Global public health action is needed to counter the commercial gambling industry.

The article urges for global public health action to counter the commercial gambling industry. It argues on the exacerbation of social and health inequalities, the influence of technology in the normalization of gambling and the contribution of powerful vested interest to gambling exceptionalism. It discusses the transformational impact of political will on population health and well-being and the role of public health and health promotion communities in preventing gambling harm.