Exploring Mindfulness in the Context of Gambling: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions
Chris James Serafim, Peter Richard Gill
Mindfulness November 11, 2026 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-026-03013-3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Scoping review Randomized Preregistered Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | High levels of trait mindfulness were related to lower gambling severity, with the facets non-judging and acting with awareness most consistently associated with lower severity and propensity. Preliminary evidence also associated mindfulness-based interventions with lower gambling severity. The authors conclude that lower mindfulness potentially serves as a risk factor for increased gambling propensity, but the literature remains underdeveloped regarding mechanisms and bidirectional relationships. |
Abstract
Abstract Background Although researchers have investigated the relationship between mindfulness and gambling, findings across observational and intervention studies remain underdeveloped and inconsistent.
Objectives: This scoping review synthesised existing literature on mindfulness (state and trait) and gambling by addressing two key research questions: (1) How does mindfulness (state and trait) relate to gambling ? and (2) What areas and gaps in knowledge require further investigation and clarification ?.
Method: Guided by the PRISMA-ScR framework, five electronic databases (Academic Search Elite, PsycINFO, PsycProQuest, Scopus, and PubMed Central) were searched from inception to March 2025, with an updated search in November 2025. Independent double-screening and data extraction against a priori eligibility criteria yielded 20 synthesised peer-reviewed articles. Data were synthesised using descriptive and thematic approaches.
Results: High levels of trait mindfulness were related to lower gambling severity. The mindfulness facets of non-judging and acting with awareness were most consistently associated with lower gambling severity and propensity. Preliminary evidence also associated mindfulness-based interventions with lower levels of gambling severity.
Conclusions: Lower levels of mindfulness potentially serve as a risk factor for increased gambling propensity. However, the literature surrounding mindfulness and gambling remains underdeveloped, with limited evidence regarding underlying mechanisms or potential bi-directional relationships. Future research adopting randomised controlled trials, qualitative methodologies, multidimensional measurement, and culturally diverse samples is required to address these current gaps in understanding. Preregistration This review was not preregistered.