Peru sees alarming gambling addiction rise in 2025, harming minors
The Social Health Insurance (EsSalud) warned about a significant increase in cases of gambling addiction treated during 2025. Between January and the date of the report, 177 patients with this addiction were identified within its national healthcare and assistance networks, representing a 10% increase compared to the same period last year.
The trend is even more alarming in the case of girls, boys, and adolescents: diagnoses in the 0 to 17 years age group grew by 18%, a figure that reflects the growing exposure of minors to digital betting platforms and gaming dynamics with addictive components.
The risks of digital mechanics and early exposure
EsSalud psychiatrist, Dr. Paula Vizcarra Flores, explained that minors today have more access to cell phones, computers, and video games that incorporate mechanics similar to betting, such as loot boxes, roulette wheels, and random rewards.
"Although children do not handle money, some family practices, such as promoting sports forecasts or encouraging gambling at home, can lay the foundation for an early and risky relationship with gambling," she warned.
According to the specialist, digital platforms tend to be more stimulating than a physical casino due to their animations, eye-catching sounds, and quick rewards, elements that make the experience more captivating. "Having the casino on the phone makes it easier to bet more frequently and at any time," she stated.
Warning signs for parents and caregivers
EsSalud urged families to maintain active vigilance and detect behaviors that may indicate the onset of a problem:
- Frequent use of money in digital games.
- Constant requests for top-ups or online purchases.
- Obsession with obtaining rewards within video games or applications.
- Irritability, anxiety, or mood changes when screen access is limited.
- Poor academic performance or difficulty concentrating.
- Social isolation or loss of interest in activities outside the digital environment.
Vizcarra recalled that gambling addiction can cause family conflicts, debt, emotional isolation, and loss of control. In minors, the consequences include anxiety, irritability, and a decrease in recreational activities.
Prevention recommendations
EsSalud suggested various measures to reduce the risk of children and adolescents developing problematic gambling behaviors:
- Supervise the use of cell phones, computers, and video games.
- Limit exposure to platforms with mechanics similar to betting.
- Avoid minors participating in pools, forecasts, or family bets.
- Promote sports, artistic, or recreational activities outside of screens.
- Maintain constant dialogue and provide emotional support.
The increase in gambling addiction cases, especially among minors, reinforces the need to strengthen preventive public policies and educational programs that address the impact of digital gambling, online betting, and addictive mechanics on childhood and adolescence.
Tags: Peru, Peru betting, gambling addiction Peru