Harmful gambling can worsen domestic abuse and act as escapism for women, new research from Durham University Business School finds.
Alongside the study, the team has also produced a practical toolkit for housing professionals to help recognise and respond to gambling-related domestic abuse.
The study shows that harmful gambling can both contribute to domestic abuse and act as a coping mechanism for women experiencing it. For some, it offers short-term emotional relief or the hope of gaining money to leave unsafe situations.
Led by Dr Mercy Denedo, from our Department of Accounting, the research was funded by the Gambling Commission through its regulatory settlements applied for socially responsible purposes fund.
The report highlights two key issues. These are gambling-related domestic abuse, where perpetrators gamble, and domestic abuse-related gambling, where victims turn to gambling.
In both scenarios, women and children can face long-term housing insecurity and even homelessness.
The study found that abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional and financial abuse. Financial abuse was particularly common. Some women reported partners stealing money, taking out loans in their name, or building up debt. This often left them unable to afford safe housing or access legal help.
Gambling-related debts were also linked to rent arrears, mortgage default and eviction. This can lead to ongoing housing instability.
Dr Mercy Denedo, the study’s lead author, said: “[This can] affect thousands of women and families, yet the shame and silence surrounding such issues mean that many suffer alone for years without access to the support needed to improve their circumstances.”
A key finding is that many housing providers lack the specialist knowledge needed to identify and respond to these issues. As a result, warning signs are often missed.
The report also found that gambling is often overlooked in housing risk assessments. Even when women raise concerns about finances, staff may not explore the underlying causes.
Researchers spoke to women with lived experience, as well as housing providers and support services. They also surveyed housing organisations to understand what data they collect and what support they offer.
Researchers say better training is needed to help housing professionals recognise the signs and respond with confidence. They also call for more affordable housing, improved access to legal support, and stronger public policy.
A more joined-up approach between services could help with early intervention and crisis support, giving women safer routes out of harmful situations.
Alongside the report, the research team has published the practical toolkit 'Gambling Harms and Domestic Abuse: A Resource for Housing Professionals', designed to help practitioners recognise the signs, respond in a trauma-informed way, and access referral pathways. The toolkit is available here.
A series of five podcasts hosted by broadcaster Natasha Devon complements the toolkit and supports awareness and training. The podcasts are available on YouTube and Spotify.
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