Predictors of problem gambling among UK Armed Forces veterans

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Author(s): Dighton, Glen ; Wood, Katie ; Armour, Cherie ; Fossey, Matt ; Hogan, Lee ; Kitchiner, Neil ; Larcombe, Justyn ; Rogers, Robert D. ; Dymond, Simon

Journal: International Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2022

Date Added: August 02, 2022

This study examined the predictors of problem gambling in UK veterans. An online survey was completed by 1,037 veterans and 1,148 non-veterans who were matched on age and gender. Veterans were at higher risk of problem gambling than non-veterans. Various sociodemographic, military service, mental health, and gambling characteristics were found to be predictors of problem gambling in veterans. Of note, gambling to cope with stress was a strong predictor of problem gambling. Being diagnosed with likely PTSD or complex PTSD also increased the risk.

Citation: Dighton, G., Wood, K., Armour, C., Fossey, M., Hogan, L., Kitchiner, N., Larcombe, J., Rogers, R. D., & Dymond, S. (2022). Gambling problems among United Kingdom armed forces veterans: Associations with gambling motivation and posttraumatic stress disorder. International Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2022.2063923

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2022.2063923

Keywords: avoidance ; coping strategies ; escape ; gambling ; gambling motivations ; mental health ; motivation ; Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ; problem gambling ; trauma ; veterans

Topics: Priority Populations ; Veterans

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Psychological Factors ; Psychological - Coping Styles ; Social - Social Demographics ; Types - Motivational Characteristics ; Social Factors

Study Design: Observational: Cross-sectional

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom

Study Population: Veterans who had served in the UK Armed Forces (n = 1,037) and non-veterans (n = 1,148). Participants in both samples had to be at least 18 years or older.

Sampling Procedure: The researchers recruited UK veterans through online advertising (e.g., targeted adverts on Facebook) and circulation of recruitment emails by the National Health Service (NHS) veterans’ services and charities. Age- and gender-matched non-veterans were recruited through Prolific.

Study Funding:

This work was supported by a grant from Forces in Mind Trust, which was founded with an endowment from the National Lottery Community Fund.