Understanding the Consequences of Gambling: Using Lived Experience to Shape Research
Our Senior Research and Statistics Analyst Amandeep Manku introduces new research developed in collaboration with NatCen and our Lived Experience Advisory Panel, on the the wider range of adverse consequences of gambling.
Posted 8 May 2025 by Amandeep Manku
Last summer, we published findings from our annual Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), where we asked adults aged 18 and over about a range of gambling experiences. Prior surveys have used the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) (Ferris & Wynne, 2001) to measure rates of problem and ‘at risk’ gambling. However, previous research has found that people can experience a much wider range of adverse consequences – including impacts on finances, relationships and health – affecting not only those who gamble, but also those close to them. These wider effects often fall outside the scope of what the PGSI captures (see here for further discussion of our approach to assessing adverse consequences from gambling).
To strengthen our understanding of gambling harms and vulnerability, which is one of our key priorities (Evidence theme 3 - Gambling-related harms and vulnerability), we developed a set of questions for the GSGB that focus on measuring the wider adverse consequences of gambling. These new set of questions allow us to go beyond solely relying on measures like the PGSI and build a more comprehensive picture of gambling-related harms.
Today we published new research developed in collaboration with NatCen and with input from our Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP), exploring people’s experiences of gambling consequences. Participants had taken part in the GSGB and reported adverse consequences from their own gambling. This research helps to contextualise those findings and broadens our understanding of gambling harms and vulnerability.
Using our Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) to help shape the research
Due to the sensitive nature of the research and the topic being covered, we involved our Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) throughout the research process. LEAP members have real-life experience of gambling harm and are therefore well-positioned to guide the development of research within this area.
LEAP provided valuable input into the development of research materials, piloting initial interviews, and reviewing study documentation. LEAP’s lived experience, insight, and expertise helped to ensure participant wellbeing and provided perspectives that may otherwise have been overlooked.
We asked LEAP members to share their experiences of being involved in the research process.
We also asked NatCen to reflect on some of the benefits of collaborating with people with lived experience of gambling harm.
LEAP’s perspective
Members of LEAP shared how important it felt to be included in the research, not just as participants, but as experts through their own experiences:
“So often, people with gambling harms adverse experiences are seen as the problem or even blamed. Being asked to take part in research helps change that. I felt respected, included, and that my voice mattered. Although only speaking about my own experiences, it gave me a feeling that my voice could be heard to represent others, people still in addiction, or too afraid to speak. That feels to me like a necessary duty and responsibility to help change perception and better understand gambling-related harm.” (LEAP member)
Members also highlighted how the inclusion of lived experience adds a layer of authenticity to research:
“Involving those with lived experience throughout the research process leads to richer data, greater insight, and more practical outcomes. Lived experience voices shape research that resonates with real world service users.” (LEAP member)
NatCen’s perspective
“Working with the Commission's Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) was key to making sure our research was accessible, inclusive and did not cause harm to those taking part. The panel supported us in developing the research tools, ensuring we captured a range of elements of people's experiences and were also directing people to the most appropriate support through the aftercare leaflet. We also piloted (and discussed) our timeline approach which we used within interviews with a small number of LEAP members. This process helped us determine the most practical and sensitive ways to use timelines, particularly when documenting challenging experiences.
"Collaborating with those with lived experience is key when exploring challenging and complex topics such as gambling harms, given the broad and varied ways that people can be impacted both positively and negatively by gambling. Collaboration can ensure that research captures these varied experiences, through highlighting potential gaps in research tools or areas for further exploration. Additionally, involving lived experience advisors or researchers may help to mitigate potential harm through considering respectful and empathetic ways to discuss experiences of gambling harm (for example through the use of language or the structure of an interview). This is key to creating a safe and supportive environment for those taking part in research and sharing their stories.” (NatCen)
Reflections and looking forward
This research provides new insight into the wider adverse consequences of gambling amongst people who had taken part in the GSGB . It’s the first time we’ve used the recontact function of the GSGB, following up with survey respondents to ask them to take part in qualitative research. The research shows how participants’ experiences of adverse consequences are multifaceted and that everyone has their own personal experience of gambling harms.
The diversity of experiences is illustrated through the case studies of Steven, Jack, Ali and Martha where their stories are brought to life by exploring how their gambling experiences, both positive and negative, have changed over time (participants’ names have been changed to protect identities).
Collaborating with people with lived experience throughout the research process brings valuable perspectives and nuance, helping to shape research and reduce potential harm for participants. We will continue to work with our LEAP colleagues to help inform future research design and practices, and to ensure that our research is accessible, inclusive and focused on participant wellbeing.
More broadly, this research highlights that gambling consequences can emerge at any stage – whether early on or after years of gambling – demonstrating the need for gambling companies to stay attentive to risks throughout the consumer journey. It recommends targeted, flexible interventions and emphasises the importance of building trust in the gambling management tools provided by companies to ensure that consumers can benefit from using them at the right time in their gambling journeys.