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GREO has partnered with Research Impact to develop our Research Snapshots - plain language summaries of gambling and problem gambling literature, and the comorbid disorders and determinants of gambling harm. In these snapshots, we provide a succinct review of strong peer-reviewed journal articles, to make this knowledge more accessible and to enable its use in evidence-based decision making and future research.
All of our Research Snapshots are written by trained plain language writers and are approved by the author of the original academic article.
| Gambling as a public health issue |
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Here are a few Research Snapshots that explore gambling harms from a public health perspective. An applied, systems-focused approach that aims to prevent gambling harm, protect vulnerable or at risk groups, and address systemic health inequities, is a core component of addressing harms from gambling at the population level. To learn more, visit our Evidence Centre by clicking the link below.
| Does casino availability impact participation in gambling and problem gambling risk levels? |
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The relationship between the number of casinos in an area and gambling problems is unknown. The current study merged a large and representative health data set with casino location data to estimate the relationship. An increased number of casinos in an area was related to increases in both gambling participation and problem gambling risk. Hospitality and tourism planners could consider increased investment in responsible and problem gambling programs when expanding gambling venues in an area.
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| Why a population approach may be needed to prevent gambling-related harms |
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Public health typically uses two different approaches for the prevention of addictions. High-risk approaches target small groups of individuals who are at high-risk for an addiction. Population approaches focus on the general population as a whole to decrease overall problems. Population approaches may be necessary due to the “prevention paradox”. The “prevention paradox” occurs when individuals who are at low- or moderate-risk for an addiction account for most problems in the society. This is simply because there are more individuals within this group, and only a small number of individuals are at high-risk. In alcohol addiction, although heavy drinkers experience more harms from drinking, low-risk drinkers account for most problems because of the greater number of low-risk drinkers. The current study examined whether the “prevention paradox” applies to gambling-related harms in the British context.
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| How much harm do gambling problems cause on quality of life? |
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Researchers often use the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) to measure gambling problems in a community or population. However, different groups may experience different harms from gambling. The PGSI captures symptoms of problem gambling on an individual basis based on the person’s gambling behaviours. It cannot determine the degree of harms experienced by individuals with different levels of problem gambling (e.g., low-risk versus problem gambling). Also, the PGSI does not allow for the harms that gambling causes to be compared to the harms resulting from other health conditions.
The current study determined how much a typical person is harmed, given their level of problem gambling. To do this, it related problem gambling severity based on the PGSI to health-related quality of life (HRQoL). HRQoL refers to an individual’s or group’s physical and mental health over time. Also, the current study compared the impacts on quality of life caused by gambling to the impacts caused by other health conditions.
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| A tool to screen and monitor the population-level impact of gambling harms |
The current study developed a short screen for gambling harms, with the goal of being used at a population-level. Analyses found that the Short Gambling Harm Screen (SGHS) discriminated participants experiencing lower and higher degrees of harm. It corresponded to other assessments on gambling problems and well-being. For instance, participants who endorsed more harms on the SGHS had poorer wellbeing. Further, it could be used across gender and age groups. The researchers concluded that the SGHS is a valid scale for measuring the population-level impact of gambling harms.The current study developed a short screen for gambling harms, with the goal of being used at a population-level. Analyses found that the Short Gambling Harm Screen (SGHS) discriminated participants experiencing lower and higher degrees of harm. It corresponded to other assessments on gambling problems and well-being. For instance, participants who endorsed more harms on the SGHS had poorer wellbeing. Further, it could be used across gender and age groups. The researchers concluded that the SGHS is a valid scale for measuring the population-level impact of gambling harms.
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| Defining and categorizing gambling-related harms |
Gambling can negatively impact individuals, families, and communities. Public health interventions to prevent or treat gambling problems often focus on reducing harm caused by gambling. However, there is no consistent definition of gambling-related harm for public health to use. There is also no conceptual framework that captures the diverse types of harm due to gambling. A conceptual framework is a network of linked ideas that help to explain a topic, such as problem gambling. The lack of consistent definition and conceptual framework causes difficulties for public health in addressing gambling-related harm. Thus, the current study proposed a definition and conceptual framework of gambling-related harm. The framework identifies and classifies the diverse types of harm that may be experienced by gamblers, affected others, and the broader community.
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| Problem gambling in the UK: a public health issue affecting individuals, families, and communities |
This study examined the links between problem gambling and the physical, mental and social well-being of adult gamblers in the United Kingdom (U.K.). Data were drawn from the 2007 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, a randomly selected sample of over 7000 adults. Researchers have identified an increase in problem gambling in the U.K. but its implications for individuals, families and communities are unknown. The term ‘problem gambling’ refers to gambling causing a wide range of harms from moderate to extreme. Rates of disordered gambling are below 1% in England. However, more people are reported as being ‘at-risk’ of problem gambling. ‘At-risk’ refers to gamblers who have already experienced some harm from gambling and remain vulnerable.
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| Substance use and gambling in adolescents |
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Gambling, in different forms, has become an increasingly popular and prevalent behaviour among adolescents and young adults. As the gambling landscape continues to evolve, these forms of entertainment are becoming increasingly diverse, and more accessible to this demographic. As with substance use, early exposure to gambling is a significant predictor of future challenges with problematic behaviour.
Here are a few Research Snapshots that explore the complex relationships between substance use and gambling behaviour among adolescents and young adults, and how these relationships can influence the harms from gambling in this demographic. To learn more, visit our Evidence Centre by clicking the link below.
| The impact of marijuana use and problem gambling on adolescents |
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Many people gamble for fun and entertainment. However, some individuals lose control and develop problem gambling. These individuals continue to gamble even though gambling has caused them significant harm, such as debts and family conflicts. Others have less severe patterns of gambling and are considered to be at-risk gamblers. Adolescents and young adults are more likely to be at-risk or problem gamblers compared to older adults. Marijuana use commonly co-occurs with gambling and may have an impact on gambling behaviours. Thus, this study examined how marijuana use might influence the severity of gambling and a range of health and social functioning in adolescents.
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| Adolescent problem gambling is associated with alcohol and substance use, psychological distress, suicide attempts, and delinquent behaviours |
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Research has shown that problem gambling among adolescents is associated with many risk factors, including alcohol and substance use. However, the link between adolescent problem gambling and these risk factors is often examined in separate theoretical frameworks. Research with representative and population-based samples is also lacking. This study analyzed data from the 2009 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey to examine the link between adolescent problem gambling and known risk factors as part of a broad theoretical framework.
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| Problem Gambling impairs decision-making skills of youth |
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Past research has identified several factors that play a role in youth problem gambling. First, youth are still in their developmental stage and do not have a fully matured brain. As a result, youth have poorer decision-making skills compared to adults. Cognitive distortions also play a role in youth problem gambling. Cognitive distortions are irrational beliefs about gambling. They include believing that one can influence or predict the outcome of a game that is determined by chance. Moreover, problem gambling in youth is often linked to other risky behaviours, including alcohol and substance abuse. The current study investigated the impact of gambling involvement on youth decision-making. It also examined for differences in irrational beliefs and alcohol use between youth problem gamblers and non-problem gamblers. Finally, it assessed if decision-making, irrational beliefs, and alcohol use could predict youth problem gambling.
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| Gambling and socioeconomic status |
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Gambling harm is experienced disproportionately throughout the population. Income plays a significant role in how different people engage in gambling and experience the harms from this activity.
Here are a few Research Snapshots that explore the role of income in gambling harm and problem gambling behaviour. To learn more about gambling, income, and socioeconomic status, visit our Evidence Centre by clicking the link below.
| Risk of problem gambling is greater for adolescents living in areas with higher income inequality |
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Problem gambling has a social and geographical gradient. That is, problem gamblers are more likely to live in disadvantaged areas, be unemployed and have lower income. People who face income inequality are more likely to take risks, including gambling in the hope of escaping poverty. They may believe that they cannot reach what they desire (e.g., money, status) via conventional means (e.g., a job). Thus, gambling is seen as a way to gain money. The stress of living in poor conditions can also drive people to gamble to cope with negative moods. To date, no studies have investigated the link between income inequality and problem gambling in adolescents.
On the other hand, social support may protect adolescents against problem gambling. A few studies have found that adolescents without a gambling problem have more support from parents and friends than those who are at-risk or problem gamblers. Support from teachers can also lower the likelihood of engaging in gambling activities.
The main aim of this study was to examine if Italian adolescents living in regions with higher income inequality would be more likely to gamble problematically. Another aim was to examine if perceived social support would protect adolescents from problem gambling. Perceived social support was the extent of support the adolescents believed they had from families, friends, teachers, and classmates.
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| Social inequality affects the relationship between poor mental health and gambling problems |
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Over the last 20 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of gambling venues in Canada as well as in other countries around the world. In Ontario, Canada, gambling opportunities are prevalent in communities that have low socio-economic status - that is, poor areas with lower education and lower income. Easy access to gambling opportunities can lead to more gambling problems. Individuals with gambling problems are also more likely to have mental health problems, such as mood and anxiety disorders. Mental health problems are more common among people with low socio-economic status. The researcher investigated how the relationship between problem gambling and mood and anxiety disorders might be affected by socio-economic status. There have been no studies to date that examine the link between these three factors.
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| Gambling expenditure in relation to net income among Finnish men and women |
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Gambling expenditure (GE) is the total amount of money that gamblers spend or lose. Finland has one of the highest rates of GE per capita in Europe. Past research has found that greater GE is related to gambling harms. It is important to know the breakdown of GE by individuals in different population groups to know where to target harm prevention efforts. For example, population groups may include people from different age groups, from different socio-economic backgrounds, and individuals with gambling problems. The current study investigated GE and its relationship with socio-demographics, health-related factors, and past-year gambling behaviours among Finnish men and women.
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| Gambling and Ethnicity |
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While often there are many other physical, sociocultural and economic determinants at play, a person's ethnicity can shape their experience with gambling harm. As people of different ethnicities engage with gambling as a form of entertainment in different ways, so too do they experience the harms from gambling differently.
Here are a few Research Snapshots that explore the complex role of ethnicity in gambling behaviour, and the distribution of gambling harm. To learn more, visit our Evidence Centre by clicking the link below.
| Canadian Aboriginals have similar gambling attitudes and behaviour as non-Aboriginals |
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Gambling was an important part of North American Aboriginal culture and tradition. Historically, Aboriginal groups believed that supernatural spirits could influence the outcomes of events. Thus, the outcomes of gambling games were sometimes used to foresee future events. Aboriginals believed gambling brought spirits together. As a result, gambling games were an important part of traditional ceremonies that were performed to make sure a hunt would go well, to ask for rain, or to cure sickness. Gambling was also part of Aboriginal politics and allowed tribes to compete in contests. Gambling games gave Aboriginal groups an opportunity to trade and be social. Games were found to be similar across Aboriginal tribes in North America, which suggests that gambling was valuable for tribal interaction.
In contrast, gambling in North America today is used to make profits and entertain people. It does not have the spiritual and ceremonial purpose it had in Aboriginal culture. It is not known how the change in purpose has affected North American Aboriginal groups. The research team explored the attitudes, motivations, and gambling behaviour of Aboriginals who lived in cities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Aboriginals in this study were people who identified themselves as being either First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. First Nations was used in the study to mean a reserve community or band.
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| Social risk factors predict problem gambling in urban Canadian Aboriginals |
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Previous research has shown that North American Aboriginals have higher rates of gambling than the general populations. Aboriginals also have higher rates problem gambling. However, little research has been done on urban Aboriginal populations. In recent years, many Aboriginals in Canada have moved to live in urban cities. The aim of this study was to survey a group of urban Canadian Aboriginals to determine the prevalence of gambling and problem gambling. The researchers also explored factors that contributed to gambling and problem gambling in this population. Participants were from 15 cities in the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Legal gambling opportunities are widely available in these cities. Forms of gambling include lotteries, sports betting, bingo, electronic gambling machines, and casino.
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| Social and cultural factors impact problem gambling in various racial/ethnic groups |
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Gambling exists in various forms in almost every culture. In many cultures, gambling is viewed as a common pastime. However, the possibility of developing problem gambling (PG) exists regardless of a gambler's racial/ethnic background. Little research has examined the role of culture in the development and maintenance of PG. Thus, the current review investigated the impact that race, ethnicity, cultural beliefs, and social factors (i.e., income or education) have on PG. The researchers presented their review of gambling research studies with five racial/ethnic groups, including Black, American Indian/Aboriginal, Asian, Latino/Hispanic, and White American populations. The current review also provided practical suggestions for treating PG in diverse cultural groups.
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| What are the effects of age and ethnicity on gambling motivations and gambling disorder? |
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Past research shows that ethnicity and age are two risk factors for gambling disorder. Non-Caucasians have been shown to be at greater risk of gambling disorder than Caucasians. Also, young adults are at greater risk than older people. However, limited research has been done to investigate how ethnicity and age may interact in regards to gambling disorder.
Gambling motivations may also influence the development of gambling disorder. Individuals may gamble to escape or avoid stress in their everyday lives. However, individuals may also gamble for positive reasons, such as winning money. Past research has found that those who gamble as an escape are at greater risk of gambling disorder than those who gamble for positive reasons. The current study examined how age and ethnicity might interact to contribute to the development of gambling disorder. It also explored if gambling motivations (e.g., gambling as an escape) might vary across different ethnic and age groups.
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| Risk factors for problem gambling among different ethnic groups in New Jersey, USA |
This study investigated gambling behaviour and risk factors for problem gambling among different ethnic groups in New Jersey, USA. Participants were 2173 adults who had gambled at least once in the past year. In contrast to previous research, this study found that Hispanics were more likely than other ethnic groups to be problem gamblers, to have substance addictions, and to report mental health problems. Whites were more likely to be non-problem gamblers. Among ethnic minorities as a group, factors that increased the risk of problem gambling included gambling frequently, having friends or family who gambled, and gambling online only. Among Whites, factors that increased the risk of problem gambling included being male, gambling frequently, being addicted to drugs or alcohol, gambling both online and in land-based venues, and playing instant scratch tickets. More research is needed to understand risk factors associated with problem gambling in different ethnic groups.
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| Gambling and mental health |
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Gambling can affect a person's mental health and wellbeing. There are no visible signs or physical changes that a person is struggle with problematic gambling behaviour, or is experiencing the harms from gambling. But, just as substance misuse and poor mental health often co-exist, problem gamblers are more likely than others to suffer from low self-esteem, mood disorders, stress, and anxiety disorders.
Here are a few Research Snapshots that explore the role of mental health and wellbeing in gambling behaviour, and the distribution of gambling harm. To learn more, visit our Evidence Centre by clicking the link below.
| Social inequality affects the relationship between poor mental health and gambling problems |
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Over the last 20 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of gambling venues in Canada as well as in other countries around the world. In Ontario, Canada, gambling opportunities are prevalent in communities that have low socio-economic status - that is, poor areas with lower education and lower income. Easy access to gambling opportunities can lead to more gambling problems. Individuals with gambling problems are also more likely to have mental health problems, such as mood and anxiety disorders. Mental health problems are more common among people with low socio-economic status. The researcher investigated how the relationship between problem gambling and mood and anxiety disorders might be affected by socio-economic status. There have been no studies to date that examine the link between these three factors.
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| Exploring the link between anxiety and gambling behaviour in non-treatment seeking gamblers |
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Gambling disorder is often linked with other mental health issues. These include depression, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and suicide risk. Subsyndromal gambling involves significant gambling activity, but does not yet meet the clinical diagnosis of gambling disorder. Subsyndromal gamblers also suffer from similar mental health problems. Previous research has suggested that anxiety can influence gambling behaviour. This study assessed the link between anxiety symptoms, gambling severity, and other cognitive and clinical factors in non-treatment seeking gamblers.
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