Understanding funding-related bias in gambling research: insights from unhealthy commodities industries and medical/pharmaceutical research – a scoping review

Abstract

Despite the risk of funding-related bias (RoFRB) introduced by industry funding in gambling research, empirical investigations remain limited. To inform understanding of RoFRB in gambling research, this scoping review synthesized 52 peer-reviewed studies (2019–2024) spanning gambling, other unhealthy commodity sectors, and medical research – fields with similar commercial dynamics to gambling and more extensive examination of RoFRB. Findings indicate that industry influence manifests through identifiable patterns and mechanisms, at both micro (individual study) and macro (evidence base and research ecosystem) levels, with varying detectability. While industry funding is associated with influence, the extent of funder involvement in the research process appears to shape the relationship between funding source and RoFRB. Compared to other sectors, gambling studies show inconsistent uses of the term ‘industry funding,’ narrower explorations of industry influence, and more limited methodological approaches to assessing RoFRB. We propose a two-dimensional framework mapping influence by level and detectability, along with a typology of funders to improve definitional consistency. To improve the identification and mitigation of funder influence in gambling research, stronger disclosure standards, adoption of open science practices, and development of a dedicated RoFRB assessment tool are recommended.