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

Veronica Velasco, Paola Scattola, Laura Gavazzeni, Lara Marchesi, Ioana Elena Nita and Gilberto Giudici
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Veronica Velasco: Psychology Department, Milano-Bicocca University, 20126 Milan, Italy
Paola Scattola: Piccolo Principe Social Cooperative, 24061 Bergamo, Italy
Laura Gavazzeni: Piccolo Principe Social Cooperative, 24061 Bergamo, Italy
Lara Marchesi: Piccolo Principe Social Cooperative, 24061 Bergamo, Italy
Ioana Elena Nita: Piccolo Principe Social Cooperative, 24061 Bergamo, Italy
Gilberto Giudici: Piccolo Principe Social Cooperative, 24061 Bergamo, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 18, 1-20

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.

Keywords: gambling; prevention; harm reduction; effectiveness; review; implementation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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