Dr Reece Bush-Evans is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology and a member of the Gambling Research Group at Bournemouth University, UK. He has a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Southampton, UK, with his PhD exploring the influence of narcissistic personality traits on team processes and organisational outcomes. During his postdoctoral research, Reece worked on a number of interdisciplinary projects to explore how technology can be used to detect, predict, prevent, and intervene with gambling harms. This work involved a longitudinal 4-arm randomised wait-list controlled feasibility study of data-driven feedback and goal settings (with a nested qualitative study) in low-to-moderate online gamblers; a content analysis of gambling websites to examine the visibility of safer gambling communication and content; a scoping, narrative, and integrative review on transparency in safer gambling practices; an online eye-tracking study on the usability of safer gambling information on operator websites; and a content analysis on social media posts by gambling operators and support affiliates during Covid-19. He has also conducted research exploring suicide in healthcare settings and the role of personality in group contexts.

 

Reece’s research interests extend across topics that relate to personality and gambling, gambling-related harms, transparency in gambling practices, gaming/gambling convergence, and gambling in vulnerable populations. He is passionate about acquiring a deep understanding and valuable insights into inequities experienced by various population groups affected by gambling-related harm, and is an advocate for tailored service provision for marginalised individuals and communities. His ongoing research on LGBTQIA+ and gambling has been widely disseminated at leading conferences and Pride events in the UK and has been integrated into evidence-based harm prevention workshops.

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Abstract: Addressing gambling-related harm: Incorporating evidence-based interventions and unveiling LGBTQIA+ experiences

 

This keynote presentation aims to unravel the intricate dynamics of gambling-related harm, investigate evidence-based interventions for its prevention, and address the intersection of gambling harm within LGBTQIA+ communities. The first segment explores a 26-week, 4-arm randomised controlled feasibility trial (n = 168), which tested the acceptability of three online responsible gambling interventions (descriptive social norms vs. injunctive social norms vs. goal setting, and a control) among individuals with low-to-moderate risk of gambling harm. Facilitated through a mobile messaging application, participants engaged in baseline assessments, a 6-week randomised controlled trial, follow-up surveys, and an optional post-study interview to discuss their experiences with the interventions. The trial’s outcomes provide a comprehensive evaluation of its acceptability and effectiveness in reducing gambling behaviour.

 

The second segment shifts the spotlight to LGBTQIA+ communities, focusing specifically on the unique challenges and risks faced by individuals within this diverse community. It explores the distinctive factors contributing to vulnerability within LGBTQIA+ communities including social exclusion, discrimination, and the impact of minority sexual orientation and gender identity on gambling behaviours. Drawing on both pilot (n =321) and ongoing (n = 1000) research, this segment synthesises evidence-based insights into the patterns and prevalence of gambling harm within LGBTQIA+ populations. It highlights the importance of acknowledging diverse experiences within the community and explores the significant relationships identified between the distress caused by life stressors (i.e., discrimination, harassment, stigma, isolation) among LGBTQIA+ individuals, motivations to gamble (i.e., as a coping mechanism), and high levels on the Problem Gambling Severity Index.

 

The presentation delves into valuable qualitative insights concerning the disparities faced by individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community who have lived experience and seek support for their gambling. It also addresses the varied gambling environments where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel secure and explores perceptions regarding the necessity for tailored support to tackle gambling harms in marginalised communities. Finally, the presentation acknowledges the role of community involvement in fostering opening dialogues and community-based initiatives to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote safer gambling behaviour.

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Conflict of Interest Disclaimer: Dr Bush-Evans has contributed to several calls for evidence in response to government requests concerning responsible online gambling and has disseminated research both at conferences and in UK Parliament. His work has been funded by GambleAware, the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research, the Academic Forum for the Study of Gambling, the ESRC Festival of Social Science, and Bournemouth University.