What are the causes of harmful gambling?

There is no single factor that contributes to the development of harmful gambling. Instead, it is usually due to a combination of multiple factors.

Gambling-specific factors

• The gambling environment, including government policies and social attitudes,  can cause harm and influence how often people gamble.
• Exposure to gambling, such as how easy it is to access and how much it is advertised can make harmful gambling more likely.
• Types of gambling, like pokies, sports betting, and casino games, are riskier than others because of their design and how people  use them.

General factors

• Cultural factors, such as traditions, beliefs, and community attitudes, can shape how people view and engage in gambling.
• Psychological factors, like mental health issues, past trauma, and personality traits, can make someone more likely to develop a gambling problem.
• Social factors, including age, gender, family, and friends, also play a role in gambling behaviour and its effects.
• Biological factors, such as genetics and brain differences, can make some people more vulnerable to harmful gambling.