GambLGBTQ+ is a study aimed at understanding gambling in LGBTQ+ communities in Great Britain.

Gambling is increasingly recognised as an important public health issue. However, research on gambling and gambling harms in LGBTQ+ communities is limited, and the research that is available reports mixed findings.

University of Brighton researchers at the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences and School of Humanities and Social Science are leading a new study, GambLGBTQ+ in partnership with YouGov and LGBT Switchboard (Brighton and Hove).

This 18-month research project, funded by GambleAware, will address these gaps by carrying out a project over 3 phases to develop a comprehensive understanding of gambling and gambling harms in LGBTQ+ communities. The study aims to establish the prevalence of gambling and gambling harm amongst LGBTQ+ communities in Great Britain and the wider impacts, the risk and protective factors against gambling harms in LGBTQ+ people, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ people seeking support to address gambling harms.

  • Phase 1 involves a large-scale nationally representative survey of gambling and gambling harms in LGBTQ+ communities in GB. This survey launched on the 11thof October 2024.
  • Phase 2 will provide in-depth insight into the lived experience of gambling harms in LGBTQ+ communities via two qualitative studies:
    • i) the first a follow-up with participants from the national survey who experience some level of gambling harm – they will be asked to take part in an online community (including keeping a diary) and interview ; and
    • ii) the second will utilise targeted community outreach via photovoice research to understand gambling in LGBTQ+ people from intersecting marginalised communities.
  • Phase 3 will involve a consultation event including a photo exhibition with key stakeholders to share the findings and to develop recommendations for service delivery for LGBTQ+ people who experience gambling harms.

The project is led by Dr Laetitia Zeeman (co Principal Investigator) and Dr Alex Sawyer (co Principal Investigator), along with Prof Nigel Sherriff and Dr Helen Johnson, with Dr Matt Smith (they/them) as the research fellow supporting the day-to-day running of the project.

Visit the GambLGBTQ+ website to find out more and get in touch