New study to examine effect of Covid-19 lockdown on at-risk gamblers
Scottish universities to feed data back to UK Gambling Commission after teaming up for new research project
Three major Scottish universities have launched a new study into how the Covid-19 lockdown has impacted gambling behaviour, including among those at risk of gambling-related harm.
The 18-month project will consider the effect of restrictions on gamblers, as well as analyse the promotion and marketing of gambling products during the lockdown.
Funded by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council, the project will be overseen by academics from the University of Glasgow, the University of Stirling’s Institute for Social Marketing and Health (ISMH), and the University of Edinburgh.
As part of the project, surveys will be conducted with young people (aged 16-24) and sports bettors, while operator marketing and promotional activities also assessed.
The project will also involve interviews with experienced gamblers, including those deemed to be at high risk of problem gambling.
Researchers will consider how risk factors, such as boredom, stress, anxiety, financial problems and loneliness may have increased during the lockdown. Gambling verticals unaffected by the restrictions, such as online casino, esports and virtual events will also be examined by researchers.
The team will also investigate how gambling behaviours change as the lockdown eases, including when major sports events restart.
University of Glasgow project co-leader Dr Heather Wardle said there is an “urgent need” to provide regulators, policymakers and treatment providers with high quality evidence of player behaviour during Covid-19 and its aftermath.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore what happens when certain types of gambling opportunities are severely curtailed,” said Wardle.
Once completed, study findings will be shared with industry stakeholders including the Gambling Commission, the Gambling Related Harm All Party Parliamentary Group and the World Health Organization.
“Our study will provide an important insight into the actions undertaken by industry, so regulators can consider immediate actions, and an understanding of new risk groups susceptible to gambling harms to develop effective prevention strategies,”said Wardle.
“It will also present important information around the escalation and maintenance of harms, to inform treatment and support provision,” she added.