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Review
. 2020 Jun 16;9(2):190-205.
doi: 10.1556/2006.2020.00024. Print 2020 Jun.

The Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling: A revised framework for understanding gambling harm

Margo Hilbrecht  1   2 , David Baxter  1 , Max Abbott  3 , Per Binde  4 , Luke Clark  5 , David C Hodgins  6 , Darrel Manitowabi  7 , Lena Quilty  8   9 , Jessika SpÅngberg  10 , Rachel Volberg  11 , Douglas Walker  12 , Robert J Williams  13
Affiliations
Review

The Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling: A revised framework for understanding gambling harm

Margo Hilbrecht et al. J Behav Addict. .

Abstract

Background and aims: The Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling moves beyond a symptoms-based view of harm and addresses a broad set of factors related to the risks and effects of gambling harmfully at the individual, family, and community levels. Coauthored by international research experts and informed by multiple stakeholders, Gambling Research Exchange (GREO) facilitated the framework development in 2013 and retains responsibility for regular updates and mobilization. This review article presents information about the revised version of the Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling completed in late 2018.

Methods: We describe eight interrelated factors depicted in the framework that represent major themes in gambling ranging from the specific (gambling environment, exposure, gambling types, and treatment resources) to the general (cultural, social, psychological, and biological influences). After outlining the framework development and collaborative process, we highlight new topics for the recent update that reflect changes in the gambling landscape and prominent discourses in the scientific community. Some of these topics include social and economic impacts of gambling, and a new model of understanding gambling related harm.

Discussion and conclusions: We address the relevance of the CFHG to the gambling and behavioral addictions research community. Harm-based frameworks have been undertaken in other areas of addiction that can both inform and be informed by a model dedicated to harmful gambling. Further, the framework brings a multi-disciplinary perspective to bear on antecedents and factors that co-occur with harmful gambling.

Keywords: conceptual framework; harmful gambling; harmful gambling antecedents; interdisciplinarity; public health; social determinants of health.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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