Exploring the support for UK migrants experiencing gambling-related harm: insights from two focus groups

To obtain insights about the accessibility of UK gambling support services from the perspectives of individuals and organisations supporting migrants experiencing gambling-related harm.

Two focus groups were conducted in Leeds and London, United Kingdom, in 2018.

Thirty-two participants shared their views and experiences from their support work with migrant communities or support services and personal experiences. Thematic analysis identified four themes: (1) the relationship between gambling-related harm and migration, (2) the 'harm paradox' and migrant gambling, (3) barriers to help seeking and (4) ways to improve current support.

Participants considered that individuals' migration history may impact on their gambling participation. They considered that recent migrants experience similar gambling-related harms to the UK general population; however, their experience of harms may be exacerbated or accelerated by socio-economic circumstances. Concerns surrounding trust, confidentiality, social interaction, integration and language proficiency were interwoven with barriers that migrants may encounter when engaging in help-seeking behaviour. Participants called for better evidence and understanding of the culturally specific and contextual harms that migrants may experience from their gambling. They advocated a stronger emphasis on prevention and the development of culturally competent gambling support services.

Migrants are vulnerable to gambling-related harm; however, existing gambling support services may not meet their needs. Efforts should be made to ensure gambling support services are accessible to migrants and culturally sensitive. More research is needed to investigate gambling-related harm from the perspectives of migrants and to improve the promotion, design, delivery and accessibility of gambling support services for this population.