Gambling-Related Harms and Social Work Practice: Findings from a Scoping Review

Abstract

Social workers have a long history of working with clients with alcohol and drugs problems and collaborating with specialist addictions services. In England, while gambling participation has soared since 2007, the impact on social work is largely unknown. This article investigates what is known about social work practice in working with adults who have care and support needs and may be at risk of gambling-related harm. The scoping review included studies and commentaries covering the risks of gambling-related harm as reported in social work practice and education. The scoping review revealed limited evidence specific to social work, and therefore, we developed an arching theme for the analysis of ‘invisibility’ in relation to three areas: the near ‘invisible’ social worker in gambling research; the ‘invisibility’ of gambling in most professional qualifying social work programmes; and the near ‘invisibility’ of the impact of gambling on social work clients. Implications for policy and practice are that the social work profession could take steps to ensure it is better informed about identifying, minimising risks and providing support. Professional qualifying social work programmes may wish to consider including resources addressing the prevalence of gambling-related harms. Consideration should be given to whether screening for gambling-related harm should be introduced if social workers are to be better informed about gambling risks.