Gambling-related harms and homelessness: findings from a scoping review
Abstract
Purpose
People experiencing homelessness are being identified as a potentially vulnerable group in relation to gambling-related harm. The purpose of this paper is to explore the links between gambling-related harm and homelessness.
Design/methodology/approach
A scoping review of the English-language literature was conducted in 2016-2017 using a wide range of international sources. Qualitative content analysis was employed to code and identify key themes within the literature.
Findings
Five themes were identified: emerging knowledge about why people experiencing homelessness may participate in gambling; emerging knowledge about the prevalence of gambling within the homeless population; the likelihood that gambling-related harm is under-reported within the homeless population; emerging knowledge about the extent that people experiencing homelessness access gambling support services; and limited awareness about the potential impact of gambling participation among people experiencing homelessness.
Originality/value
The paper reviews research concerning the links between gambling, gambling-related harm and homelessness, which may be relevant to those working with people experiencing homelessness.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was funded by Ridgeway Information Ltd The views expressed in this paper are those of the authors alone and should not be interpreted as those of the funders.
Citation
Bramley, S., Norrie, C. and Manthorpe, J. (2018), "Gambling-related harms and homelessness: findings from a scoping review", Housing, Care and Support, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 26-39. https://doi.org/10.1108/HCS-02-2018-0003
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited