UK Gambling Commission Study Shows Higher Gambling Harm Rates Among Ethnic Minority Groups

New research published by the UK Gambling Commission reveals that people from ethnic minority backgrounds in Great Britain face greater risk of gambling-related harm than white participants, despite lower overall participation rates.

The study draws on combined data from the 2023, 2024 and 2025 Gambling Survey for Great Britain. Researchers from NatCen and the University of Glasgow examined differences across white, mixed or multiple ethnic, Asian, black and other ethnic groups. As reported by GamblingNews, the findings highlight variations in habits, risk levels, adverse consequences and support service use.

Differences in Gambling Participation Across Groups

White participants reported higher rates of gambling in the four weeks before the survey. Much of this gap stemmed from greater involvement in National Lottery and charity lottery draws. When researchers excluded people who had only bought lottery tickets, differences in overall participation narrowed.

Ethnic minority groups then showed greater engagement with other gambling types. Those identifying as mixed or multiple ethnic backgrounds were five times more likely than white participants to have placed in-person bets on event outcomes. Mixed or multiple ethnic and black participants were also more likely to have gambled on at least three different types in the four-week period.

Higher PGSI Scores and Limits of Current Risk Measures

All ethnic minority groups recorded elevated Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scores relative to white participants. The proportion scoring 8 or more on the PGSI—indicating problem gambling—ranged from 1.9% among white participants to 7.7% among those from mixed or multiple ethnic backgrounds.

Ethnic minority participants who gambled recently were more likely to report serious consequences, including relationship breakups, major financial losses and impacts on health or personal relationships. Some differences tied to demographics, socioeconomic factors and participation levels, but these did not account for most of the gaps in risk and outcomes.

Disparities appeared even among those with lower PGSI scores. Among recent gamblers scoring zero, 2.7% of white participants reported at least one adverse outcome. Equivalent figures for ethnic minority groups ranged from 7.0% to 10.6%. Roughly three-quarters of all participants scoring three or higher on the PGSI had not accessed support, regardless of ethnicity.

The UK Gambling Commission stated that the work strengthens its evidence base on gambling behavior across communities. The results indicate existing risk measures may not fully capture certain struggles. Targeted research involving those with direct experience of harm will be required to shape more effective prevention and support approaches.