The global gambling market is valued at over $ 400 billion annually.
More than 1.6 million people are employed in the gambling industry worldwide. At the same time, gambling addiction affects about 1−3% of the global adult population — many of whom do not have stable or high incomes.
A study found that people from marginalized groups are more likely to turn to gambling as a way to cope with life’s hardships. This includes the homeless, people with disabilities, the elderly, migrants, and others.
Several factors contribute to this:
Social Isolation — Loneliness and lack of support push people toward gambling in search of connection and emotional stimulation.
Poverty and Inequality — Gambling venues are often concentrated in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Stigma Around Addiction — Fear of judgment and discrimination prevents people from seeking help, even when they realize they have a problem.
What do the numbers say?
Gambling often becomes a "coping mechanism" — but ultimately leads to even deeper problems:
GambleAware emphasizes that gambling addiction is a serious social issue — especially for those left without family or community support. The only effective solution is greater compassion and the creation of inclusive social support programs.
A study found that people from marginalized groups are more likely to turn to gambling as a way to cope with life’s hardships. This includes the homeless, people with disabilities, the elderly, migrants, and others.
Several factors contribute to this:
Social Isolation — Loneliness and lack of support push people toward gambling in search of connection and emotional stimulation.
Poverty and Inequality — Gambling venues are often concentrated in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Stigma Around Addiction — Fear of judgment and discrimination prevents people from seeking help, even when they realize they have a problem.
What do the numbers say?
Gambling often becomes a "coping mechanism" — but ultimately leads to even deeper problems:
- 70% of problem gamblers suffer from additional mental health disorders.
- 50% commit crimes to fuel their gambling habit.
- 20−30% struggle with alcohol abuse or addiction.
- $ 55,000-$ 90,000 is the average debt of a male gambling addict.
GambleAware emphasizes that gambling addiction is a serious social issue — especially for those left without family or community support. The only effective solution is greater compassion and the creation of inclusive social support programs.