Prevention and Harm Reduction Interventions for Adult Gambling at the Local Level: An Umbrella Review of Empirical Evidence

Abstract

Concerns about negative consequences of gambling diffusion are increasing. Prevention and harm reduction strategies play a crucial role in reducing gambling supply and harms. This study aims to conduct an umbrella review of the effectiveness of gambling preventive and harm reduction strategies, which can be implemented at a local level and targeted at adults. It was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Sixteen reviews were analyzed, and 20 strategies were selected and classified in 4 areas with different targets and aims. Reducing the supply of gambling is an effective strategy both for the general population and for risky or problematic gamblers. Demand reduction interventions have been found to have limited effects but most of them are mainly focused on knowledge about risks and odds ratios. Risk reduction strategies aim to reduce contextual risk factors of the area where gambling is provided, change the gambling locations’ features, and modify individual behaviors while gambling. Smoking and alcohol bans or restrictions are considered one of the most effective strategies. Finally, harm reduction strategies targeted at problematic gamblers are potentially effective. Some relevant implementation conditions are identified and the results show inconsistent effects across different targets.

Individuals with a migratory background can offer valuable insight to improve the treatment and prevention of gambling harms

“…While the results are not statistically representative, they are revealing of the Finnish gambling field. In line with existing evidence of effective harm prevention (e.g., Fiskaali et al, 2023; Velasco et al, 2021), the most often mentioned means of preventing harms according to Russian speakers were public health-oriented measures that target the full population rather than just those who actively gamble. These include information on harms and reducing the visibility and availability of gambling and gambling marketing.…”

Gambling harm prevention and harm reduction in online environments: a call for action

“…Much research has been conducted on the effectiveness of harm reduction and harm prevention efforts in land-based gambling, including several systematic reviews and a recent umbrella review [see 17 – 22 ]. These studies have shown that many harm prevention and harm reduction efforts can reduce consumption or harms in land-based environments, although effectiveness depends largely on implementation and how effects are measured.…”

“…Based on available research focussing mainly on land-based gambling, limiting availability and accessibility are among the most effective means to reduce total consumption. Availability-related measures include limiting the number of venues, venue hours, or access to cash or credit, as well as limiting accessibility with for example age limits [ 15 , 17 – 20 , 23 ]. Smoking bans and bans on the sale of alcohol in gambling venues have also led to reduced gambling consumption [ 15 , 17 , 18 ].…”

“…Availability-related measures include limiting the number of venues, venue hours, or access to cash or credit, as well as limiting accessibility with for example age limits [ 15 , 17 – 20 , 23 ]. Smoking bans and bans on the sale of alcohol in gambling venues have also led to reduced gambling consumption [ 15 , 17 , 18 ]. However, the high concentration of gambling spending may limit the impact of such measure on reducing harms and problematic gambling [ 15 ].…”

Kenntnis und Akzeptanz von Spielerschutzmaßnahmen bei den Glücksspielenden – Ergebnisse des Glücksspiel-Surveys 2021

“…Hingegen fanden bereits einige Maßnahmen, deren Evidenz als belegt angesehen werden kann, keinen Eingang in den GlüStV. Beispielhaft sei in diesem Zusammenhang die Beschränkung der Verfügbarkeit von Glücksspielen genannt, die eine effektive Strategie sowohl für die universelle Prävention (Allgemeinbevölkerung) als auch für die selektive Prävention (Risikogruppen) darstellt [2]. Gleichwohl wurde der Glücksspielmarkt in Deutschland mit Inkrafttreten des neuen GlüStV liberalisiert.…”