A recent study commissioned by GambleAware and Ipsos UK and ClearView Research has revealed that individuals from minority backgrounds are more likely to suffer from gambling harm than white British people. While the gambling participation rate for minority groups was lower than that of white British people, the study found that 42% of gamblers from minority backgrounds experienced some form of gambling harm, compared to 20% of white British gamblers.
The research also highlighted that minorities are three times more likely to use gambling as a coping mechanism in response to challenges and difficulties in life. Although 9% of individuals from minority groups would like to limit their gambling activities but are finding it hard to do so, only 1% of white British people face a similar issue. Additionally, people from minority groups are less likely to feel comfortable seeking formal gambling support than white British people.
GambleAware’s CEO, Zoë Osmond, said that the results were concerning and demonstrated the need for further investigation and tailored solutions to break down the barriers to accessing support and challenge the stigma and discrimination these communities face. The research defined minority groups as individuals identifying as a member of an ethnic or religious minority group or those from a migrant community who may not speak English as a first language.
The study also highlighted structural factors such as income, social inequality, and discrimination linked to higher levels of gambling harm. “Services must be designed with the voice of minority communities centered throughout, and this research helps demonstrate that specific attention and specialized support is needed to effectively address these inequalities,” said Niamh McGarry, director of impact at ClearView and a contributor to the report.