Gambling During the COVID-19 Crisis - A Cause for Concern

J Addict Med. 2020 Jul/Aug;14(4):e10-e12. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000690.

Abstract

: The COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to worsen mental health problems in the general population, including increasing engagement in addictive behaviors. Here, we describe observations suggesting that the current crisis and its sequelae may worsen problem gambling. The current pandemic may impact financial and psychological well-being due to social isolation during spatial distancing, and these stressors in conjunction with substantial changes in gambling markets (land-based, online) during the pandemic may significantly influence gambling behaviors. This situation calls for rapid research initiatives in this area and preventive and regulatory measures by multiple stakeholders.

MeSH terms

  • Behavior, Addictive / psychology*
  • Betacoronavirus
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Coronavirus Infections* / psychology
  • Gambling* / prevention & control
  • Gambling* / psychology
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Mental Health
  • Needs Assessment
  • Pandemics* / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / prevention & control
  • Pneumonia, Viral* / psychology
  • Psychological Distress
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Social Isolation / psychology*