A review of referral and treatment pathways for gambling-related harm

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Author(s): Lakew, Nathan ; Lindner, Philip

Journal: Frontiers in Public Health

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: October 21, 2026

The aim of this review was to explore the barriers and mechanisms that influence how people are referred to, and supported within, formal gambling harm treatment services. A total of 39 studies were included in the review. Ten core themes were identified and organized according to the Antecedents–Decision–Outcomes (ADO) framework. The framing of responsibility is a cross-cutting factor that shapes the recognition of and response to gambling harm. The results point to a need for better integration of referral and treatment pathways for gambling harm.

Citation: Lakew, N., & Lindner, P. (2026). Structural gaps in referral and treatment pathways for gambling-related harm: A systematic review of health system responses using the antecedents–decision–outcomes framework. Frontiers in Public Health, 14, 1823843. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1823843

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2026.1823843

Keywords: gambling disorder ; gambling-related harm ; health care ; public health ; treatment ; treatment referral

Topics: Information for Treatment Providers ; Public Health

Conceptual Framework Factors: Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Study Design: Other Review

Sampling Procedure: The review was conducted in adherence to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for systematic reviews. Articles had to be published between January 2014 and May 2024.

Study Funding:

Funding was provided by the Swedish Research Council for Health, Working Life, and Welfare.