The social and material dimensions of place contribute to inequalities in the experience of gambling harms

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Author(s): Powell, Katie ; Fenton, Laura ; McGill, Elizabeth ; Nazir-Desforges, Saima ; Clowes, Mark ; Stevely, Abigail Kate ; McQuire, Cheryl ; Hulls, Paige M. ; Clarke, Zoe L. ; Daly, Michael P. ; Egan, Matt ; de Vocht, Frank

Journal: Health and Place

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: February 20, 2026

This study reviewed social science and public health research to explain place-based inequalities in gambling harms. A total of 53 articles were included in this review. The researchers used a spatial framework to explain how immersion in gambling atmospheres, people’s orientation towards gambling spaces, and collective control together shape the meanings of gambling and the ability of communities to protect themselves from harms.

Citation: Powell, K., Fenton, L., McGill, E., Nazir-Desforges, S., Clowes, M., Stevely, A. K., McQuire, C., Hulls, P. M., Clarke, Z. L., Daly, M. P., Egan, M., & de Vocht, F. (2026). A synthesis of explanations of spatial inequalities in gambling harm: Integrating social and material dimensions of place. Health and Place, 97, 103574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2025.103574

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2025.103574

Keywords: community gambling venues ; gambling ; gambling setting ; gambling venues ; inequality ; marketing ; venue design

Topics: Gambling Exposure ; Information for Operators

Conceptual Framework Factors: Cultural - Gambling Cultures ; Exposure - Gambling Setting ; Exposure - Marketing and Messaging ; Cultural Factors ; Gambling Exposure

Study Design: Other Review

Study Funding:

This study was funded by a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Public Health Research (SPHR) Grant.