Gambling harm among UK Armed Forces veterans: Military culture, institutional practices, and transitions to civilian life

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Author(s): Dekel, Dana ; Ekenna, Adanma ; Engward, Hillary ; Godier-McBard, Lauren R. ; Kay, Christopher ; Kersey, Thomas ; Fossey, Matt ; Dymond, Simon

Journal: BMJ Open

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: June 24, 2026

This study explored the lived experiences of UK Armed Forces veterans with gambling-related harm. Specifically, the study examined how military culture, institutional practices, and transitions to civilian life influenced gambling behaviours and prevented help-seeking, and the long-term impact on veterans’ well-being. A total of 14 UK Armed Forces veterans were interviewed. The researchers identified four interconnected themes: (1) normalization of gambling in civilian and military contexts; (2) gambling as a way to cope; (3) stigma and fear of repercussions as barriers to help-seeking; and (4) escalation of gambling post-military.

Citation: Dekel, D., Ekenna, A., Engward, H., Godier-McBard, L. R., Kay, C., Kersey, T., Fossey, M., & Dymond, S. (2026). Qualitative exploration of gambling harm among UK veterans: Normalisation, stigma, and postservice escalation. BMJ Open, 16(3), e109458. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-109458

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-109458

Keywords: coping ; gambling cultures ; help-seeking ; military veterans ; normalization ; stigma

Topics: Gambling and the Brain ; Stigmatization

Conceptual Framework Factors: Cultural - Gambling Cultures ; Social - Stigmatization ; Psychological Factors ; Cultural Factors ; Psychological - Coping Styles ; Social - Social Demographics ; Resources - Service Access and Use ; Social Factors

Study Design: Qualitative: Content Analysis

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom

Study Population: UK veterans who self-identified as having experienced gambling-related harm, either during or following military service, and were discharged from active duty in 2020 or later (n=14)

Sampling Procedure: Participants were purposively recruited from a larger cross-sectional survey of veterans as well as through veteran-related charities, support organizations, and a targeted Facebook campaign.

Study Funding:

This study was funded by the Gambling Commission (by way of regulatory settlements applied for socially responsible purposes).