Carried out by YouGov in 2019, the research shows that 20% of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic adults experience problems related to their gambling, compared with 12% of white adults.
The survey also found that 7% of adults in minority ethnic communities are classed as ‘problem gamblers’, compared to 2% of white adults.
And 75% of the ‘problem gamblers’ from minority ethnic communities said they wanted advice, support and treatment, compared with 49% of white ‘problem gamblers’.
Potential motivators for seeking such treatment included individuals knowing they could get help over the phone (25%), and knowing it would be free of charge and strictly confidential (both 18%).
Alongside the research, GambleAware has also published a review of the international evidence base, in a bid to identify the drivers of higher levels of gambling harm in minority communities, and subsequently to develop appropriate treatment that reflects individuals’ needs.
“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,” said GambleAware CEO Marc Etches.
“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.”
