Women and children are facing long-term housing insecurity and even homelessness due to harmful gambling and the hidden link with domestic abuse, according to research supported by Betknowmore UK – but a newly produced practical toolkit for housing professionals can help.

The Gambling Commission-funded study, led by Dr Mercy Denedo at Durham University, highlights two key issues, gambling-related domestic abuse, where perpetrators gamble, and domestic abuse-related gambling, where victims turn to gambling as a coping mechanism.  

Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional and financial abuse. Financial abuse was particularly common. Some women reported partners stealing money, taking out loans in their name, or building up debt. This often left them unable to afford safe housing or access legal help. 

Gambling-related debts were also linked to rent arrears, mortgage default and eviction. This can lead to ongoing housing instability. 

Dr Denedo, the study’s lead author, said: “[This can] affect thousands of women and families, yet the shame and silence surrounding such issues mean that many suffer alone for years without access to the support needed to improve their circumstances.” 

A key finding is that many housing providers lack the specialist knowledge needed to identify and respond to these issues, with warning signs often missed as a result. The report also found that gambling is often overlooked in risk assessments, with staff often not exploring the underlying causes when women raise concerns about finances.

Researchers spoke to women with lived experience, as well as housing providers and support services. They also surveyed social housing organisations to understand what data they collect and what support they offer. 

Better training is needed to help housing professionals recognise the signs and respond with confidence, and a more joined-up approach between services could help with early intervention and crisis support, giving women safer routes out of harmful situations. The report also calls for more affordable housing, improved access to legal support, and stronger public policy. 

Alongside the report, the research team has published the practical toolkit 'Gambling Harms and Domestic Abuse: A Resource for Housing Professionals', designed to help practitioners recognise the signs, respond in a trauma-informed way, and access referral pathways. The toolkit is available here.

Dr Liz Riley, Head of Research & Evaluation at Betknowmore UK, was also involved with the study alongside colleagues from University of Nottingham, Sheffield Hallam University, Cranfield University and Addressing Domestic Abuse. She said: "The links between gambling and domestic abuse are complex and often unrecognised by services, but these practical resources will help professionals support victims and survivors."

A series of five podcasts hosted by broadcaster Natasha Devon complements the toolkit and supports awareness and training. The podcasts are available here.

You can read the full report, ‘Gambling Harms and Domestic Abuse: A focus on women and their housing’ here.