A comprehensive study released this month reveals that Israel is grappling with a gambling addiction crisis, with rates surpassing global averages and the ongoing conflict further exacerbating the issue.
The study, led by Prof. Belle Gavriel-Fried of Tel Aviv University, found that approximately 16.7% of Israel's population — one in six Israelis — is at risk of problematic gambling behavior. This figure stands notably higher than the global average, which ranges from 0.5% to 1%.
"We may gamble less, but we become more addicted," Prof. Gavriel-Fried said, noting that Israel's gambling prevalence is higher despite having no casinos and a more regulated legal gambling market compared to many countries.
The research, which surveyed about 4,000 individuals, identified about 400,000 Israelis as moderate-risk or problem gamblers. When including low-risk gamblers, the number exceeds one million.
Key findings from the study include:
- Problem gambling is more prevalent among males, young adults, and individuals with lower incomes.
- Israeli-Arabs, despite lower overall gambling rates, show higher risk for problematic gambling compared to the Jewish population.
- At-risk gamblers typically reside in peripheral areas and report more symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
- Problem gamblers spend an average of 5,000 shekels (approximately $1,350) per month on gambling, compared to 240 shekels for casual gamblers.
The ongoing conflict since October 7, 2023, has intensified the problem. Prof. Shauli Lev-Ran, Co-founder and Academic Director of The Israel Center on Addiction, reports that one in four Israelis have increased their addictive behaviors since the war began.
"When the war started we were in a bad situation - and now it's gotten worse," Prof. Lev-Ran warned. A study conducted by his center three months after the war's onset showed a 20% increase in addictive behavior among at-risk gamblers.
The illegal gambling market in Israel, conservatively estimated at 20 billion shekels annually, outpaces the regulated lottery and sports betting revenue of 14 billion shekels. This black market poses additional risks to vulnerable individuals.
Treatment resources remain scarce. Aharon Shabi, director of the Addiction Treatment Service at the Ministry of Labor, Welfare and Social Services, reports that out of hundreds of thousands of addicts in Israel, the ministry caters to only about 13,000 people, with a mere 800 being treated for gambling addiction.
Experts also note emerging trends, including an increase in women becoming addicted and addiction onset occurring at younger ages. Dr. Amnon Michael, CEO of HaDerech, an addiction treatment organization, attributes this partly to the constant availability of online gambling.
As Israel continues to navigate its complex security situation, the growing gambling addiction crisis presents an additional challenge to public health and social welfare. With only a fraction of addicts currently seeking treatment, experts call for increased awareness, early intervention, and expanded treatment options to address this escalating problem.
* Ynet contributed to this article.
