Leading gambling charity GambleAware has released a report calling for BAME (Black, Asian and minority ethnic) communities to receive more support regarding problem gambling.
The study, which was published by ClearView Research, investigated the experiences and attitudes that children and young people from BAME communities have towards gambling. GambleAware’s study involved numerous focus groups and interviews with individuals aged between nine and 24.
According to results, around 88% of the study’s respondents claimed they see gambling advertisements “a lot” or “all the time” on television, YouTube and during football matches. Other respondents confessed to seeing ads on video games, mobile apps, billboards and hearing ads on the radio.
In addition, 91% of respondents failed to identify any sources that support or help problem gamblers. Most of the respondents also stated that gambling was not something openly discussed with family members or their wider communities. Respondents aged between nine and 15 said they considered gambling to be “worse” than taking drugs in their community while respondents aged 16 to 24 said gambling is discussed less than drugs, alcohol and sex.
Dr Jane Rigbye, the Director of Education at GambleAware, said in a statement: “Children and young peopple are being increasingly exposed to gambling and it is so important that we help build resilience amongst the more vulnerable to its risks.
“This report has identified a gap in awareness amongst families and communities from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds when it comes to knowing what gambling support services are available. This demonstrates a clear need for more engagement with these communities to make sure all those who might be at risk know about, and have easy access to, the existing help and support that is available.”
Kenny Imafidon, the Managing Director at ClearView Research, added: “It’s not only important but it is necessary for the slight differences in how children and young people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities see gambling be acknowledged when seeking to engage with, or provide services, to them.
“A failure to have this cultural awareness can seriously affect how information is, or service are, received or perceived in those communities.”
The news comes after a study from last month found that GambleAware’s warning message on gambling advertisements doesn’t prevent people from gambling. Academics from the University of Warwick found that the firm’s slogan “When the fun stops, stop” failed to impact gamblers.
Researchers of the study suggested the reason for this was because the word “fun” in the slogan was printed in a larger fun that the rest of the message.
The UK Gambling Commission was forced to restate its commitment to reduce gambling harm in July after a GambleAware study highlighted a link between problem gambling and suicide. The report found that almost 5% of problem gamblers had attempted suicide and around 19% of the study’s respondents had considered suicide as a result of problem gambling.
Meanwhile, the Commission has been working hard to better protect players across the nation. This year, the regulatory body introduced new age verification rules and implemented new policies that require casino operators to monitor player spending and work to identify signs of problem gambling better.
