There is limited evidence on early risk and protective factors for the development of problem gambling. This review identified 15 studies, published in 23 articles from 1990 to 2015. All of the studies were longitudinal studies that followed participants over a period ranging from five weeks to 32 years. Meta-analysis found significance for 15 risk factors and three protective factors. These factors had mainly small to medium effect sizes. The risk factors were similar to those found for other problem behaviours such as alcohol and drug use. This suggests that prevention efforts should target multiple problem behaviours. The review also identified a lack of longitudinal research, specifically for protective factors in the development of problem gambling.
