• New first of its kind research, commissioned by GambleAware, explores the link between neurodivergence and an increased likelihood of experiencing harm from gambling, compared to those who are neurotypical.
• Research finds strong links between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and experiencing gambling harm: these groups were twice as likely to experience negative consequences from gambling as people without ADHD or ASD.
• Motivations for gambling reported by neurodivergent people included coping with social isolation, establishing routine, seeking thrill and excitement, and because they felt more comfortable in online spaces such as online gambling platforms

GambleAware has today published two new reports by IFF Research and researchers at the University of Bristol, looking at how gambling harm is experienced by people who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalcula¹. An estimated 1 in 7 people have some form of neurodivergence.

GambleAware’s research, published during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, revealed that even though neurodivergent people weren’t found to gamble more than people who are ‘neurotypical’, there is evidence that some neurodivergent people are more likely to experience gambling harm, compared to ‘neurotypical’ people.
 
The links between ADHD or autism and experiencing gambling harm are strong, with the research indicating that people experiencing those types of neurodiversity were twice as likely to experience negative consequences from gambling as people without ADHD or autism. 

Neurodivergent people taking part in the study reported that they gambled for four main reasons: coping with social isolation, seeking thrill and excitement, establishing routine, and feeling more comfortable in online spaces such as online gambling platforms. For some autistic people, gambling served as an escape from bullying they faced and a way to pass time as a result of social isolation they experienced.

Previous research from GambleAware has found that online casino games carry one of the highest levels of risk of gambling harm. The new reports published today also found that the speed and style of gambling, particularly forms such as online slots, which involve repetition and sensory stimulation, could contribute to people with ADHD or autism being at greater risk of gambling harms. This was due to them being more likely to gamble online, having sensory sensitivities, being more likely to engage in repetitive behaviour, and processing information in different ways. 

People with ADHD may also face challenges in assessing the risks of gambling because they process the probability of winning differently, making risky gambling behaviours seem more appealing and putting them more at risk of gambling harm.

Neurodivergent people experiencing fewer gambling-related problems often managed gambling issues on their own using informal methods such as seeking support from friends and family. In contrast, those with higher-risk gambling behaviours were more likely to use both formal and informal support systems, although barriers such as cognitive overload—where overwhelming information leads to confusion or anxiety—impulsivity, and sensory sensitivity made accessing support challenging. These barriers were particularly evident when engaging with formal treatment services, which often involved complex processes.

The report suggests that screening for neurodivergence and adapting gambling harm treatment accordingly would make it more effective for neurodivergent individuals. The report’s findings highlight the need for personalised treatment approaches to better address the needs and specific challenges faced by neurodivergent people, alongside early intervention tools to help prevent harm. Simplified communication, sensory-friendly environments, and flexible treatment choices including online options, would also help improve accessibility for neurodivergent people.

The final stage of this research, which is ongoing, will involve co-designing resources for gambling support services working with neurodivergent people.

Haroon Chowdry, GambleAware Director of Evidence and Insights, said: “Gambling harms can affect anyone. However, this research shows that people who are neurodivergent are particularly at risk of experiencing gambling harm, and may have specific needs in terms of treatment and support. The research also shows that the way many gambling games operate, particularly online casino games with repetition and sensory stimulation, can especially contribute to people with ADHD and autism experiencing gambling harm. It is vital that people know the risks associated with gambling, which is why we are urging the introduction of better signposting and mandatory health warnings on gambling advertising, so people know where to go for help and support.

“We hope the important findings from this research will also be used to inform the future gambling harms prevention and treatment systems, to ensure that they are effective for everyone.”

Clare Palmer, Associate Director at IFF Research, said: “Our initial analysis of existing evidence revealed how nuanced the relationship between neurodivergence and gambling is, and how little was known about neurodivergent people's experiences of gambling and gambling harms. We built on this in the next stage of our research design, in which we spoke directly with neurodivergent individuals who gamble to understand their gambling journey, first-hand experiences of gambling harms, and perspectives on how treatment and support can best be shaped to work for them. We are excited now to be in the thick of the third and final phase of this research, co-designing tools with Ara and our Advisory Panel of professional and lived experience experts. This key step will ensure the research has a meaningful impact on the future delivery of gambling support services for neurodivergent people.”

Guy Hawker, Gambling Service Delivery Manager at Ara Recovery 4 All, which provides gambling harm treatment said: “The research has allowed us to focus on the needs of neurodivergent clients to improve treatment outcomes from initial engagement through to their planned exit of the service. Our adaptations will focus on screening at assessment, and ensuring communication and learning styles are identified, which will support the individual to engage with treatment more effectively. We can adopt more CBT-focused one-to-one sessions and workshops into our treatment, ensuring all our resources and assets meet the needs of those using the service and there is additional coaching support that will make sure people's needs are being met.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. GambleAware awarded funding to independent social research agency IFF Research to carry out research into the relationship between neurodivergence and gambling harms. The research aimed to explore whether neurodivergent people face an increased risk of experiencing gambling harms, and identify the key drivers behind gambling harms for neurodivergent people.