Understanding Gambling in LGBTQ+ Communities (GambLGBTQ+)

Gambling and associated harms can have a significant impact on the health of many people and is considered a public health issue. Research on LGBTQ+ gambling and gambling harms is limited and the research that is available reports mixed findings about the level of gambling harms in LGBTQ+ people. This study aimed to understand gambling and gambling harms in LGBTQ+ communities. The research objectives were:

> To establish the prevalence of gambling and gambling harm amongst LGBTQ+ communities in Great Britain
> To explore the lived experience of gambling and gambling harms in LGBTQ+ people
> To explore the types of gambling engaged in by LGBTQ+ communities
> To explore the wider impacts of gambling for LGBTQ+ people (e.g. finances, impact on relationships and work)
> To understand the drivers of gambling harms
> To understand the protective factors against gambling harm in LGBTQ+ people
> To understand the facilitators and barriers to accessing support for gambling harms.

The study consisted of a mixed-methods design including:
> Phase 1 a large-scale nationally representative survey of gambling and gambling harms in LGBTQ+ communities in Great Britain.
> Phase 2 provided in-depth insight into the lived experience of gambling in LGBTQ+ communities via two qualitative studies:
    i) a follow-up with participants from the national survey, using a combination of an online community with journaling tasks, and in-depth interviews;
    ii) targeted community outreach via photovoice participatory action research.
> Phase 3 involves
    i) integration of both phases of the research, and
    ii) a consultation event with key stakeholders to develop recommendations for service delivery for LGBTQ+ people experiencing gambling harms.

Meaningful involvement of LGBTQ+ community groups and LGBTQ+ people with lived experience of gambling harms was prioritised in each phase of the research.

Research findings revealed the significant impact of gambling on LGBTQ+ lives and underscored the urgent need for social support, community connection, and stronger regulation of gambling advertising.

Key findings of the research included:

> LGBTQ+ individuals were slightly more likely than the general population to experience gambling harms (18% vs 15%) – despite participating in gambling less (59% compared with 62%) – but the difference was much higher for some subgroups.
> Bisexual males were more likely to experience gambling-related harm, with 6% scoring in the ‘problem gambling’ range on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) – a measure used to assess the risk of gambling harm – compared to 3% in other LGBTQ+ groups.
LGBTQ+ individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds were three times more likely than white LGBTQ+ participants to experience ‘problem gambling’ (9% vs 3%).
> Among those in the ‘problem gambling’ range: 84% hid their gambling, 80% used savings or borrowed money to fund it, 23% experienced relationship breakdowns, 16% engaged in criminal behaviour and 12% faced violence or abuse.
> 32% of LGBTQ+ respondents gambled at least weekly, most commonly on online National Lottery tickets (37%) and scratch cards (23%).
> LGBTQ+ people mainly gamble to try to win money (47%) or for excitement (32%). Gambling to cope with emotional distress was less common overall (4%), but higher among trans and non-binary people (9%).
> Experiences of discrimination or discomfort with one’s LGBTQ+ identity increased the likelihood of gambling harms, highlighting the impact of social stressors.

Reports

> UNDERSTANDING GAMBLING HARMS IN LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2: Findings from a national survey, a follow up online community, and interviews. 76 pages
> UNDERSTANDING GAMBLING HARMS IN LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES PHASE 1 AND PHASE 2: Findings from a national survey, a follow up online community, and interviews. Technical report. 123 pages
> UNDERSTANDING GAMBLING HARMS IN LGBTQ+ COMMUNITIES PHASE 3: Findings from a photovoice study. 56 pages

Lay Summaries

> Understanding gambling harms in LGBTQ+ communities. Phase 1 Findings from a national survey. 4 pages
> Understanding gambling harms in LGBTQ+ communities. Phase 2 Findings from an online community and in-depth interviews. 6 pages
> Understanding gambling harms in LGBTQ+ communities: Phase 3 Findings from a photovoice study. 6 pages