A recent study commissioned by GambleAware and carried out by the UK's National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) has revealed the relationship between gambling and social exclusion groups in the UK.
The study analyzed 138 previous studies focusing on groups subject to discrimination and marginalization, including the homeless, elderly, disabled or those with mental health issues, criminal communities, and vulnerable immigrants.
The research found a commonality among these groups: gambling is often used as a mechanism to cope with various life difficulties caused by social exclusion or discrimination. These challenges include loneliness, mental health issues, stress related to immigration, unemployment, job insecurity, and poverty.
Many such individuals see gambling as a potential way to escape reality or overcome financial hardships.
The study also highlighted the disproportionate concentration of gambling venues in poorer areas, where marginalized communities are more likely to reside due to socio-economic factors.
An increase in access to gambling opportunities might further increase the gambling participation rate among these groups.
Stigmatization is considered a significant factor affecting gambling behavior and the tendency to seek help. Many from marginalized communities already face stigmatization related to various issues, and this stigmatization may intertwine and exacerbate gambling-related stigma.
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, commented, "Our new report shows how people from marginalized communities struggle with the harms of gambling, as they already face many different challenges in their lives.
We need more engagement with these communities to raise awareness of the risks of gambling harms, and service providers need to ensure they can adequately meet people's needs in different circumstances."
This is why we have launched the Improvement Outcome Fund to support organizations that run projects to help people in different communities."
