Understanding Gambling and Gambling Harms in LGBTQ+ Communities

Summary

These reports and resources present the findings of research conducted within the LGBTQ+ community to understand the gambling behaviour and harms experienced by the community, along with their demand for advice, support and treatment. They look to explore links between gambling behaviour and other factors such as sense of community, discrimination and abuse, mental health, and other potentially harmful behaviours such as smoking, alcohol use or taking drugs.

Topics covered

Gambling participation and levels of harm among LGBTQ+ people
Factors influencing gambling behaviours, including identity-related and life-circumstance contributors
Impacts of gambling on individuals and close relationships
Support needs, treatment experiences and views on regulation

Key findings

59% of LGBTQ+ people gambled in the past year, slightly below heterosexual/cisgender adults (62%).
LGBTQ+ people who gamble were more likely to experience some gambling problems (PGSI 1+: 18% vs. 15%).
Bisexual men (24%) and LGBTQ+ people from ethnic minority backgrounds (25%) had higher rates of gambling harm.
11% of LGBTQ+ adults were “affected others,” experiencing negative impacts from someone close who gambles.
Problem gambling was linked to lying about gambling (84%), financial strain (80%), and relationship or personal harm (e.g., breakdowns, crime, violence).
One in four LGBTQ+ people experiencing harms wanted support; LGBTQ+-specific services were widely viewed as beneficial.

Reports and resources

Phase 1 Visual Summary

The University of Brighton

This short visual summary outlines the key findings on gambling harm in LGBTQ+ communities from a national survey.

Download visual summary

Phase 2 Visual Summary

The University of Brighton

This short visual summary outlines the key findings on gambling harm in LGBTQ+ communities from interviews and an online community with LGBTQ+ people.

Download visual summary

Phase 3 Visual Summary

The University of Brighton

This short visual summary outlines the key findings on gambling harm in LGBTQ+ communities from an innovative photovoice study.

Download visual summary

Findings from a National Survey, a Follow Up Online Community, and Interviews

Alex Sawyer, Laetitia Zeeman, Matt Smith, Helen Johnson, Nigel Sherriff

This report presents the findings of research conducted within the LGBTQ+ community to understand the gambling behaviour and harms experienced by the community, along with their demand for advice, support and treatment. It looks to explore links between gambling behaviour and other factors such as sense of community, discrimination and abuse, mental health, and other potentially harmful behaviours such as smoking, alcohol use or taking drugs.

Download report

Findings from a Photovoice Study

Matt Smith, Josetta Malcolm, Alexandra Sawyer, Laetitia Zeeman, Helen Johnson, Nigel Sherriff, Jane Woodhull, Rob Sainsbury

This report presents findings from the GambLGBTQ+ photovoice study, which used creative, community-led methods to explore how LGBTQ+ people experience gambling harms and what changes are needed. It highlights intersecting vulnerabilities, lived impacts, and priorities for more inclusive prevention and support.

Download report

Infographic

YouGov & The University of Brighton

This infographic highlights gambling behaviours, harms, and support needs within LGBTQ+ communities in Great Britain. It visualises prevalence, lived experiences, key risk factors, and attitudes toward support and regulation.

Download infographic

Technical Report

The University of Brighton

This technical report outlines the methodology behind a major mixed-methods study exploring gambling behaviours and harms among LGBTQ+ adults in Great Britain. It details how quantitative and qualitative data were collected, analysed, and validated to ensure robust and representative findings.

Download report

Accompanying videos

The University of Brighton

These two videos are compilations of self-recorded material submitted by participants during the online community phase of the research.

View short video

View long video

Is this page useful?

However you’re feeling right now, we’re here to help.

The National Gambling Support Network helps people struggling with gambling, and people who are worried about someone else’s gambling.

Call or chat online to an advisor, and speak one-to-one for confidential advice, information and support.

Delivered by GamCare.

Available 24/7 • Great Britain only

Find support in your area Call 0808 8020 133

Understanding Gambling and Gambling Harms in LGBTQ+ Communities

Understanding Gambling and Gambling Harms in LGBTQ+ Communities