Exploring Mindfulness in the Context of Gambling: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence and Future Directions

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.