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Review
. 2021;29(1):37-53.
doi: 10.1007/s10389-020-01437-2. Epub 2021 Jan 7.

Charting a path towards a public health approach for gambling harm prevention

Alex Price  1 , Margo Hilbrecht  2   3 , Rosa Billi  4
Affiliations
Review

Charting a path towards a public health approach for gambling harm prevention

Alex Price et al. Z Gesundh Wiss. 2021.

Abstract

Aim: Gambling harm is a serious public health issue affecting the health, financial security, and social well-being of millions of people and their close relations around the world. Despite its population health implications, gambling harm is not typically viewed and treated as a public health policy issue. This paper critically reviews the evolution of the public health perspective on gambling harm. It also considers how gambling harm can be operationalized within a public health model.

Methods: A critical historical review of the emerging public health perspective on gambling harm was conducted. Key documents covering three decades of development were reviewed and appraised through a process of deliberation and debate over source impact in the fields of research, policy, and programming internationally.

Results: The first decade mainly focused on identifying gambling harm and framing the public health issue. The second decade featured the expansion of health assessment and emerging areas of policy and program development. The third decade saw an increased focus on public health frameworks that advanced understanding of harm mechanics and impact. As reflected by the essential functions of a general public health model, gambling harm prevention efforts emphasize health promotion over other key functions like health assessment and surveillance.

Conclusion: Gambling harm is a public health issue requiring greater attention to health assessment and surveillance data development.

Keywords: Critical review; Essential functions; Gambling harm; Health assessment; Public health model; Surveillance.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestNone of the authors have any financial, organizational, or personal conflicts to report.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling. Source: Abbott, M., Binde, P., Clark, L., Hodgins, D., Johnson, M. A., Manitowabi, D., . . . Williams, R. (2018). Conceptual framework of harmful gambling: An international collaboration, third edition. Retrieved from Guelph, CA: 10.33684/CFHG3.en, p. 6
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Conceptual Framework of Gambling-Related Harm. Source: Browne, M., Langham, E., Rawat, V., Greer, N., Li, E., Rose, J., . . . Goodwin, B. (2016). Assessing gambling-related harm in Victoria: A public health perspective. Retrieved from Victoria, Australia: https://www.responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au/information-and-resources/research/recent-research/assessing-gambling-related-harm-in-victoria-a-public-health-perspective, p. 40
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Source: Wardle, H., Reith, G., Best, D., McDaid, D., & Platt, S. (2018). Measuring gambling-related harms: A framework for action. Retrieved from Birmingham, UK: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/Measuring-gambling-related-harms.pdf. Adapted with permission from the UK Gambling Commission
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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