Social Influences Normalize Gambling-related Harm Among Higher Risk Gamblers

Course overview

This course examines the role of social influences in gambling-related harm, with a focus on higher-risk gamblers. Drawing on research by Russell, Langham, and Hing, it uses social network analysis to explore how social environments and relationships contribute to gambling behavior and the normalization of gambling-related harm. Key topics include the impact of social norms, the characteristics of social networks that heighten vulnerability among high-risk gamblers, and the challenges of reducing gambling harm due to the interconnected nature of these networks. The course also highlights the importance of societal interventions to shift norms and mitigate harm.