What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to explore gambling behaviors and the associated psychological and social factors in older adults.

July 21, 2026American Journal on Addictions0 citationsOpen Access

Gambling disorder in late life: A systematic review of behavioral patterns, clinical correlates, and psychotherapeutic interventions

GPGraziella Chiara PrezzaventoUniversity of Catania MQMaria C. QuattropaniUniversity of Catania VLVittorio LenzoUniversity of Catania

Key Points

The aim is to explore gambling behaviors and the associated psychological and social factors in older adults.
Conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
Identified empirical studies involving adults aged ≥55 years with gambling from multiple databases.
Reviewed 35 studies published between 2000 and 2025.
Gambling in older adults is linked to factors like loneliness, reduced social support, and financial difficulties.
Early gambling initiation and psychiatric comorbidities such as depression and anxiety are prevalent in affected individuals.
Limited evidence suggests psychological interventions may be beneficial for managing gambling-related issues.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gambling in older adults represents an emerging but still underrecognized mental health concern. Although gambling participation is increasingly observed in later life, the specific psychological, social, cognitive, and biological factors associated with gambling-related problems in older adults remain insufficiently characterized. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Empirical studies involving adults aged ≥55 years with Gambling were identified through searches of Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, PsycNET, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP from January 15 to June 15, 2025. RESULTS: From 40,263 identified records, 35 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies, published between 2000 and 2025, primarily investigated gambling behaviors, severity, psychosocial correlates, and associated mental health outcomes in older adults. Commonly identified correlates to gambling-related problems included loneliness, reduced social support, financial difficulties, male gender, stressful life events, and early gambling initiation. Gambling was frequently reported as a recreational activity but could become maladaptive when used as a strategy to regulate negative emotions or cope with social isolation. Psychiatric comorbidity, particularly depression and anxiety, was frequently observed in clinical and high-risk samples. Evidence regarding psychological interventions remains limited but suggests potential benefits. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence highlights substantial gaps in age-specific assessment and targeted interventions. Future studies should prioritize tailored psychological interventions addressing loneliness, emotional regulation, cognitive distortions, and life transitions in later adulthood.

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