Mindfulness-based interventions for gambling disorder: A systematic review.
Atanas Tannous, Zsolt Demetrovics, Bhavya Chhabra, Alexander Logemann, Andrea Czakó, Mark D Griffiths, Attila Szabo
Journal of behavioral addictions February 3, 2026 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2025.00100 via PubMed
Summary
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) consistently reduce gambling frequency and cravings while improving psychological outcomes. When combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, MBIs produce significant declines in problem gambling behavior. Psychological distress and cravings also decrease notably across different intervention types. However, it remains unclear how much of these effects come from mindfulness-specific mechanisms. The evidence comes from 12 studies, including five randomized controlled trials, but small sample sizes and methodological limitations mean more robust research is needed.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Systematic review Randomized Pilot study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 12 |
| Population | Individuals with gambling disorder |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Gambling disorder Mindfulness-based interventions mbi Problem gambling Treatment |
| Key finding | Mindfulness-based interventions consistently reduce gambling frequency and cravings and improve psychological outcomes, though it is unclear if effects are due to mindfulness-specific mechanisms. |
Abstract
Gambling disorder (GD) presents significant psychological, financial, and social consequences. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as promising adjunctive treatments. However, the evidence base remains heterogeneous. The present systematic review evaluated the current empirical literature on MBIs for GD, focusing on their efficacy, methodological quality, and limitations. Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and PsycINFO were searched for English-language studies published between 2012 and April 2025. The final sample comprised 12 studies: five randomized controlled trials, one controlled pilot study, two repeated-measures studies, one mixed-methods study, and three single-group pretest-posttest studies. A narrative synthesis evaluated MBI impacts. MBIs consistently reduced gambling frequency and cravings while enhancing psychological outcomes. Studies combining mindfulness with cognitive behavioral therapy showed significant declines in problem gambling behavior. Psychological distress and cravings also decreased notably across interventions. The mindfulness components employed varied in focus and application, adding nuance to outcome interpretation. However, it remains unclear to what extent the observed effects can be attributed to mindfulness-specific mechanisms. MBIs show promise as a complementary treatment for gambling disorders, although small sample sizes and methodological limitations suggest a need for more robust research.