Illegal gambling has emerged as a significant global concern. It involves placing bets on activities that are in violation of laws/regulations in a jurisdiction. However, there is still much to know regarding the size and impact of illegal gambling.
The researchers reviewed 31 studies and reports that have examined illegal gambling. How illegal gambling is defined varies across studies, highlighting its complex nature. Illegal gambling is associated with a lack of consumer protection, crime, fraud, transparency and integrity issues, and policy and public health challenges. Some studies used a bottom-up approach to assess illegal gambling, whereas others used a top-down approach. Overall, the review highlights the need for collaboration and the use of a combined methodological approach to accurately assess the illegal gambling market.
