Ahead of the game: researching vulnerability to gambling-related harms

Gambling is part of daily life for many people, yet for some it leads to serious financial, mental and social harms.

Urban Foresight worked with Sunderland City Council to understand who is most at risk, why harms emerge, and how local systems can respond effectively. Our research showed that while national patterns hold true, local context shapes vulnerability and the support people need.

What are gambling-related harms?

Gambling-related harms are the negative impacts of gambling on people’s resources, health and relationships. Our research in Sunderland gathered primary evidence from those with lived experience of gambling, affected others, local support providers and community representatives, and highlighted three recurring areas:

• Resource harms: debt and financial insecurity, disrupted employment or education, and associated criminal or anti-social activity.
• Health harms: stress, anxiety, depression and knock-on physical health effects.
• Relationship harms: strain on families and friendships, including impacts on children.

This confirmed published literature at national level, such as by the Gambling Commission.

Gambling is now considered to be a global public health challenge. The Office for Health Improvement & Disparities has estimated that each year, the combined financial and societal cost of health impacts associated with its harms is £1.05-£1.77 billion.

The UK Government reports that in England alone, almost 1.6 million adults gamble and could benefit from treatment or support for harmful gambling. Despite this, research indicates that only one in four people experiencing problem or harmful gambling seek help.

Who is most vulnerable?

Vulnerability is not just about who people are; it’s also about what they are going through. Our research in Sunderland identified four sets of factors which consistently increased risk and shaped the types of gambling people engaged in:

• Health: mental ill-health; long-term conditions; and increased alcohol or substance use.
• Economic: low income; insecure work; and lower educational attainment.
• Demographic: age and gender patterns, with distinct risks at life transitions.
• Social factors: inequality and isolation.

This agrees with research findings by Public Health England, and the Gambling Commission.

Each risk factor brings different challenges in terms of reducing the risk and impact of gambling related harms. Exploring these in a place-based approach informs the basis of a bespoke and targeted approach for local areas.

Targeting effective support

Knowing more about who is most vulnerable to gambling-related harm allows support initiatives and services to be tailored to meet the needs of those who need them the most.

According to NICE, treatment tailored to people’s unique needs and preferences has historically been limited, with a lack of follow-up treatment and ongoing care.

Participants in Sunderland valued person-centred, non-judgmental support, and spoke highly of the local services they engaged with. Gaps in awareness, signposting to support services, and links between support organisations and other services were identified as opportunity areas for improvement.

Where are the gaps in research relating to vulnerability?

While evidence on factors influencing vulnerability to gambling-related harm is growing, certain areas remain under-researched. These include people who are marginalised, from minority or under-represented groups, or neurodiverse.

The Gambling Commission identified that the impact of harmful gambling on family and friends, the longer-term effects of gambling on former gamblers, and on society itself need further exploration.

The National Centre for Social Research has also identified that there is also scant evidence around the effectiveness of treatment and support, especially for women or individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds who may experience greater stigma.

Continuing to invest in high-quality, place-based research will help commissioners design services that prevent harm and support recovery.

Urban Foresight is committed to delivering projects that improve people’s lives. If you’d like to learn how we can support you in addressing the complex challenges of gambling-related harms, contact us at hello@urbanforesight.com