This is beginning to change, with a growing corpus of socio-cultural approaches to gambling research now emerging. Yet, research and policy approaches to the reduction of gambling harm are predominantly framed through psychological and economic models of individual behaviour, addiction, and ‘rational’ action. Therefore, research is needed to inform appropriate gambling harm reduction strategies that can respond to this complex domain. Gambling is now practiced using new technologies, in various spaces and places, and features in a range of social surroundings. Recent developments in policy, practice and technology, such relaxation of regulations, the increasing influence of global gambling corporations, and the development of devices such as mobile phone apps and fixed odds betting terminals (FOBTs) mean that the landscape is a complex, dynamic, and fast moving one. Gambling is now a well-recognised public health issue and forms the focus of extensive harm reduction initiatives.
