LGBTQIA2S+ perspectives on problem gambling among their peers: Preliminary results of semi-structured interviews

BACKGROUND

Existing literature has indicated that certain subgroups, such as the LGBTQIA2S+ communities, are associated with a higher risk for addictive behaviors. In 2023, our research team conducted an online survey among Canadian adults who self-identified as sexually and gender-diverse, using stratified random sampling. The survey had a sample size of 1,519 participants. The results indicated that there is a high prevalence of problem gambling within the LGBTQIA2S+ communities based on their Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score, which was found to be 9.9%. The present study aims to provide a snapshot of the LGBTQIA2S+ gamblers’ perspectives on problem gambling within this population.  

METHODS

This study is a descriptive qualitative study. Semi-structured interviews (n = 23) lasting 60-90 minutes were conducted with LGBTQIA2S+ people with problematic gambling behavior. The aim of these interviews was to better understand the experience of LGBTQIA2S+ people related to gambling and problem gambling and to get their perspective on the high prevalence of problem gambling among LGBTQIA2S+ populations. These interviews were recorded and verbatim were transcribed for data analysis. 

RESULTS

Inductive thematic analysis is currently underway with Nvivo software (14.23.0), and preliminary results will be presented at the Lisbon Addictions conference. Analysis of participants' experiences of gambling problems in their communities highlighted several dimensions associated with marginalization, addictions, accessibility issues and barriers to help-seeking.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first, to our knowledge, to shed light on gambling habits among LGBTQIA2S+ communities by exploring their personal views and experiences on the subject. This study will generate new knowledge about an understudied population at higher risk for problem gambling. We hope to better understand gambling behaviors of the LGBTQIA2S+ individuals in order to suggest harm-reduction strategies and interventions for these marginalized populations.