According to the new report, which has been supported by the University of Manchester, compared to the 20% of gambling white British majority groups that suffer harm as a result of the practice, in minority groups that figure is at 42%.

This is despite 17% more white British people gambling than minority groups, of which only 31% indulge in gambling – compared to 48%.

It was also found that white British people were three times less likely to use gambling as a coping mechanism due to difficulties in life, with 18% of gambling minority groups admitting to doing so vs 6%.

Niamh McGarry, Director of Impact at ClearView and contributor to the report, said: “While further research is needed to establish what drives higher burdens of gambling harms in minority communities, these results clearly highlight that members of these communities are facing increased vulnerabilities and are more at risk of suffering from gambling harms.

“Services must be designed with the voice of minority communities centred throughout, and this research helps demonstrate that specific attention and specialised support is needed to effectively address these inequalities.”

Meanwhile, Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, added: “GambleAware is committed to building knowledge about the lived experience of Minority communities and gambling harms, and about the drivers of gambling harms experienced by these communities.

“The higher prevalence of gambling harms amongst minority groups, coupled with the fact they are less likely to access specialist gambling services, is alarming and demonstrates the clear need for further investigation and tailored solutions.

"We need to break down the barriers to accessing support and challenge the stigma and discrimination faced by these communities.”