In this study, the researchers looked at how patients and staff in forensic psychiatric settings view gambling practices and money management. They interviewed eight patients and seven staff members in Denmark.
Patients described gambling as a common part of their daily life. They often gambled to cope with boredom, restlessness, and long periods of unstructured time. Many reported repeated cycles of trying to control or stop gambling and experiencing relapse, as well as debts and secrecy around financial problems. Gambling was sometimes connected to other addictions and might involve family members or romantic partners outside the ward. Staff generally had mixed views about whether gambling should be seen as a harmless recreational activity or a clinical concern. This led to inconsistent responses to patient gambling between staff and wards.
The findings suggest that gambling can affect forensic psychiatric patients’ recovery, mental health, financial wellbeing, and therapeutic relationships. They can inform how gambling practices are addressed in these settings.
