GambleAware has said that more investment in problem gambling treatment and support services is needed to address the impact of gambling harm on BAME adults.
The UK’s responsible gambling charity GambleAware has published findings from a new report highlighting a disproportionate impact of gambling harms on Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) adults.
A disproportionate impact on BAME community
GambleAware and YouGov teamed up for the study of 15,162 adults in Britain which found that one in five BAME adults experienced some form of problem gambling with 7% being identified as problem gamblers.
When it came to white adults only 12% reported having gambling-related problems and just 2% were classified as problem gamblers.
The research also found that 74% of problem gamblers from BAME communities said they would consider accessing treatment compared to 49% of white problem gamblers.
GambleAware’s research identified a higher level of treatment usage among minority ethnic communities with 71% of BAME problem gamblers having used some form of treatment, support and advice while 49% of white problem gamblers used some form of treatment.
The charity noted that the data from the 2019/20 National Gambling Treatment Service does not reflect the higher levels of demand that were reported in its latest survey.
GambleAware said that when considered together, this suggests that substantial numbers of BAME problem gamblers access other support outside of the National Gambling Treatment Service.
As a result of this, the charity said it will commission new research in 2021 to build its knowledge of lived experience of gambling-related harms within different BAME communities including needs and preferences when it comes to treatment and support.
GambleAware Chief Executive, Marc Etches said: “The prevalence of high levels of gambling harms among minority ethnic communities, coupled with the significant demand for access to treatment, support, and advice demonstrates the clear need to further strengthen and improve the existing provisions on offer. Services must be flexible, meet the varying needs of individuals and it is vital they are easy to access for all minority groups. This will require active engagement with communities on the ground to understand their lived experiences and to design services in accordance with these.
“GambleAware will draw on the insights from these reports to inform additional investment in treatment and support services to address disparities between different communities.”
Briony Gunstone, Research Director at YouGov, added: “This research shines a light on the disproportionate impact of gambling harms on Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities. It also indicates a particularly high demand for treatment, support, and advice, tailored to these affected groups.
“The survey highlighted that increased awareness of support would motivate at risk gamblers to seek assistance. It is vital, therefore, to highlight the range of different services available, including telephone helplines such as the National Gambling Helpline, to make accessing treatment, advice, and support easier for gamblers from a minority ethnic background.”
More research from GambleAware
Publication of GambleAware’s latest research comes after it commissioned its second Annual GB Treatment and Support Demand Survey last month. This was intended to determine barriers and demand for treatment and support for gambling harms in Britain.
The charity said the research will be conducted by YouGov and will present findings from key demographics such as age, ethnicity, gender and geography which will allow it to highlight differences among certain groups.
GambleAware also revealed in October that the multi-level structure of its treatment and support system has led to significant gaps in knowledge. This was revealed in a study conducted by Leeds Beckett University.
