Gambling disorder and suicide risk: A meta-epidemiology study

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to explore the relationship between gambling disorder (GD) and suicide, with a focus on the increased risk of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide mortality in GD patients. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to March 2025 for observational studies examining the association between GD and suicide risk, using relevant MeSH/keywords. Study quality was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were pooled using random-effects models in STATA 14.0, with results expressed as adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses evaluated influences of study design and geographic region. RESULT: This meta-analysis included 14 high-quality observational studies, and the results of the meta-analysis were unbiased. Fourteen studies demonstrated significant associations between GD and suicide outcomes: suicidal ideation OR = 1.58, suicide attempt OR = 2.91, and suicide mortality OR = 8.52. Subgroup analysis by study design showed non-significant risk in case-control studies OR = 1.59, but significant risk in cross-sectional OR = 3.31 and cohort studies OR = 4.10. Geographically, Asian studies showed non-significant association OR = 1.13, while significant risks were observed in Europe OR = 4.38, North America OR = 2.41 and Oceania OR = 2.16. CONCLUSION: Research shows that gambling disorders are linked to a higher risk of suicide. This association may vary across populations and contexts.