Leeds Beckett University study aims to discover extent of problem gambling

The five-month project, being carried out in conjunction with Leeds City Council, will also examine the impact problem gambling has on people affected.

It will be led by Dr Alexandra Kenyon and Visiting Professor David Parsons in the University’s International Centre for Research in Events, Tourism and Hospitality.

Dr Kenyon said: “With approximately two million people at risk from problem gambling in Britain, and around 300,000 directly affected, the need for in-depth research into the roots of problem gambling is clear.

“Whilst existing surveys provide useful information regarding individuals who are at greater risk of experiencing problems, there remains a lack of evidence regarding the determinants and outcomes of problem gambling.

“This study has been carefully designed to understand gambling motivations, behaviours and capture ‘life stories’ of the harm resulting from problem gambling. The research places face-to-face interviews with gambling businesses, support services and those seeking help with gambling addiction at the heart of the study in order to understand first-hand the issue of problem gambling.”