Major Research Project Explores Lived Experiences of People Directly Affected by Crime and Gambling

People whose lives have been blighted by crime linked to gambling have spoken about the impact it had and the changes that are needed to protect others, as part of research published by the Commission on Crime and Gambling Related Harms.

The research, led and authored by Dr Lauren Smith, Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Lincoln, UK, on “Surviving, not living”: Lived experiences of crime and gambling, outlines the experiences of 22 people in England and Wales who have either been through the criminal justice system themselves or been affected by it as a family member.

The Commission is investigating the links between gambling harms and crime, what impact they have on communities and wider society, and what steps could be taken to reduce crime and make people safer.

Dr Lauren Smith, Lecturer in Psychology at University of Lincoln said: “Myself and the Commission on Crime & Gambling Related Harms are very appreciative of the 22 people who were incredibly brave in volunteering to share their experiences for this research.

“From the report, it is clear there is much work to be done to improve services and support. This requires a greater awareness of the nature of gambling addiction across health and all areas of the criminal justice system, systematic screening, and accessible support for people directly impacted and their families.”

The second major research project by the Commission on Crime and Gambling Related Harms, which was set up by the Howard League for Penal Reform and is chaired by Lord Goldsmith QC. An earlier report, focused on sentencing, was published in October 2021.

Lord Goldsmith QC, Chair of the Commission on Crime and Gambling Related Harms, said: “In their own words, 22 people affected by crime linked to gambling harm have told the Commission what happened to them and what needs to change. No one is better placed to inform and advise us and we are most grateful to them for coming forward to contribute.

“It is abundantly clear that a more targeted approach is needed to prevent many more lives being ruined.”

The research involved semi-structured interviews with 18 participants, 17 male and one female, who had been directly impacted by crime and harmful gambling. The other four participants, all women, were family members of people directly impacted. Two were married to other participants and two were the ex-wives of people who did not participate.

The interviews invited participants to share their experiences from when they first engaged in gambling and then consider how their gambling escalated and resulted in crime being committed, what happened to them at each stage through the criminal justice system and the impact this had on themselves and others.

The report recommends that there should be systematic screening and assessment of people entering police custody suites and prisons to ascertain whether they have experienced gambling harms and to identify where there is a need for further support.

Professionals working in criminal justice – including police, solicitors, barristers, and prison staff – should be more aware of gambling harms with better access to support and treatment for people at each stage through the system.

The presence of gambling harms should also be considered, as a mitigating factor at sentencing. It calls for community sentences, instead of prison, with suggestion to review the use of the Proceeds of Crime Act in cases where crime has been committed because of gambling addiction.

Other recommendations include better support for families, a call for formal recording of the prevalence of suicides arising from gambling harms, and a reform of gambling advertising.