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Global rise in digital gambling addiction risks

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2026-08-14 22:43 UTC → 2026-08-15 07:33 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Health experts and researchers are raising alarms regarding the rise of digital gambling addiction, noting its significant impact on mental health and its prevalence among younger populations. In Mexico, the National Commission for Mental Health and Addictions (CONASAMA) warned that digital betting platforms exacerbate gambling disorders by providing 24-hour access and instant gratification. Psychiatrist Guillermo Peñaloza Solano noted that the disorder involves a loss of control where individuals continue to gamble despite economic loss, debt, or family conflict. Adolescents and young adults are considered particularly vulnerable due to the normalization of betting on social media. In Argentina, the ease of access provided by digital wallets and smartphones has been linked to increased betting among minors, sometimes as young as 13. Recent data from UNICEF and U-Report indicates that 80% of adolescents have accessed betting platforms, and 60% know someone who bets online. In response, the Consejo Publicitario Argentino (CPA), supported by Supervielle, has launched a national 360° communication campaign to promote prevention and awareness. A UNICEF report titled ‘Kids Online Argentina’ further indicates that one in four adolescents has engaged in gambling, with 47% being aware of specific betting platforms and applications. Observers note that digital wallets and easy mobile transfers may facilitate access, potentially altering how youth perceive the value of money. In the United States, research involving 1,800 students from eight Mississippi public universities found that approximately 24% had gambled within the previous year, with 7% showing signs of gambling problems. Studies published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction suggest a correlation between frequent gambling and increased rates of depression, anxiety, and substance use among young adults, though the exact causal direction remains under investigation.

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