Suicidality among individuals with gambling problems

What is it about?

Gambling problems have consistently in previous studies been linked to suicidality, including suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and death by suicide. However, the magnitude of the relationship has varied significantly across studies. We therefore conducted an extensive literature review of 107 previously published studies to summarize the current evidence on the subject. Our findings indicate that approximately one in three individuals experiencing gambling problems has reported experiencing suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives, and 13.2% have attempted suicide. Compared to individuals without gambling problems, individuals with gambling problems were also found to have a higher likelihood of reporting lifetime suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts. Additionally, two studies suggested that individuals who have been clinically diagnosed with pathological gambling have a 3- to 15-fold increased risk of dying by suicide compared to the general population.

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Photo by Nik on Unsplash

Photo by Nik on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Our study is the most comprehensive literature review to date on the relationship between gambling problems and suicidality. Both gambling problems and suicidality have severe negative consequences for the individual, those close to the individual, and overall society. Extensive, consolidated, and updated knowledge of the relationship is therefore important to increase awareness and inform clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. Our review suggests that suicidality is common among individuals with gambling problems and that suicidality is more commonly reported in this population than among individuals without gambling problems. Our results further highlight that reducing gambling problems might be a promising strategy to prevent the development or exacerbation of symptoms of suicidality. Still, little is known about the causality underlying this relationship, which needs to be investigated in future research.