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Affected Others of Problem Gambling: Prevalence and Health Associations Across Relationship Types - A
Kristina Sundqvist1, Peter Wennberg2,3,4
1Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden. Kristina.sundqvist@su.se.
Journal of Gambling Studies
|June 6, 2026
Summary
Gambling-related harm significantly impacts social circles, with 11.1% experiencing it through family, friends, or colleagues. Affected others (AO) report worse mental, behavioral, and relational health outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted support.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
- Psychology
Background:
- Gambling-related harm affects individuals beyond the gambler, impacting their social network.
- These individuals are termed affected others (AO).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of affected others (AO) in the general Swedish population.
- To analyze AO prevalence by relationship type and demographics.
- To assess health outcomes among different AO categories.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Swedish national survey 'Gambling and Health 2021'.
- Sample included 7,343 respondents aged 16-84.
- Assessed past-year AO status and various health outcomes using adjusted logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 11.1% reported an AO in their social environment within the past year; friends were most common (5.4%).
- AOs exhibited higher rates of adverse mental, behavioral, and relational health outcomes compared to non-AOs.
- Specific outcomes included mental distress (moderate across all AO types, serious for family AOs), at-risk gambling, hazardous alcohol use (family/friend AOs), and relational issues like arguments and conflicts.
Conclusions:
- Affected others (AO) represent a significant and diverse population group.
- Relationship type is crucial for understanding and addressing gambling-related harm.
- Findings emphasize the widespread impact of gambling problems on social networks.
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