This is a summary of the Social Factors section of GREO's Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling. Social factors refer to how relationships, demographics, and social structures, such as culture and environment, can impact gambling harm. Social factors shape attitudes and beliefs about gambling, harmful gambling, and the best ways to prevent or reduce harm. Some social factors can help protect a person from developing gambling problems, while others can increase a person’s risk of developing gambling problems. For example, it may be protective to be in a close relationship with someone who rarely gambles; but, a close relationship with someone who gambles regularly can lead to a person gambling more than they might do otherwise.
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