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Ygam, a charity that has won awards for its work in education, has added new content to its harm prevention workshops, which focuses on the relationship between gambling and the LGBTQ+ Community. The first session was delivered successfully during Pride Month.
This initiative was a response to a new study by Bournemouth University academics. The research found that 53% reported having three or even more gambling accounts they used regularly. Nearly half (49%) said they regretted gambling.
According to the study, 77% of LGBTQ+ people would seek assistance if they had a gambling problem. The mental health issues associated with gambling are more common among LGBTQ+ people.
The research shows that 71% of LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced discrimination and harassment because of their gender identity or non-conformity. Gambling may be a way for some to cope with this. Many LGBTQ+ people report that they don’t feel welcome or safe in land-based casinos. Online gambling is seen as more inclusive and accessible.
The report also highlights the need for more tailored assistance for vulnerable groups. Participants have the impression that the current service providers don’t cater to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Ygam is now working with Dr Reece Bush Evans from the Gambling Research Group of Bournemouth University in order to develop our educational programs and ensure that they are informed by this latest research.
Kyle Riding is the Head of Programs at Ygam. He said, “The results of this research are alarming, and we’re hoping that our resources can help protect young people in the LGBTQ+ communities.” Gambling harms can affect anyone, but LGBTQ+ stressors are unique. Our training provides delegates with knowledge, understanding, and confidence in order to facilitate safeguarding conversations and identify harms. We also provide information on the available support. “We believe that young people should all be protected from gambling harms and we should act when we identify vulnerable groups.”
Reece Bush Evans, from the Gambling Research Group of Bournemouth University, said: “The engagement with LGBTQ+ individuals with lived experience gambling harms has been fundamental to this work. We have spoken to many LGBTQ+ people who have lost control of their gambling. It is vital to educate and raise awareness among our young generations about prevention. I look forward to working with Ygam to use this new research as a way to inform their work. Education is key to protecting the wellbeing of groups that are marginalised, such as LGBTQ+.
The workshops are offered free of charge to delegates with safeguarding and caring responsibilities for young people, such as teachers, youth workers parents, and health professionals. Ygam is also adding sessions relating to the LGBTQ+ Community into its Alumni Programme, which was launched in early this year. This training provides delegates with knowledge, understanding, confidence, and skills that will enable them to have safe-guarding conversations, recognize signs of harm, and point delegates to available support.
