Zambia doctors call for tighter gambling ad restrictions

Dr Paul Chibwe, president of the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia, has called for tighter gambling advertising rules.

Zambia.- Mental health professionals in Zambia have called for stricter gambling advertising regulations amid concerns over its links to anxiety, debt stress and other mental health issues.

Speaking in separate interviews, leaders from the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) and members of the country’s psychiatric community called for tighter regulation of gambling advertising and stronger safeguards for young people.

RDAZ president Dr Paul Chibwe said gambling ads had become widespread across TV, radio and online, while public health messages received less visibility. He questioned the current oversight of gambling promotions and called for authorities to balance revenue with public health

Chibwe said the increase in betting campaigns is exposing more young people to gambling activities at an early age, particularly through mobile applications and social media platforms.

Psychiatrist Dr Anita Malambo linked gambling-related harm to financial pressure and mounting debt, explaining that some people initially turn to betting in an attempt to improve their financial situation before developing psychological distress.