A review of the association between gambling motives and problem gambling severity

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Author(s): Dias, Stephanie E. ; Dowling, Nicki A. ; Hawker, Chloe O. ; Rodda, Simone N. ; Gandhi, Monique N. ; Merkouris, Stephanie S.

Journal: Current Addiction Reports

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: July 30, 2026

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined how different gambling motives are related to problem gambling severity. Across 63 studies, nearly all gambling motives were linked to problem gambling severity, especially motives related to coping with negative emotions and escaping distress. Positive reinforcement motives, such as enhancement and financial gain, were also linked to problem gambling severity. Social motives showed a smaller but still significant association. The findings suggest that problem gambling is associated with multiple motives.

Citation: Dias, S. E., Dowling, N. A., Hawker, C. O., Rodda, S. N., Gandhi, M. N., & Merkouris, S. S. (2026). The association between gambling motives and problem gambling severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Current Addiction Reports, 13, 25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-026-00731-5

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-026-00731-5

Keywords: motivation ; problem gambling

Conceptual Framework Factors: Resources - Risk Assessment ; Types - Motivational Characteristics ; Gambling Exposure ; Gambling Resources

Study Design: Systematic Review

Study Funding:

Open Access funding enabled and organized by CAUL and its Member Institutions. This study received no direct funding.