For the uninitiated, the Group of Seven (G7) is an informal grouping of seven of the world’s advanced economies, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The forum also receives participation from the European Union. The G7 meets each annum to discuss and coordinate on various global issues, including economics, foreign policy, and security.
Canada is hosting the G7 Leaders’ Summit from June 15 to 17, 2025, in the Kananaskis region near Calgary, Alberta. While G7 coordination on mitigating fallout from trade wars is certain to receive the most press this year, one socioeconomic crisis is slated for discussion for the first time at the forum – Problem Gambling (PG).
The inclusion of Responsible Gaming and Gambling Policy (and ultimately PG) in the global forum has been made possible through the G7 Canada Brain Economy Summit (CBES). The summit is a global initiative focused on how the world’s collective brain health can drive economic growth, resilience, and innovation. Conversely, the summit also addresses issues that may compromise optimal operation of the brain’s various domains, including cognitive, sensory, and emotional functionality, which cost the global economy $8.5 trillion in lost productivity per annum. Among the commonly recognized global concerns (poverty, gender and racial inequality, substance abuse, et cetera) that may compromise brain health, PG is now being recognized at the G7 as being a tangible threat.
The 2025 G7 CBES will deliver much-needed dialogue between industry and public health leaders, researchers, and policymakers to shape a modern, coordinated approach to gaming and gambling in today’s digital world.
Kindbridge Behavioral Health (KBH) Founder and CEO Daniel Umfleet has been invited to help lead the discussion on Problem Gambling. He will provide invaluable insights into how Responsible Gaming and Gambling Policy initiatives can be advanced in a manner that supports healthy participation and economic resilience, while safeguarding the mental health of vulnerable populations at a national and International level. Topics will include those that are frequently addressed on the KBH platform:
- Mental and behavioral health issues that cooccur with problematic gambling behavior.
- Vulnerabilities to PG among active members of military and veteran populations.
- Vulnerabilities to PG among athlete populations.
- Vulnerabilities to PG via sports betting among young adult males.
- Economic impact of PG on national populations.
- How gambling operators can be more involved in monitoring for PG and supporting player health.
- How artificial intelligence (AI) will be integral to monitoring for PG and supporting player health.
Stay tuned to KBH Instagram, Facebook, and X for live updates from the Canada Brain Economy Summit, and bookmark our News portal for more as the G7 addresses the global gambling crisis for the first time.
Do you, or does a loved one, struggle with problem gambling? Connect to a Kindbridge care coordinator to schedule a FREE assessment today.
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