The conceptual framework of harmful gambling (CFHG) describes and discusses the harms that gambling can cause to individuals, populations, communities and society. Three editions of the CFHG report have been published between 2013 and 2018. This comprehensive work, authored by international experts on gambling, is now described and summarized in a concise peer-reviewed journal article.
The article is open access: https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/9/2/article-p190.xml
Citation: Hilbrecht, M., Baxter, D., Abbott, M., Binde, P., Clark, L., Hodgins, D. C., . . . Williams, R. J. (2020). The Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling: A revised framework for understanding gambling harm. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 9(2), 190-205. doi:10.1556/2006.2020.00024
Abstract: Background and aims: The Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling moves beyond a symptoms-based view of harm and addresses a broad set of factors related to the risks and effects of gambling harmfully at the individual, family, and community levels. Coauthored by international research experts and informed by multiple stakeholders, Gambling Research Exchange (GREO) facilitated the framework development in 2013 and retains responsibility for regular updates and mobilization. This review article presents information about the revised version of the Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling completed in late 2018. Methods: We describe eight interrelated factors depicted in the framework that represent major themes in gambling ranging from the specific (gambling environment, exposure, gambling types, and treatment resources) to the general (cultural, social, psychological, and biological influences). After outlining the framework development and collaborative process, we highlight new topics for the recent update that reflect changes in the gambling landscape and prominent discourses in the scientific community. Some of these topics include social and economic impacts of gambling, and a new model of understanding gambling related harm. Discussion and conclusions: We address the relevance of the CFHG to the gambling and behavioral addictions research community. Harm-based frameworks have been undertaken in other areas of addiction that can both inform and be informed by a model dedicated to harmful gambling. Further, the framework brings a multi-disciplinary perspective to bear on antecedents and factors that co-occur with harmful gambling.
The most recent (2018) PDF edition of the CFHG can be accessed here.
