A new study finds that marginalised and socially excluded groups are more likely to gamble and use it as a way to cope with discrimination and loneliness. The study was funded by GambleAware, a well-known UK charity that aims to reduce gambling harms in the country.
The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), commissioned by GambleAware, explored how socially excluded groups are affected by gambling. The target groups were impoverished people at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness, older adults, people living with disabilities or mental health challenges, criminalised or marginalised communities (including sex workers and people who use drugs), people with experience of unemployment or insecure employment, and migrants living in precarious situations.
Despite their differences, these groups shared a common trait: they used gambling as a way to cope with social exclusion and issues such as loneliness, mental health challenges, stress related to migration and assimilation, unemployment, job security challenges, and poverty.
Drivers of gambling for marginalised groups
Gambling is viewed by these populations not only as a distraction from their problems but also as a potential solution, with the hope of winning a significant amount of money.
The study also revealed a “disproportionate concentration of gambling venues in more deprived areas in Great Britain,” thereby creating an incentive to play for those populations and offering entertainment in places where other activities are scarcer.
Gambling venues are often seen as accessible and inclusive compared to other social or entertainment options that may exclude people from these communities due to physical mobility issues, health concerns, language barriers, etc. For some individuals, such as those experiencing homelessness, these venues can also provide a safe and warm space.
There is some evidence that the gambling industry’s actions, like marketing techniques, exacerbate these drivers.
Financial motivations also play an important role, especially for those with no or low incomes, pensions, or financial responsibilities like caring for dependents in another country and for people who experience or are at risk of homelessness.
For older adults and other marginalised groups suffering from loneliness, gambling was described as a way to cope with the need for social connection and entertainment.
Greater risk of gambling harms
For most of these groups, the risk of gambling harm is greater than for the overall population, reads the study.
Zoë Osmond, Chief Executive of GambleAware, explained: “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.”
Harder to seek help
These populations are less likely to get help when they confront gambling harms, reveals the study. One reason is that they face stigma associated with their situations, such as being drug users or homeless, which makes them less likely to seek or receive help when needed.
Another barrier to accessing gambling support is the fear arising from past negative experiences with other healthcare or support services.
The study suggests addressing this issue by integrating gambling harm treatment into existing services rather than adding more points of contact. This approach involves training workers in public health services, charities, and social care to handle gambling-related issues. Overall, the study explains that services should be more inclusive and accessible, taking into account the socio-economic factors contributing to gambling harms rather than solely focusing on individual responsibility.
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