04/08/2024
GAMBLING – A GLOBAL PANDEMIC
In recent years, the rise of gambling, both in its old-fashioned methods and through digital platforms, has become a global phenomenon that demands urgent attention. While many nations have invested considerable effort into eradicating poverty and fostering economic strength, the spread of gambling threatens to undermine these achievements.
The United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to promote prosperity while protecting the planet, but these goals become increasingly difficult to achieve when a significant portion of the population engages in activities that drain financial resources rather than contribute to economic stability. Our country, Liberia, struggles to meet these goals and is ignorantly involved in gambling without understanding how its toxicity can affect the growth and development of the nation and seduce the minds of young people to think critically to solve real-world problems.
The gap is plain between countries that have struggled heroically to reclaim dignity and improve their socio-economic standing and those that promote gambling as an avenue for quick wealth. The attraction of gambling often overshadows the hard-earned gains of developing and even developed nations, leading to a cycle of dependency and financial indebtedness. While it may seem that developing nations are progressing, their continued investment in gambling, often perpetuated by global trends and external influences, further tricks them into cycles of poverty and systemic economic challenges.
Moreover, the global trend of gambling reflects a broader issue. As nations adjust practices from others under the curtains of globalization, they often neglect the importance of thorough fact-checking and cultural sensitivity. The introduction of gambling may appear to modernize an economy or generate revenue, but without a deep understanding of its impacts, communities can suffer awful consequences. The impact on family structures, and community unity cannot be overstated; the false promise of instant wealth through gambling can lead to widespread addiction, financial ruin, and social disengagement.
The desire for relevance and modernization is good, but it can blind nations to the realities of these trends. By adhering too closely to perceived global norms without critical evaluation, countries risk promoting activities that are harmful to their long-term growth. Liberian leaders from all sectors and lawmakers need to delve into the potential pros and cons of gambling within their unique cultural contexts.
If our country, Liberia must grow fast and go far, our economic policies must not only reflect current global trends but also be rooted in an understanding of cultural values and social consequences. We must foster dialogues around responsible gambling, including the development of regulations that protect vulnerable populations and provide support for those affected by gambling addiction.
In this light, addressing the issue of gambling is not merely a matter of regulation; it is an imperious for sustainable development.
A new systematic review published today by the scientific journal Addiction has found that, globally, around one in every 400 adults (0.23% of the current general adult population) has sought help for gambling problems, either during the past 12 months or at some point in their lifetime. https://www.addictionjournal.org/posts/over-10-million-adults-have-sought-help-for-problem-gambling
