Quadrupled Risk of Suicide Among Young People Due to Problem Gambling

Strategic Insights -

New research has revealed that problem gamblers in the UK face quadruple the risk of suicide four years later, with a stark link between the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scores and suicidality. The University of Bristol study, published in the journal Addiction, analyzed data from 2,801 people in the renowned Children of the 90s study, which has followed the health and development of 14,000 pregnant women and their families since the early 1990s.

The study found that compared to someone who experiences no gambling harms, problem gamblers face triple the suicide risk one year later, and quadruple the risk four years on. The link was most pronounced among 20-year-olds, where a 20% increase in suicide attempts was associated with every increment on the PGSI, resulting in a quadruple rate of suicide attempts four years later. The researchers say these findings underscore the need for additional measures to prevent gambling harms, including restrictions on gambling advertising and more support for young people.

Key Takeaways:

  • Problem gamblers in the UK face quadruple the risk of suicide four years later, with a triple risk of suicide one year later.
  • The study analyzed data from 2,801 people in the Children of the 90s study, a renowned longitudinal study of health and development.
  • The link between PGSI scores and suicidality was most pronounced among 20-year-olds, with a 20% increase in suicide attempts associated with every increment on the PGSI.
  • The researchers say these findings highlight a pressing need for additional measures to prevent gambling harms, including restrictions on gambling advertising and more support for young people.
  • Up to 496 suicides are linked to gambling every year in England, with one in five members of the UK population currently being harmed or indirectly affected by gambling.

Statistics:

  • Up to 496 suicides are linked to gambling every year in England.
  • One in five members of the UK population are currently being harmed or indirectly affected by gambling.
  • The economic costs associated with gambling harm are estimated to be £1.77 billion.
  • The link between PGSI scores and suicidality was most pronounced among 20-year-olds, with a 20% increase in suicide attempts associated with every increment on the PGSI.
  • The study found that problem gamblers face triple the suicide risk one year later and quadruple the risk four years on compared to someone who experiences no gambling harms.

Sources:

  • "The relationship between Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scores and suicidality: Results of a nine-year cohort study of young UK adults" by O. Bastiani, J. Khouja, A. Skatova, and P. Newall in Addiction
  • The University of Bristol news release: "Pioneering research reveals problem gambling quadruples the risk of suicide among young people four years later"
  • The Samaritans can be contacted by anyone FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, and this number won't show up on a phone bill. Or email jo@samaritans.org, visit www.samaritans.org to find details of a nearby branch to talk to a trained volunteer face to face, or write a letter addressed to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS.
  • About Children of the 90s: Based at the University of Bristol, Children of the 90s, also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), is a long-term health research project that enrolled more than 14,500 pregnant women in 1991 and 1992. It has been following the health and development of the parents, their children and now their grandchildren in detail ever since.
  • About Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research: It brings together international academics from 27 disciplines across 3 continents to tackle gambling harms, working with people with lived experience and partner organisations to deliver cutting-edge gambling harms research.