Prevalence and Epidemiology of Gambling Harm

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. Evidence indicates that gambling-related harms are unevenly distributed, disproportionately impacting marginalized and disadvantaged groups.

Knowledge Gaps

• Lack of longitudinal data tracking the transition between risk categories over time
• Insufficient data on the impact of emerging digital gambling formats on specific demographic cohorts

Concerns

Prevalence rates have plateaued despite reductions in overall gambling participation, suggesting that the intensity of harm for those who do gamble may be increasing.

Proposed Theories

• The 'Intensity-Harm Hypothesis': Increased product speed and accessibility in online environments create a higher harm-per-user ratio even as participation numbers stabilize.

Sources