The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized gambling addiction as a disease. The decision was taken by vote during the 72nd session of the World Health Assembly. 194 members of the organization voted “For”.
A person can be diagnosed with gambling addiction if he:
- ceases to control his addiction, puts games above any interests and daily activities;
- because of the games, he is not able to establish family, professional, personal and other spheres of life;
- unable to independently limit the time spent playing games;
- does not notice or ignores the negative consequences that have arisen because of his hobby.
As Gamesindustry writes.biz, the negative impact of games on a person’s life should be observed for at least a whole year.
A number of EU member states and several other countries have already opposed the new criteria. They argue that “gaming disorder” is still insufficiently studied and new research is needed. Perhaps it can only be a symptom of more serious mental illnesses.
It is also important that the recognition of gambling addiction as a disease can encourage politicians who oppose games to take more active action. Guided by WHO criteria, they can introduce new bans that will hit the global game rendezvous. Although the case may not take such a serious turn as in China. There, children have already been limited to one or two hours of play per day.
The WHO’s decision, according to ESA, jeopardizes gaming projects that could have a positive impact on the economy, social life, creative fields, education and medicine.
Nevertheless, gambling addiction has already been included in the new, eleventh edition of the ICD — the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Health-Related Problems. It will come into force on January 1, 2022.
Also on the topic: