Abstract
Exploring perceptions, experiences and determinants of youth gambling is crucial for understanding both the impact of youth gambling now and the antecedents of future behaviour. Qualitative research plays an important role in exploring these processes, yet to date, there has been no systematic review of qualitative scientific literature of youth gambling behaviour. A rapid review of three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and grey literature was conducted to map what qualitative research has been conducted, to identify gaps and discern emerging theories or themes about youth gambling behaviour. Peer-reviewed studies were included if they qualitatively explored youth experiences or perceptions of gambling. Narrative and thematic synthesis identified key descriptive and analytical themes covered by the studies. From 75 studies, 21 papers were included. Studies focused on youth perceptions of gambling (including advertising) and/or the factors shaping behaviour. Those which examined perceptions highlighted the normalcy of gambling in the minds of youth and its embeddedness in everyday life but also ambiguity and nuance around their differing perceptions of what gambling is. Studies emphasised the relationship between people (family, peers), place, technology and advertising as key facilitators of behaviour. This review shows young people's perceptions of gambling differs from legal and legislative definitions, which risks underestimating the nature and extent of youth gambling behaviour. There are also notable gaps in knowledge, specifically around the role of technology in shaping gambling behaviours beyond consideration of access and availability. There is a pressing need to better understand the whole techno-ecosystem in which gambling is situated and young people's relationship with it to understand youth gambling.
Highlights
Gambling is increasingly recognised as a public health issue, contributing to ongoing health inequalities, the experience of physical and mental health problems and poor wellbeing (Lancet, 2017)
Qualitative research plays an important role in exploring these processes, yet to date, there has been no systematic review of qualitative scientific literature of youth gambling behaviour
How do young people and their parents describe the relationship between gambling and sport? What factors may influence these perceptions? How do young people interpret the messages they see about gambling during sport? Is there evidence to suggest that young people are increasingly viewing sport through a ‘gambling lens’? To investigate patterns of change in gambling behaviour and the complexities and social contexts, as well as the subjective meanings that lie behind such changes
Summary
Gambling is increasingly recognised as a public health issue, contributing to ongoing health inequalities, the experience of physical and mental health problems and poor wellbeing (Lancet, 2017). Gambling among children and young people is common, despite gambling in most jurisdictions being a legally age-restricted activity. In Great Britain, 12% of 11–15 year olds gambled in the past week, over half of which did so on age-restricted and commercial forms of activity (Wardle, 2018). Studies of youth gambling have shown inequalities in youth gambling behaviour, with those from more socially deprived backgrounds being more likely to experience problems (Blinn-Pike, Worthy, & Jonkman, 2010). Studies suggest that gambling problems among children and young people are at least as common, if not more so, as among adults. In Britain, 0.9% (around 31,000) children aged 11–15 are estimated to be problem gamblers (Wardle, 2018)
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