Review

Financial Literacy and Gambling Behavior: A Literature Review

Number: Advanced Online Publication Early Pub Date: May 30, 2026
TR EN

Financial Literacy and Gambling Behavior: A Literature Review

Abstract

This literature review critically examines the effects of financial literacy on gambling behavior. The main finding of the study is that objective literacy based on financial knowledge can play a protective role. This type of literacy allows individuals to understand that gambling is a loss-based activity in the long run and to assess risks more realistically. Conversely, when a person is overconfident in monetary matters, they may believe they can control everything, which can lead them to make riskier decisions. However, studies also show that the protective effect of financial literacy is limited. The psychological dynamics of addiction, emotional stress, and especially the constant and low-cost access offered by online platforms can prevent financial knowledge from translating into rational behavior. This situation becomes more pronounced for young user groups, where access to gambling and speculative financial risks in digital environments is increased. Furthermore, the financial consequences of gambling, such as loss of savings, debt, and inability to meet basic needs, have effects not only at the individual level but also at the family and societal levels. In light of these findings, it appears that financial literacy alone is insufficient to provide a comprehensive solution. The most effective approach is to adopt a multi-layered public health strategy that incorporates interventions strengthening individual financial skills, along with psychosocial support and structural adjustments.

Keywords

References

  1. Amonhaemanon D (2022) Financial literacy and financial risk tolerance of lottery gamblers in Thailand. Int Bus Soc, 23:633-648.
  2. Anggara, Fauzia IY (2024) The role of Islamic financial literacy in preventing online slot gambling among Gen Z. Justisia Ekon J Magister Huk Ekon Syariah, 8:1190-1201.
  3. APA (2022) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th ed., text revision (DSM-5-TR). Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association.
  4. Awaworyi Churchill S, Farrell L (2020) Australia’s gambling epidemic: The role of neighbourhood ethnic diversity. J Gambl Stud, 36:97-118.
  5. Barone C, Graffigna G (2025) Financial literacy and economic attitudes as protective factors against pathological gambling? A systematic review. J Gambl Stud, 41:489-514.
  6. Bayer PJ, Bernheim BD, Scholz JK (2009) The effects of financial education in the workplace: Evidence from a survey of employers. Econ Inq, 47:605-624.
  7. Becchetti L, Bellucci D, Rossetti F (2018) Gamblers, scratchers and their financial education. Econ Polit, 35:127-162.
  8. Behfar M, Khanmohammadi M, Kordlouie H (2024) Financial literacy, disordered money behavioral in the context financial therapy concepts. Int J Financ Manag Account, 9:309-324.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Economic Psychology

Journal Section

Review

Early Pub Date

May 30, 2026

Publication Date

-

Submission Date

February 15, 2026

Acceptance Date

April 22, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: Advanced Online Publication

APA
Karadağ Ak, Ö., & Keleş, F. B. (2026). Financial Literacy and Gambling Behavior: A Literature Review. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar, Advanced Online Publication, 1603-1620. https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1889488
AMA
1.Karadağ Ak Ö, Keleş FB. Financial Literacy and Gambling Behavior: A Literature Review. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry. 2026;(Advanced Online Publication):1603-1620. doi:10.18863/pgy.1889488
Chicago
Karadağ Ak, Özlem, and Fadim Büşra Keleş. 2026. “Financial Literacy and Gambling Behavior: A Literature Review”. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar, no. Advanced Online Publication: 1603-20. https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1889488.
EndNote
Karadağ Ak Ö, Keleş FB (May 1, 2026) Financial Literacy and Gambling Behavior: A Literature Review. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar Advanced Online Publication 1603–1620.
IEEE
[1]Ö. Karadağ Ak and F. B. Keleş, “Financial Literacy and Gambling Behavior: A Literature Review”, Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry, no. Advanced Online Publication, pp. 1603–1620, May 2026, doi: 10.18863/pgy.1889488.
ISNAD
Karadağ Ak, Özlem - Keleş, Fadim Büşra. “Financial Literacy and Gambling Behavior: A Literature Review”. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar. Advanced Online Publication (May 1, 2026): 1603-1620. https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1889488.
JAMA
1.Karadağ Ak Ö, Keleş FB. Financial Literacy and Gambling Behavior: A Literature Review. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry. 2026;:1603–1620.
MLA
Karadağ Ak, Özlem, and Fadim Büşra Keleş. “Financial Literacy and Gambling Behavior: A Literature Review”. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar, no. Advanced Online Publication, May 2026, pp. 1603-20, doi:10.18863/pgy.1889488.
Vancouver
1.Özlem Karadağ Ak, Fadim Büşra Keleş. Financial Literacy and Gambling Behavior: A Literature Review. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry. 2026 May 1;(Advanced Online Publication):1603-20. doi:10.18863/pgy.1889488
 
Creative Commons License
Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.