Global Prevalence and Burden of Gambling Harm

Summary

Recent meta-analyses indicate that gambling-related harm is a significant public health issue, with a burden comparable to major depressive disorder and alcohol misuse. While participation rates have fluctuated, the prevalence of problem gambling remains a critical concern, particularly among marginalized and disadvantaged groups.

Knowledge Gaps

• Lack of consistent longitudinal data across diverse global jurisdictions
• Limited understanding of how prevalence shifts in response to rapid digitalization

Concerns

The use of varying diagnostic terminology (e.g., pathological vs. problem gambling) complicates cross-study comparisons.

Proposed Theories

• The 'Exposure-Harm Hypothesis' suggests that increased accessibility to digital gambling platforms directly correlates with higher population-level harm regardless of participation rates.

Sources