This article is a review of survey studies to date that examined the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on gambling. The authors found 17 studies on the topic. All 17 studies reported an overall decrease in gambling during the initial lockdown from March to May 2020. But, there was an increase in gambling or online gambling among some participants. Having more severe problem gambling, younger age, and being male were most consistently associated with increased gambling. Frequent reasons for increased gambling included boredom, financial pressures, and wanting to win money.
