GambleAware Researches Impact of Gambling on Socially Excluded Communities
Date: 2024-07-29 Author: Kirill Zagoruyko Categories: EVENTS
A recent study commissioned by GambleAware, commissioned by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), has revealed important aspects of the impact of gambling on socially excluded communities in the UK. In response to these findings, the organisation has announced the launch of a new investment fund to support affected groups.
Research into the Link Between Gambling and Social Exclusion
The NatCen study analysed 138 previous studies to understand how gambling impacts different marginalised groups. It focused on communities that face discrimination and social exclusion, including homeless people, older people, people with disabilities, mental illness, as well as migrants and criminalised communities.
The link between gambling and social isolation found that gambling is often used as a coping mechanism to cope with life’s challenges, such as loneliness, mental health issues, stress due to migration, unemployment and poverty. For many, it becomes a way to avoid or cope with financial difficulties and other problems.
The study also found that gambling venues are often concentrated in disadvantaged areas where marginalised communities live. This concentration increases the impact of gambling on vulnerable groups, contributing to their higher participation in gambling.
Gambling stigma was highlighted as a significant factor influencing behaviour and help-seeking behaviour. People from marginalised communities often face stigma around various problems, which can exacerbate their attitudes towards gambling and prevent them from seeking the help they need.
GambleAware Launches Funding Programme
In response to the findings, GambleAware has announced a £4 million ($5.1 million) funding programme to support organisations working with women and minorities affected by gambling.
Zoe Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, commented: “Our new report highlights how people from marginalised communities who face multiple challenges struggle with the harm caused by gambling. We must engage more with these communities to raise awareness of the risks of gambling and provide appropriate support.”
The funding programme aims to support and develop community-tailored programmes to improve outcomes and help manage the negative impacts of gambling.
Research into the Link Between Gambling and Social Exclusion
The NatCen study analysed 138 previous studies to understand how gambling impacts different marginalised groups. It focused on communities that face discrimination and social exclusion, including homeless people, older people, people with disabilities, mental illness, as well as migrants and criminalised communities.
The link between gambling and social isolation found that gambling is often used as a coping mechanism to cope with life’s challenges, such as loneliness, mental health issues, stress due to migration, unemployment and poverty. For many, it becomes a way to avoid or cope with financial difficulties and other problems.
The study also found that gambling venues are often concentrated in disadvantaged areas where marginalised communities live. This concentration increases the impact of gambling on vulnerable groups, contributing to their higher participation in gambling.
Gambling stigma was highlighted as a significant factor influencing behaviour and help-seeking behaviour. People from marginalised communities often face stigma around various problems, which can exacerbate their attitudes towards gambling and prevent them from seeking the help they need.
GambleAware Launches Funding Programme
In response to the findings, GambleAware has announced a £4 million ($5.1 million) funding programme to support organisations working with women and minorities affected by gambling.
Zoe Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, commented: “Our new report highlights how people from marginalised communities who face multiple challenges struggle with the harm caused by gambling. We must engage more with these communities to raise awareness of the risks of gambling and provide appropriate support.”
The funding programme aims to support and develop community-tailored programmes to improve outcomes and help manage the negative impacts of gambling.
