Study: Gambling Ads Increase Harm Among Vulnerable Groups

Author: University of Sheffield
Published: 2023/01/26 - Updated: 2025/05/28
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Research, Study, Analysis
Category Topic: Accessible Games and Gaming - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This research, a peer-reviewed study conducted by the University of Sheffield and published in the journal Public Health, systematically reviews over 70 studies to examine the effects of gambling advertising on behavior. The findings reveal a consistent causal link between exposure to gambling advertisements and increased intentions to gamble, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, young adults, and individuals facing financial or mental health challenges. The study highlights a dose-response relationship, indicating that greater exposure leads to higher participation and, consequently, a greater risk of harm. These insights are authoritative and valuable for public health officials, policymakers, and advocates, especially those concerned with protecting at-risk groups, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, from the adverse effects of gambling - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

What is the Evidence Advertising Policies Could Have on Gambling-Related Harms? A Systematic Umbrella Review of the Literature - Public Health.

Researchers from the University of Sheffield explored the relationship between exposure to gambling advertising and attitudes, intentions, and behaviors that may be associated with an increased risk of gambling-related harms such as debt, relationship problems, physical and mental health problems, and crime.

Main Content

The team analyzed eight recent reviews in this field, including data from over 70 research papers, using various research methods to investigate the relationship between advertising and gambling. The research in this field consistently found a causal relationship between exposure to adverts for gambling products or brands and greater intentions to gamble and increased gambling activity.

The findings, published in the journal Public Health, found evidence of a dose-response effect; greater advertising exposure increases participation, leading to a greater risk of harm.

There was also evidence for the impact on children, young people, and those already at risk from current gambling activity, with those most vulnerable more likely to be influenced.

Professor Elizabeth Goyder, Professor of Public Health at the University of Sheffield's School of Health and Related Research, said:

"Gambling-related harms represent a significant potential driver of health inequalities because those already experiencing financial, social, and mental health disadvantage are also at increased risk of experiencing gambling-related harm. And those already at risk of harm from their gambling have consistently been shown to be more likely to be prompted to gamble by exposure to advertising."

"The substantial evidence we found in all the recent reviews of evidence in this field supports the use of restriction to reduce exposure to gambling advertising. This is particularly likely to reduce the risk of harm to children, young people, and adults who are already vulnerable to gambling-related harms."

"Such restrictions could reduce overall harm and mitigate the impact of advertising on gambling-related inequalities."

She added:

"Our study has shown public health harm prevention strategies should ideally include a range of policies which limit exposure to advertising, particularly among children and vulnerable groups."

About the Report

The report was funded by City Hall, London, to provide an independent evidence briefing on the evidence base related to the health and inequalities impacts of gambling advertising. Researchers recognize that the study's evidence base has limitations as surveys and qualitative studies of self-reported exposure, attitudes, and behavior in the general population largely characterize it.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by University of Sheffield and published on 2023/01/26, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.