This study presents a conceptual framework for the prevention of gambling disorder. In this framework, gambling is assumed to act like a virus, similar to SARS-CoV-2. Gambling disorder, as a disease, is caused by the action of an external agent. And certain environmental conditions favour its spread. Therefore, preventive strategies should aim to prevent gambling from affecting most people. These strategies include limiting the availability of and access to gambling. The researcher then evaluated the effects of anti-COVID measures on gambling participation and gambling disorder. These measures limited different types of gambling to a different extent. The researcher found that restrictive measures to combat COVID-19 worked to reduce frequent gambling for all types of gambling. The greatest decrease was for land-based gambling. However, they did not seem to be enough for people who already had gambling disorder. Most people who suffered from gambling disorder before the pandemic also had the disorder after the COVID-19 measures were implemented.
