"It Was Never-Ending…": Investigating Gambling Harm Reported by Affected Others

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Gambling-related harm extends beyond individuals to affect family, friends, and communities.
• Limited population-representative research exists on harm to affected others (AOs) directly linked to gambling.
• Previous studies have not utilized comprehensive tools like the 68-item Gambling Checklist for AOs within a broad harms taxonomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively estimate the prevalence of AO harms across various domains.
• To qualitatively explore the lived experiences of AOs affected by gambling harm.
• To inform targeted interventions and support services for AOs.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-method design utilizing quantitative data from 197 AOs and qualitative data from 20 AOs.
• Data sourced from a subsample of the Fourth Social and Economic Impact Study of Gambling in Tasmania.
• Employed the 68-item Gambling Checklist for AOs and semi-structured interviews.

Main Results:

• Emotional/psychological harm was most prevalent (90.36%), followed by relationship (75.63%) and financial harm (60.91%).
• Health (58.67%) and work/study harms (32.63%) were also significant.
• Qualitative data revealed interconnected vulnerabilities across all harm domains.

Conclusions:

• Gambling-related harm to AOs is widespread and multifaceted, impacting emotional, relational, and financial well-being.
• Findings underscore the necessity for tailored interventions, public health initiatives, and integrated support systems.
• Prioritizing psychological support, financial guidance, and early health detection is crucial for mitigating AO harm.