Navigating an addictive and toxic landscape

A rapid review of evidence concerning contemporary influences on problem gambling among young men

This rapid review of evidence examines contemporary influences on problem gambling among young men in the United Kingdom. Young men warrant particular consideration within gambling harms policy owing to consistently higher rates of gambling participation, elevated prevalence of problem gambling, and established associations with suicidality, substance use and adverse mental health outcomes.

The review situates gambling within a broader cultural, commercial and digital landscape that has become increasingly immersive and, in some respects, addictive. It examines the interaction between online gambling platforms, gambling-like features within video games, social media marketing, influencer cultures and emerging technologies such as cryptocurrency-based casinos. Rather than conceptualising gambling harm as an isolated behavioural issue, the evidence points towards interconnected environmental and psychosocial influences that shape susceptibility.

Although notable evidence gaps remain, particularly in relation to rapidly evolving digital practices, the findings underscore the necessity of prevention and recovery approaches that are trauma-informed, culturally attuned and responsive to the lived realities of those most affected.

Read more about our work on problem gambling and gambling harms.