Soft Forms and Hard Forms of Gambling: A Systematic Review with a Narrative Synthesis

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F61989592%3A15310%2F25%3A73633296" target="_blank" >RIV/61989592:15310/25:73633296 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

<a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-025-00656-5" target="_blank" >https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40429-025-00656-5</a>

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40429-025-00656-5" target="_blank" >10.1007/s40429-025-00656-5</a>

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Soft Forms and Hard Forms of Gambling: A Systematic Review with a Narrative Synthesis

Original language description

Purpose of Review: This systematic review with a narrative synthesis aims to provide a comprehensive examination of the risks associated with various forms of gambling. By synthesising the findings from multiple studies, we seek to ascertain whether there is a consensus within the scientific community regarding the classification of gambling forms into “soft” (less risky) and “hard” (more risky) categories. Establishing such a distinction could aid policymakers in formulating a rational and balanced approach to gambling regulation across the three pillars of rational policy: prevention (reducing gambling demand within the population), regulation of supply (legal control over the availability of gambling), and treatment of people with problem gambling. Recent Findings: Advancements in technology and the proliferation of online platforms have significantly increased exposure to gambling. The emergence of new gambling forms and the evolving nature of existing ones have changed the landscape of gambling activities. Some forms of gambling have gained greater societal acceptance, which is reflected in their widespread availability. Summary: Classifying gambling into “soft” and “hard” forms is crucial for understanding associated risks. Casino games and EGMs are considered hard forms of gambling, whilst lotteries and number games are soft forms. The classification of sports betting and scratch cards varies across different studies, with inconsistent findings in the literature regarding its risk level. Educating gamblers about these distinctions can help them make informed choices based on their preferences and risk tolerance. Additionally, regulatory measures should explicitly address the varying levels of risk associated with different forms of gambling to ensure appropriate oversight and protection for consumers.

Czech name

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Czech description

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Type

J_imp - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database

CEP classification

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OECD FORD branch

50701 - Cultural and economic geography

Project

—

Continuities

I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Name of the periodical

CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS

ISSN

2196-2952

e-ISSN

2196-2952

Volume of the periodical

12

Issue of the periodical within the volume

APR

Country of publishing house

CH - SWITZERLAND

Number of pages

15

Pages from-to

"42-1"-"42-15"

UT code for WoS article

001474328300001

EID of the result in the Scopus database

2-s2.0-105004574058