GambleAware has today published a review showing that some members of the LGBTQ+ community may be at increased risk of gambling harm. 

The review was commissioned to build understanding of the lived experience of gambling harm amongst the LGBTQ+ community in Great Britain. There has previously been limited research done in this area. In response to its findings, GambleAware will look to further build the research base on gambling harms in the LGBTQ+ community . The charity has published a call for proposals to conduct further research, offering a research grant of just under £300,000 over 18 months, with a deadline for proposal submission of 5pm on the 12th of February.

Evidence from the study suggests that gay and bisexual men and young lesbian and bisexual women may be at increased risk and may experience greater harms associated with gambling. Some evidence reported in the study suggests that gay and bisexual men may be 3.4 times more likely to experience gambling harms compared to heterosexual men, while gay/lesbian and bisexual women may be 2.5 times more likely to experience gambling harms compared to heterosexual women. 

Transgender and non-binary youth were also found to be more likely to experience gambling harms, with transgender women showing the highest risk. 

The study, completed by researchers from the University of Brighton, surveyed the research published between 2000 and 2023 on gambling harms in the LGBTQ+ community and its impact on people’s mental health, finances, relationships, and employment. 

The study also examined the available evidence on LGBTQ+ people’s experiences of accessing support services for gambling harms, and any issues or barriers they faced in doing so.

Read the lay summary of the LGBTQ+ scoping study or read the full report.