'Gambling is an escape': a qualitative study of problematic gambling among sexually diverse adults in Canada

Problem gambling among sexual and gender diversity (SGD) populations has received increasing attention in research. While the literature shows that these populations are more likely than others to experience addiction and mental health issues, little is known about gambling among them. In our online survey (n=1519), a group of SGD participants reported problematic gambling practices.

The present study, conducted as part of a broader mixed-methods study on gambling among SGD populations, aimed to gather qualitative data to gain insight into why problem gambling seemed high in our online survey.

This qualitative descriptive study was conducted via semi-structured individual interviews with voluntary participants who gamble and were from sexually diverse populations across Canada (n=23). A primarily inductive approach with a deductive component was employed to conduct a thematic analysis of the collected data.

Participants shared their thoughts on specific difficulties faced by SGD populations and gambling. These included themes such as gambling as a coping mechanism for SGD-related struggles, a lack of visibility and awareness of gambling issues and help resources, seeking a sense of community and belonging through gambling and other addictive behaviours and a minor theme regarding perspectives on risk-taking. Other contextual influences included the COVID-19 pandemic, online gambling and financial needs.

This study adds to the existing knowledge of problem gambling among SGD populations by providing a qualitative perspective of sexually diverse participants on the issue. It also provides support for the minority stress framework as a potential reason why people from SGD populations might be at a higher risk of problem gambling.