Whilst most people who gamble online do so within safe limits, a significant minority of LGBTQ+ people are at risk of gambling-related harms, new research has revealed.

"If you're in the closet and you just want to escape from reality, it's a route to escape".

Whilst most people who gamble online do so within safe limits, a significant minority of LGBTQ+ people are at risk of gambling-related harms, new research has revealed.

A survey conducted by the Gambling Research Group at Bournemouth University of 321 LGBTQ+ adults across the UK found that over two thirds (67.3%) of those who gamble experience some levels of harms (those who score at least 1+ on the PGSI scale), with 14.3% indicative of problem gambling. These figures suggest a higher risk of gambling harm among LGBTQ+ people than the general population according to a 2021 report by YouGov.

More than half (53%) have three or more gambling accounts they use regularly, with lottery (including scratch cards), sports betting, and slot machines as the most popular gambling products. Almost half (49%) say that they feel regret after gambling and more than four in ten (41%) say they tend to lose more money than expected.

More than half (56.5%) say they gamble at least twice a week, with more than three in ten (36%) feeling that they should cut down on their gambling. Over a third (35%) say that they hide their gambling from friends and loved ones. When asked about their use of responsible gambling tools, almost two third (66.4%) say that they have never used one before.

LGBTQ+ people often report a high number of life stressors, such as stigma, discrimination, isolation, and mental health issues. The research found that 71% of LGBTQ+ people experience some form of discrimination or harassment in their life. Moreover, nearly nine in ten (89%) say that they experience some form of isolation and over a third (39%) say that they experience problems disclosing their gender identity to others.

The research found that LGBTQ+ people who experience distress caused by such life stressors are statistically significantly more likely to experience gambling harms. Moreover, such individuals are likely to turn to gambling as a coping strategy. 

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Dr Bush-Evans is a Lecturer in Psychology and a member of the Gambling Research Group at Bournemouth University. His work focuses on social psychological aspects of behaviour. He is currently researching how technology can help detect, predict, prevent, and intervene in harmful gambling behaviour.

Sources

Ygam
Reducing gambling harms in LGBTQ communities

By Ygam
In January 2023, Ygam launched an ambitious three-year rolling strategy, which will be reviewed and updated annually. This strategy outlines our vision, mission, and plans for the future, mapping our path to greater impact through innovation, education, and prevention.