The study, by Bournemouth University, has raised concerns about discrimination within gambling environments and support services available.
The university interviewed 31 LGBTQIA+ individuals across the UK, aged 20 to 59, all with experience of online gambling.
The research explored their gambling behaviours and personal experiences, revealing that gambling is often used as a coping mechanism for stress and marginalisation.
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Study finds LGBTQIA+ individuals are at higher risk of gambling harm and barriers to gender and sexuality specific support. (Image: Getty Images)
Dr Reece Bush-Evans, senior lecturer in psychology at Bournemouth University, said:
“Participants described using gambling to manage distress linked to the psychological burden of marginalisation.
“What stood out was the persistence of barriers to gambling support services related to sexuality and gender-minority status, including fears of bias, limited representation, and a lack of support that reflects specific sexuality and gender-related needs.”
One participant explained that discrimination, whether intended or not, made life “harder,” and described gambling as a way to “switch off” from negative experiences.
Another said the appeal was strongest when people lacked close relationships or support networks, calling gambling “an escape” from dealing with identity-related distress.
A third participant reflected on avoiding confronting their sexuality, saying: “I really struggled with the thought of being gay.
“Gambling was an escape.
“Being on my own and doing something like that and having praise was a way of escaping from thinking about being gay.”
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The study also exposed persistent barriers to accessing gambling support.
One participant said: “There are always people that are going to be critical if they are aware of someone’s sexuality or if they are transgender.
“If it’s evident, if it’s clear that they are transgender to them without explicitly telling them, they might get different treatment.”
Another said they had never used support services because “they are more geared towards straight men that have got a problem.”
Dr Bush-Evans said: “Our findings show that some LGBTQIA+ individuals face persistent barriers to gambling-related support that are rooted in systemic exclusion across both gambling environments and service structures.
“Taken together, these findings highlight the need for more inclusive and culturally competent gambling support, including improved staff training, visible inclusive signalling, and closer collaboration with LGBTQIA+ communities to ensure services are accessible, affirming, and responsible to diverse needs.”
The study was funded by the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research.
Researchers recommend more culturally sensitive and identity-affirming support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and stress the importance of future policy being informed by these perspectives.
Anyone concerned about how gambling makes them feel can search GambleAware for advice, tools and support, or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133Â