GambleAware Publishes New Research

GambleAware has published the findings of the research it commissioned to better understand the experiences of women and gambling.

The report, which is the first of its kind to include any quantitative data on women and gambling specifically, follows the publication of the Treatment Needs and Gap Analysis research earlier this year.

The research, which was carried out by YouGov, found that more than a third (35%) of female gamblers, who experience high levels of harm and have a PGSI score of 8+, are from a BAME background, compared to 12% of the overall female population. This same pattern is also seen amongst male gamblers, with 29% of men with a PGSI score of 8+ coming from a BAME background, compared to 12% of men overall.

“This research indicates that women, particularly in the capacity as an affected other, experience gambling harms in different ways to men and this report is an important first step in understanding those differences. This research was commissioned to help treatment providers, such as those operating via the National Gambling Treatment Service, address any barriers people may face when it comes to accessing help and support for their gambling and it is essential that services are flexible and meet the needs of individuals,” Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware, said.

“This report has highlighted not only the challenges that need to be overcome, but also the opportunities available to service providers to help increase take-up of treatment and support to help reduce and prevent gambling harms among women. Across our treatment network, in line with the National Gambling Treatment Service, we are working with women to better understand the barriers they may face when it comes to seeking advice or help for their gambling, or experience as an affected other, so that we can continue to ensure they have access the services they need, regardless of their gender or background,” Anna Hemmings, CEO of GamCare, said.