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Risk and protective factors of harmful gambling among currently serving personnel in the United Kingdom Armed Forces

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View Open Access Article View Snapshot Back to Search Results

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Author(s): Jones, Matthew ; Champion, Hannah ; Dighton, Glen ; Larcombe, Justyn ; Fossey, Matt ; Dymond, Simon

Journal: BMJ Military Health

Year Published: 2024

Date Added: January 13, 2025

The current study examined the links between mental health, demographic characteristics, harmful gambling among UK Armed Forces serving personnel (AFSP). A total of 608 currently serving personnel members completed the survey. Most (72%) respondents gambled in the past year. About 23% experienced any level of harmful gambling (PGSI score of 1+). Respondents who were male, aged 20–29 years, and living in service single-living accommodation were more likely to experience any level of harmful gambling. Being a junior non-commissioned officer was the strongest risk factor for problem gambling. Other risk factors included likely experiencing anxiety, engaging in strategic gambling activities, being male, and having suicidal ideas/attempts in the past year. Protective factors included being in a relationship and being a commissioned officer.


Citation: Jones, M., Champion, H., Dighton, G., Larcombe, J., Fossey, M., & Dymond, S. (2024). Demographic characteristics, gambling engagement, mental health, and associations with harmful gambling risk among UK Armed Forces serving personnel. BMJ Military Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/military-2024-002726

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/military-2024-002726

Keywords: anxiety ; men ; military personnel ; protective factors ; risk factors ; strategic gambling ; suicidality ; suicide ; young adults

Topics: Anxiety and Depression ; Comorbidities ; Cultural Factors ; Information for Treatment Providers ; Prevention ; Suicide

Conceptual Framework Factors:   Cultural - Gambling Cultures ; Exposure - Gambling Setting ; Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Cultural - Gender ; Cultural Factors ; Social - Social Demographics ; Psychological - Lifespan Development ; Types - Motivational Characteristics ; Gambling Exposure ; Social Factors

Study Design: Descriptive: Survey

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom

Study Population: The sample included 608 people currently serving in the Armed Forces in the United Kingdom.

Sampling Procedure: The researchers recruited respondents through announcements on the Ministry of Defence DefNet intranet. The sample was a self-selecting convenience sample.

Study Funding:

This study was supported by a grant from Greo as part of its Safer Gambling Information Project.

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