Mapping risk to gambling problems: a spatial analysis of two regions in England

Abstract

In England gambling provision has a distinct spatial pattern, with gambling venues clustering in areas of greater deprivation. Previous attempts to identify areas with people vulnerable to gambling problems have relied on mapping places of greater socio-economic deprivation. Indices of deprivation only include a narrow range of characteristics and represent the resident population only. This study used a broader range of local data on vulnerable groups to consider both the profile of local residents and the location of various services for vulnerable people which draw at-risk groups into certain localities. Using raster overlay spatial analysis, risk indices have been produced for two areas in England, Manchester and Westminster (London) which model the risk of the local population to gambling problems. Data included in the geo-spatial models includes the numbers of young people, those from minority ethnic groups, the unemployed, residents with certain mental health diagnoses, the location of substance abuse/misuse treatment centres, food banks, homelessness shelters, educational establishments and payday loan shops. Data are synthesised to produce a single, weighted risk index. Results reveal a number of different areas with an elevated risk profile, with the drivers of risk varying for each area. Areas of greater risk do not necessarily mirror those of greatest deprivation. This is because some relatively affluent areas have a high number of services for vulnerable people, attracting risk populations to these locations. Focus on deprivation alone when mapping areas where people may be at greater risk of gambling problems misses important local patterns.

Keywords:

• Problem gambling
• spatial mapping
• risk indexes
• harm

Disclosure statement

All authors have received funding from the Responsible Gambling Trust (RGT), a charitable body who distribute funds from the gambling industry for research, education and treatment. The RGT had no involvement in this project. The views expressed are that of the authors alone. All authors are employed by an independent research organisation and have received funding from the RGT for other projects alongside a number of other government and charitable organisations (e.g. The Department of Health, the ESRC, The General Medical Council). None of these other sources of funding represent a conflict of interest for this research. Heather Wardle has recently been appointed to the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, which advises government on gambling policy. The other authors have no other potential conflict of interest to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Westminster City Council, Manchester City Council and the Local Government Association. No funding was provided for the preparation of this manuscript.