Problem Gambling’s Severe Health Toll

Problem gambling destroys quality of life just as severely as advanced alcoholism.

A major study comparing New Zealand and Australia found that the hidden toll of gambling

is much heavier than most people realize. In New Zealand, the disability weight

for problem gambling was rated at 0.54. That number is almost identical to the impact of severe

alcohol use disorder. This proves it is never just about losing money. It is a deep health

crisis that shatters well-being. We need to stop judging the financial side and start treating

this with the compassion and urgency of a serious medical condition.