We use cookies to help provide you with the best possible online experience.
By using this site, you agree that we may store and access cookies on your device. Cookie policy.
Cookie settings.
Functional Cookies
Functional Cookies are enabled by default at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings and ensure site works and delivers best experience.
3rd Party Cookies
This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.
Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.
South Asian Heritage Month Blog
This year South Asian Heritage Month takes place between the 18th of July and the 17th of August.
South Asian Heritage Month is an opportunity to mark, commemorate, and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories and communities. To mark this month, we’ll be looking at how gambling harm affects those of South Asian heritage in Britain, as well as the work that PCGS and our partners in the National Gambling Support Network are doing to support those affected by gambling harm.
Gambling Harm can affect different communities in discrete ways. Research has shown that those from BAME communities are less likely to engage in gambling activity, but those that do are at greater risk of experiencing gambling harm [1]. Research looking particularly at the South Asian community has also found this trend, with lower rates of gambling activity, but higher rates of gambling harm compared to their white counterparts [2]. Looking at specific behaviours and harms, 33% of Asian/Asian British respondents tried to recoup gambling losses, 19% borrowed money or sold possessions to continue gambling, and 14% reported that gambling-related expenses impacted their ability to meet essential needs such as rent and food [3].
With this data in mind, it’s vital that we work to be sensitive of cultural norms, reduce barriers of entry, and make sure that those affected get the support that they need. To do this, we maintain a diverse group of therapists and ensure that our service is completely confidential so our patients can trust us when opening up about gambling harm. We also have access to interpreters during therapy sessions, so those with English as a second language can feel comfortable expressing themselves in their own words. On top of this, we use a multidisciplinary model and a holistic approach to care to make sure that our patients receive the type of care that works for them.
Our partners in the NGSN have insightful resources and training opportunities about gambling harm in the South Asian community with the Breaking the Sharam programme. This programme draws from lived experience and works in the heart of communities to engage with and provide support to South Asian communities. You can watch their video about gambling harm in South Asian communities here, and learn more about the Breaking the Sharam programme in this video.
The Primary Care Gambling Service is free to all adults across Britain. We offer one-to-one therapies, group therapy sessions, and support for those affected by someone else’s gambling. To access our support, you can self-refer on our website at primarycaregamblingservice.co.uk or by calling us on 0300 0300 111.
We’re here to help.
Sources
[1] ‘A look at gambling behaviours among Black and Minority Ethnic Communities’. The Gambling Commission, 2021.
[2] Forrest, D., & Wardle, H. (2011). Gambling in Asian communities in Great Britain. Asian journal of gambling issues and public health, 2, 2-16.
[3] ‘The Hidden Struggle of Gambling Addiction’. Asian Voice, 2025.
Published: Jul 18, 2025