Youth gambling advertising: A review of the lessons learned from tobacco control

Abstract

Expenditures on gambling advertisements and promotions in North America have increased to unprecedented rates. Youth are particularly vulnerable to pro-gambling messages, and underage gambling has become a critical public health crisis the solution of which necessitates an environmental approach. In this paper, we examine an analogous situation, the advertising and promotion of smoking to youth. We then discuss the extensive empirical literature focusing on public policy solutions to the tobacco issue to highlight comparable strategies that can target underage gambling advertising and promotions. We conclude by offering suggestions for future research that might help to address this significant social concern.