Gambling-related harm as experienced by UK Armed Forces veterans and affected others: a thematic framework analysis.

Abstract

Introduction: Despite recognition of increased gambling vulnerability among military veterans, qualitative understanding of veterans' lived experiences of gambling harms, including impacts on family members, remains limited. This study explores the gambling histories, service-related influences, psychosocial impacts and support-seeking behaviours of UK veterans and their affected family members.

Methods: Thematic framework analysis was conducted on semistructured interviews with six male veterans and three female family members recruited through social media and support settings. Participants were screened using the Problem Gambling Severity Index to confirm severity of gambling-related harm.

Results: Four primary themes were identified: gambling histories and trajectories, the role of the Armed Forces in gambling behaviour, psychosocial and financial impacts, and barriers and motivations for seeking support. Veterans' gambling trajectories varied, with military life often seen to normalise gambling behaviours through accessibility, social reinforcement and stress-related coping mechanisms. Severe financial distress, relationship breakdowns, mental health issues and compromised trust characterised gambling's psychosocial impacts. Key barriers to seeking support included stigma, pride, denial and insufficient tailored services. Conversely, family interventions and personal crises were crucial motivators driving veterans towards recovery.

Conclusions: This study highlights the profound and complex impacts of gambling-related harm among UK veterans and their families, emphasising military cultural factors and significant psychosocial consequences. Effective interventions must address both individual gambling behaviours and broader family dynamics. Greater availability of veteran-specific support services and stigma reduction could improve help-seeking. Future research should incorporate diverse samples, including female veterans and male family members, to enhance generalisability and intervention efficacy.