Global Prevalence of Problem Gambling

Summary

Recent meta-analyses estimate adult prevalence of problem or pathological gambling at approximately 1.29%, with an additional 2.43% of adults classified as moderate-risk or at-risk gamblers.

Knowledge Gaps

• Lack of standardized longitudinal data across diverse cultural contexts
• Inconsistent definitions of 'at-risk' gambling across international studies

Concerns

The reliance on self-reported data may lead to significant underestimation of prevalence due to social stigma.

Proposed Theories

• The 'Spectrum of Risk' hypothesis suggests that gambling harm is a fluid state rather than a binary condition, requiring dynamic monitoring rather than static prevalence snapshots.

Sources