Bournemouth University Study Reveals LGBTQIA+ Individuals Face Systemic Barriers and Increased Risks in Gambling

New UK research shows LGBTQIA+ individuals use gambling to cope with minority stress while facing significant barriers to inclusive support services.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 7, 2026, 7:04 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Gambling Insider

Marginalized Communities Facing Elevated Risks of Gambling Harm

The recent study conducted by Bournemouth University indicates that LGBTQIA+ individuals are experiencing disproportionately high levels of gambling-related harms while simultaneously facing structural barriers to support. Published in the Journal of Psychology and Sexuality, the research suggests that sexual and gender minorities, particularly lesbian and bisexual women as well as transgender individuals, are at a heightened risk compared to cisgender and heterosexual populations. According to Dr. Reece Bush-Evans, a senior psychology lecturer at the university, the psychological burden of marginalization often drives these individuals toward gambling as a primary coping mechanism. The findings underscore a critical gap in public health discourse, as the specific risks and experiences of these communities have remained largely invisible in previous academic research.

The Triple Intersection of Identity and Gambling Behavior

Researchers identified three interconnecting themes that define the lived experiences of queer community members who gamble, starting with the use of gambling as a psychological escape. Participants described utilizing online platforms and casinos to distract themselves from daily experiences of discrimination, exclusion, and inadequacy. According to the study, the isolation resulting from a lack of familial support or social connections often intensifies this reliance on gambling as a way to switch off from the stressors of minority status. One participant noted that life is inherently harder as a minority, and the simplicity of focusing on free spins offers a reprieve from the weight of societal bias.

Systemic Failure of Existing Support Structures

The second major theme uncovered by the research team involves the perception that mainstream gambling-related support services fail to meet the specific needs of gender and sexual minorities. Many participants expressed a deep-seated fear of encountering judgment or a lack of cultural understanding when seeking help for their gambling habits. According to the report, individuals feel they might receive different treatment if their transgender status is evident to service providers. This fear of bias creates a significant deterrent, leading many to desire services specifically tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community where they c...