Young women's engagement with gambling: A critical qualitative inquiry of risk conceptualisations and motivations to gamble

Abstract

Background: Younger women's engagement with gambling has changed over recent decades due to a range of socio-cultural, environmental and commercial factors.However, younger women's distinct lived experiences with gambling have rarely been considered. The following critical qualitative inquiry explored factors that influenced younger women's engagement with gambling and their perceptions of gambling risks.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 41 Australian women aged 18-40 years. Participants were asked questions relating to their reasons for gambling, and the perceived risks associated with gambling. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data.Results: Five themes were constructed from the data. First, women reported that they gambled to escape their everyday lives, with some women reporting gambling within their own homes. Second, women reported gambling for financial reasons, particularly to change their life circumstances and outcomes.Third, gambling was used by women as a way to connect with social network members. Fourth, gambling was an incidental activity that was an extension of non-gambling leisure activities. Finally, lower risk perceptions of participants' own gambling risk contributed to their engagement and continuation of gambling. Conclusion:Public health and health promotion initiatives should recognise that young women's gambling practices are diverse, and address the full range of sociocultural, environmental and commercial factors that may influence younger women's engagement with gambling.

Time for policies on gambling to benefit health ‐ not the gambling industry

“…31 While support for those affected by gambling harms is important, this should not occur in isolation, or with the implication that it somehow also serves to play a significant role in risk prevention. 32 There is seemingly limited interest in funding transformative, upstream prevention approaches, or addressing the commercial and political determinants of harm, approaches that have been shown to be so valuable in addressing the impacts of other harmful industries. Governments (and other organisations) have tried to placate widespread criticisms of "responsible gambling", by developing new approaches such as "safer gambling", or media campaigns about "gambling harm" which are simply repackaged personal responsibility approaches.…”

“…These personal responsibility approaches encourage individuals to “ gamble more safely”, 28 get their gambling “under control”, 29 “become more aware” of their gambling, 30 or “take charge” of their gambling 31 . While support for those affected by gambling harms is important, this should not occur in isolation, or with the implication that it somehow also serves to play a significant role in risk prevention 32 . There is seemingly limited interest in funding transformative, upstream prevention approaches, or addressing the commercial and political determinants of harm, approaches that have been shown to be so valuable in addressing the impacts of other harmful industries.…”

How gambling harms others: The influence of relationship-type and closeness on harm, health, and wellbeing

“…Conversely, a CSO's physical or mental health problems might be a risk factor for the gambler. For example, gamblers with carer responsibilities might use gambling to cope with or escape this difficult situation ( Corney & Davis, 2010 ; McCarthy et al., 2022 ). Alternatively, all these issues may be due to stressors common to both poor health and wellbeing and gambling problems, such as low socioeconomic status ( Armstrong & Carroll, 2017 ; Glover, Hetzel, & Tennant, 2004 ) or other associated stressors.…”

The impact of responsible gambling framing on people with lived experience of gambling harm

“…However, researchers have highlighted that they are often excluded or underrepresented in gambling studies (McCarthy et al, 2019 ). It was also important to ensure that women's experiences were represented in the study as both gamblers and affected others (McCarthy et al, 2022b , c ). All participants provided informed consent and were offered a $50 grocery voucher.…”