A Brussels-based medical organization has issued an urgent call to address the escalating crisis of gambling harm in Europe.

The Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME), representing over 1.7 million doctors in 36 countries, warned that the current gambling landscape is unsustainable.

In a newly adopted policy, the European medical community warns that the rapid expansion of online platforms, combined with aggressive marketing and addictive design features, is driving harmful behaviors across Europe.

“Advertising, marketing, promotion, and sponsorship of gambling and gaming must be ended. We also need a harmonized and mandatory EU-wide age verification solution,” the group said in a statement. 

“It is time to position gambling and gaming as commercial determinants of health where profit-driven strategies contribute to significant health harms.”

CPME Gambling Advertising Ban

CPME insists that a total ban on the advertising of online gambling products is a top priority for reform efforts. It is calling for immediate action to close existing loopholes.

“Advertising of gambling activities is considered a major contextual factor that contributes to the social acceptance of gambling, gambling participation and problematic gambling behavior,” the group said. 

The group notes that almost 300 top-flight clubs across Europe have deals with betting firms. 

Numerous countries restrict betting ads, such as Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, and France. 

The severity varies. Italy and Belgium are closest to broad bans. Meanwhile, Spain, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, and France rely more on timing, targeting, content, and audience restrictions.

CPME Criticizes Self-Regulation 

CPME says gambling industry self-regulation fails. Governments should use mandatory standards. 

The group also criticized the industry-backed “responsible gambling” framework.

“Policy-making in areas that affect health should be protected from undue influence by the gambling and gaming industries,” the group said. “EU-mandated change must have urgency, as many countries have failed to implement gambling harm protection in a timely manner.”

The group urges governments to establish sustainable public health funding. It stressed that gambling research, education, and treatment be supported by government resources—not by voluntary industry contributions or regulator-imposed fines.

Fighting Gambling Stigma

CPME encourages European doctors and healthcare professionals to proactively recognize and address stigma, shame, and fear of disclosure. 

They urge professionals to actively implement measures to break down these barriers. Doing so could encourage people to seek or access support and treatment for problem gambling.

The group said that doctors should consider asking people about gambling and gaming when speaking to them about smoking, alcohol consumption, and use of other substances. This can occur during a health check or a general practitioner appointment. 

Doctors should also ask when patients present with mental health problems.