Header with the black text: Understanding gambling in LGBTQ+ communities. Below is rainbow coloured logo reading GambLGBTQ+

GambLGBTQ+ is a study aiming to Understanding Gambling in LGBTQ+ Communities” in a collaboration between researchers at the Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender (CTSG) and the School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, LGBT Switchboard Brighton and Hove, and YouGov.

As a recreational activity, gambling can be undertaken without any adverse effects; however, gambling and the associated harm is perceived as an emergent public health concern. Recent figures in 2022 showed that 2.9% of GB adults surveyed scored 8+ on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), accounting for approximately 1.5 million GB adults perceived as at risk of gambling harms (Gosschalk et al., 2022). Limited research is available to explore gambling in LGBTQ+ communities, with research findings reflecting mixed results regarding the prevalence of gambling amongst LGBTQ+ people. Even less is known about gambling harms for LGBTQ+ people where gender, sexuality, ethnicity, disability and other factors intersect. These results combined with findings of a systematic scoping review undertaken in 2023 reflect the need for a large-scale mixed methods study.

The team gained funding for a two-phased study which commenced in April 2024. Phase 1 involves a nationally representative survey of gambling and gambling harms in LGBTQ+ communities in Great Britain. Phase 2 provides in-depth insight into the lived experience of gambling harms in LGBTQ+ communities via two qualitative studies: i) the first involves follow-up interviews with participants from the national survey who experience some level of gambling harm, and ii) the second a qualitative study with targeted community outreach via photovoice participatory action research to understand gambling and gambling harms in LGBTQ+ people from intersecting marginalised communities. The research will provide evidence to determine what LGBTQ+ specific support should be available in the future.

Timeline showing the 3 key phases of the GambLGBTQ+ project.

Timeline showing the 3 key phases of the GambLGBTQ+ project.

The study is funded by GambleAware to run over an 18-month period.

Contacts:
Email us via the GambLGBTQ+ mailbox – lgbtqgambling@brighton.ac.uk

Laetitia Zeeman University of Brighton (project lead)
Alex Sawyer University of Brighton (project lead)
Matt C. Smith University of Brighton (research fellow)
Jason Saw Brighton and Hove LGBT Switchboard
Kate Gosschalk YouGov