• About this study

Situating Problem Gambling

The social context of gambling careers

About this study

Despite the increased popularity of gambling, surprisingly little is known about the minority of people whose gambling causes problems such as debt, familial breakdown and personal hardship.

Our study aims to fill this gap by:

• placing problem gambling in its social context and
• examining 'gambling careers' from a person beginning gambling, moving in and out of problematic behaviour, entering treatment, and recovery.

Potential policy impact

Our research will provide a sound basis for policy formulation and service provision.

Methods

This is a longitudinal, qualitative study, based on a cohort of 50 recreational and problem gamblers recruited from Glasgow.

Participants were purposively selected to ensure a diverse sample and were interviewed three times over a period of 20 months.

The data was comprehensively and systematically analysed using Framework.

Timeline

The study commenced in March 2006 and is due for completion in December 2009.

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