Health behaviours

Gambling is the betting or staking of money with the chance to win a prize, usually money. In recent years, the gambling industry has transitioned from traditional land-based premises to mainly online gambling which can be accessed anywhere at any time on mobile devices.

The gambling industry is a major commercial determinant of health as targeted advertising causes harm and increases inequalities. Gambling related harm can happen to anyone from any walk of life and is defined as the range of negative impacts which gambling can have on a person’s health, wellbeing and resources. This harm can also extend to those who don’t gamble directly but are affected by the gambling of others, whether that be family, friends or colleagues. Anyone who gambles is at risk of addiction and is at risk of experiencing harm as a result of gambling.