Areas of Research Interest in Gambling Related Harms and Public Health

• All Wales/National

Background

Gambling related harms are a significant public health issue in Wales and can affect individuals, families, communities and wider society.

Harms may impact mental and physical health, financial wellbeing, relationships, employment, education and housing. Whilst awareness of these harms has increased in recent years, important evidence gaps remain regarding the identification, prevention, and reduction of gambling related harms.

What we did

To support future research, policy and practice, Public Health Wales undertook an online stakeholder led research prioritisation workshop informed by Welsh and UK evidence, expert stakeholder engagement and recognised principles for health research priority setting.

What we found

Through this process, five areas of research interest for gambling related harms research in Wales were identified, reflecting shared stakeholder priorities and key areas for further research:

1. Digital and commercial environments
2. Population level prevention and regulation
3. Health inequalities and vulnerable populations
4. Early intervention across the life course
5. Systems response, treatment and recovery