GAMBLING IN THE DIGITAL AGE: PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS AND HEALTH CHALLENGES

Abstract

Gambling, especially in digital environments, has become an increasingly relevant social and public health phenomenon due to expanded access, advertising exposure, and risks associated with problematic gambling behavior. This study aimed to analyze the main gambling-related problems, considering psychological, social, financial, and behavioral factors, as well as prevention and intervention strategies. An integrative literature review was conducted between August and September 2026 using SciELO, LILACS, and the Virtual Health Library, including publications from 2020 to 2026. The analyzed studies showed associations between problematic gambling and impulsivity, compulsivity, anxiety, depression, indebtedness, social isolation, and family, academic, and occupational impairment. The influence of digital environments, marketing strategies, social media, and influencers on the normalization of gambling and reduced risk perception was also highlighted. The findings indicate that gambling-related harms extend beyond the individual, affecting family members and other close contacts. Prevention strategies, harm reduction, advertising regulation, early identification, and mental health care are relevant measures for addressing the problem. The main limitations include the restricted number of databases, methodological heterogeneity among studies, and the scarcity of longitudinal research. It is concluded that gambling-related problems require an intersectoral approach integrating health, education, regulation, and social protection.