable groups due to the normalization of betting on social media and content from digital creators. Vulnerability may also be higher in individuals with impulse control difficulties, ADHD, or certain personality disorders.

To mitigate these risks, experts recommend that caregivers set limits on electronic device usage, supervise content consumed by minors, and utilize parental controls to restrict access to betting sites. The disorder often coexists with anxiety and depression, necessitating professional medical attention at the first signs of repetitive, uncontrollable behavior.