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A recent study commissioned by GambleAware and conducted by The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) has shed light on the relationship between gambling and socially excluded communities in Great Britain.
The research, which analysed 138 previous studies, focused on groups experiencing discrimination and marginalisation, including homeless individuals, older people, those with disabilities or mental health challenges, criminalised communities and vulnerable migrants.
The study found a common thread across these diverse groups: gambling is often used as a coping mechanism for various life difficulties stemming from social exclusion or discrimination. These challenges include loneliness, mental health issues, migration-related stress, unemployment, job insecurity and poverty.
Many such individuals viewed gambling as an escape or as a potential means to overcome financial hardship.
The research also highlighted the disproportionate concentration of gambling venues in more deprived areas, where marginalised communities are more likely to reside due to socioeconomic factors.
This increased exposure to gambling opportunities may further contribute to higher rates of gambling participation among these groups.
Stigma was identified as a significant factor influencing gambling behaviours and help-seeking tendencies. Many individuals from marginalised communities already face stigma related to various issues, which can intersect with and compound gambling-related stigma.
Zoë Osmond, GambleAware CEO, commented: “Our new report shows how people from marginalised communities, who are already dealing with many different issues in their lives, struggle with gambling harms.
“There needs to be more engagement with these communities to build awareness around the risks of gambling harm, and service providers need to ensure they can appropriately meet the needs of people in different circumstances.
“This is why we launched our Improving Outcomes Fund, to support organisations which are running programmes to help people from different communities.”
