Financial Literacy and Gambling Behaviour: A Systematic Review

Low financial literacy may contribute to poor financial decision-making and has been investigated as a potential risk factor for problematic gambling. This systematic review examined the association between financial literacy and gambling. PsycInfo, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, SocIndex, Web of Science Core Collection, Scopus, and Proquest Psychology databases were searched for peer-reviewed empirical studies published in English, reporting on the association between financial literacy and gambling frequency and/or problems. 115 studies were retrieved with nine meeting the inclusion criteria. Most studies measured objective financial knowledge (e.g., Big 3 or Big 5), however a few measured subjective confidence in financial matters or both. Sample sizes ranged from a few hundred to tens of thousands. Most studies assessed frequency of gambling as their gambling outcome. Only one study employed a comprehensive measure of problematic gambling behaviour. Financial literacy was generally negatively associated with gambling, although one study reported a positive association. Findings of this review suggest increased financial literacy may be associated with reduced gambling frequency, highlighting potential for financial literacy education interventions to reduce gambling-related harms. However, this conclusion derives from only a handful of cross-sectional studies that are at times limited by incomplete or imprecise reporting, the use of brief financial literacy measures, and a lack of focus on gambling problems in addition to gambling frequency. Further research overcoming these limitations is needed to strengthen confidence in these conclusions.