“Sometimes it’s easier to seek support in the wrong places”: LGBTQIA+ individuals’ experiences of gambling harms.

Abstract

Sexual and gender minority individuals face disproportionate mental health challenges, yet little is known about their experiences of gambling-related harm. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of gambling among LGBTQIA+ individuals in the UK. Thirty-one self-identified LGBTQIA+ adults who had recently engaged in online gambling participated in semi-structured interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis produced three themes: (1) Gambling as escape from minority stress and exclusion, (2) Discrimination and limited representation in gambling spaces, and (3) Barriers to affirming support for LGBTQIA+ gamblers. Participants described using gambling to manage distress related to marginalisation, including discrimination, identity concealment, and social isolation. Offline gambling environments were often perceived as unwelcoming or unsafe, with participants suggesting that visible inclusion policies, staff training, and representation in the marketing of support could help create safer and more welcoming spaces. Online gambling offered privacy but also potential for harm. Participants reported structural and interpersonal barriers to support, including fears of bias and the absence of culturally competent services, which further discouraged help-seeking. These findings highlight how gambling harm among LGBTQIA+ individuals may be shaped by broader social and structural inequalities. The study highlights a need for inclusive, identity-responsive approaches to gambling harm reduction and support.