It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
A public health approach to gambling represents a fundamental shift in how we understand and address gambling harms. Broadly, a public health approach to gambling:
Acknowledges the relationship between experiencing gambling harms, comorbid mental health issues, and the determinants of health.1
Recent evidence has identified a significant relationship between gambling and a broad range of mental health conditions.2,3
Mental health issues can lead to gambling harm, result from gambling harm, or make pre-existing mental health issues worse.4
Determinants of health beyond individual genetics and health behaviours, influences the likelihood and experience of harms.5
Adopts an upstream approach by moving away from an overemphasis on individual behaviour and responsibility by addressing systemic factors that influence harm.
Systems-focused upstream approaches seek to reform the fundamental physical, sociocultural, economic, and environmental factors that shape how individuals grow, live, work, and age.
This change happens primarily through the development of strategic system partnerships, policy implementation, community health strategies and initiatives, and regulatory change at the local, regional, provincial, and federal level.
Rooted in the World Health Organization’s 1986 Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion by: building healthy public policy; creating supportive environments; strengthening community action/capacity building; developing personal skills; and reorienting health services toward prevention of illness.
Broadens the understanding of who experiences harm from gambling and in what ways.
The majority of gambling harms are experienced by low to moderate risk gamblers, not those who experience problem gambling, because they represent more of the population.6
Gambling harms are not restricted to the person who gambles; harms can be experienced by an individual’s family, friends, and community.7
Harms can be experienced episodically or chronically and can have generational and intergenerational harm.7
Types of harm can include financial harm, relationship disruption, emotional or psychological distress, decrements to health, cultural harm, reduced professional or academic performance, and criminal activity and deviance.8
How can this program help you?
Learn about the theory and practical applications of a public health approach to gambling
Get customized summaries of the research
Bring your project idea to life through our BET: System Impact funding grants