Gambling is occurring in a rapidly changing landscape, with new trends and technologies affecting gambling behaviour and problem gambling across a range of populations. Gambling activity among adolescents and young people has received considerable research attention due to a high prevalence of gambling reported among these groups in recent years. Despite legislation worldwide to constrain gambling among adolescents and young people, modern technology, such as online gaming apps and online gambling venues, has significantly increased their exposure to the risks of problem gambling. It is important, therefore, to have up to date information about what is currently known about gambling and to explore gaps in our knowledge. This gap analysis presents the results of a systematic approach to reviewing the current literature on gambling behaviour, attitudes, and associated risk factors for gambling and problem gambling among adolescents and young adults (aged 10–25 years). The review included studies published between January 2015 and August 2020 and included 85 studies for final synthesis. Findings reveal further research is needed on the implications for young people of emerging technologies and new trends in gambling in the digital age. The current gap analysis reveals that this should include more research on the development and impact of both treatment and intervention strategies, and policy and regulatory frameworks from a public health perspective.

There have been significant changes in the gambling landscape particularly relating to gambling in the digital age. As the gambling landscape changes, regulation of gambling also needs to change. In 2018, the Office of Responsible Gambling in New South Wales, Australia, commissioned a gap analysis to inform their research objectives and priority focus areas. This included an identification of gaps in our understanding of emerging technologies and new trends in gambling. A gap analysis of the peer-reviewed literature published since 2015 was undertaken, identifying 116 articles. The main area of focus was Internet gambling, followed by articles exploring the relationship between video gaming and gambling, the expansion of the sports betting market, Electronic Gambling Machines characteristics and articles exploring new technologies and trends in advertising and inducements. Key gaps related to the need for more research in general, as well as research focusing on subpopulations such as those using different gambling formats, those with varying levels of problem gambling, and vulnerable populations. From a methods perspective, researchers saw the need for longitudinal studies, more qualitative research and improved outcome measures. The development and testing of a public health approach to addressing the harms associated with gambling in these areas is needed.

The availability of legalized gambling products has increased over the past three decades. Though the negative personal consequences of problem gambling (PG) are well documented, a comprehensive picture of gambling-related harm from the perspective of concerned significant others (CSOs) is lacking. The aim of this systematic review was firstly, to describe the nature of existing peer-reviewed published studies from inception through to July 2018 that have directly engaged CSOs concerning gambling-related harm. Secondly, to synthesize this literature and describe the impacts of PG on CSOs; how CSOs respond to gambling-related harm; identify gaps in the literature, and provide specific directions for future research. A systematic search strategy identified 53 studies. Following the extraction of data, a meta-synthesis was conducted on the 26 quantitative, 21 qualitative and 6 mixed-methods studies. Partners are especially impacted, suffering both mental and physical health problems. Children are also particularly affected, and appear to suffer silently due to their reluctance to disclose their parental PG worries. Problem gambling treatment and counselling services should take into account the pervasiveness of the impacts of PG, and be equipped to respond appropriately to the needs of CSOs. Future research should focus on male CSOs, and CSOs associated with non-help-seeking problem gamblers.

Studies have shown an association between criminal offending and problem gambling; however, research concerning problem gambling among prisoners is limited. Although reported prevalence rates are high among the offending population, different screening tools have been used making them difficult to compare. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lifetime prevalence of both level 2 and 3 problem gambling among a group of incarcerated male offenders in South Australia and to examine the relationship between gambling and current term of imprisonment. The Early Intervention Gambling Health Test (EIGHT Screen) was completed by 105 prisoners. Fifty-five (52%) indicated a lifetime prevalence of problem gambling. One-fifth of all respondents reported their current term of imprisonment was related to gambling. This paper aims to draw attention to the prevalence of problem gambling among Australian prisoners. Implications are discussed with regards to problem gambling, health promotion and rehabilitation, and the importance of screening for gambling-related problems among this high-risk population.

The rate of females imprisoned worldwide has increased by more than 50% during the last two decades, with recent figures suggesting that, worldwide, the female prison population may still be increasing at a faster rate than males. Despite prevalence rates for psychiatric conditions among female prisoners being significantly higher than males, there is a particular lack of programs specifically designed for women. This preliminary study evaluates the initial effectiveness of a mindfulness and acceptance–based group program in an uncontrolled pragmatic pilot study of a heterogeneous group of incarcerated women with a range of mental health issues. Participants were 59 incarcerated women who engaged in a 10-session group program. Outcome measures comprised the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–II, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, and three screening tools derived from the full version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), to measure depression, binge eating (Patient Health Questionnaire–Binge Eating Disorder [PHQ-ED]), and somatoform disorders (PHQ-15). Results of linear mixed modelling showed improvements in mindfulness and acceptance, and reductions in depression, anxiety, and somatoform symptoms. Furthermore, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) was shown to be an acceptable and feasible intervention for female Indigenous Australian prisoners. A mindfulness and acceptance–based group approach appears to be feasible and acceptable in a prison environment for a female prisoners with a range of mental health symptomatology.