A rapid review of the influence of family on gambling behaviours

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Author(s): Smith, Jessica ; Wright, Simon ; Dighton, Glen ; Dymond, Simon ; Torrance, Jamie

Journal: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

Year Published: 2025

Date Added: November 12, 2025

This rapid review explored the influence of family on gambling. A total of 36 studies published between 2018 and 2024 were examined. The findings revealed that family significantly impacts gambling behaviours through two aspects: family environment in childhood and family environment in adulthood. Gambling might become normalized within the family and increase the risk for harm. This risk is also influenced by family characteristics such as parental relationship, household income, and domestic violence. Family can also mitigate gambling-related harm, and involving family in therapy can be beneficial.

Citation: Smith, J., Wright, S., Dighton, G., Dymond, S., & Torrance, J. (2025). The influence of family on gambling behaviours: A rapid review of emergent literature. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01505-2

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01505-2

Keywords: family ; family environment ; gambling harm ; interventions

Topics: Family and Friends

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Social Learning ; Psychological Factors ; Social - Family and Peer Gambling Involvement ; Psychological - Lifespan Development ; Social Factors

Study Design: Other Review

Study Funding:

No funding sources were declared for this study.