Gambling, Problem Gambling and the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Experience of LGBTQIA2S+ People

Gambling (Gambling) plays a major role in the consumption habits of the population, both in Canada and abroad. The COVID-19 pandemic has had major repercussions on the practice of gambling (shift towards online gambling, increase in the practice of gambling among certain at-risk groups, etc.). However, we know very little about the gambling habits and the experience of health care and social services during the pandemic of certain marginalized groups such as people identifying as sexual and gender diverse (i.e. LGBTQIA2S+). This situation is worrying since LGBTQIA2S+ people are at greater risk of presenting problematic gambling. This study aims to describe the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the practice of gambling and problem gambling among LGBTQIA2S+ people, understand the experience and lived experience of LGBTQIA2S+ people with problem gambling, and identify interventions deemed effective by LGBTQIA2S+ people with respect to problem gambling during the pandemic. Ultimately, this study will make it possible, based on evidence and the experience of individuals, to formulate avenues of action to improve interventions as well as health care and social services intended for LGTBQIA2S+ people with problem gambling and to reduce the harmful consequences associated with gambling within the LGBTQIA2S+ population in the event of a pandemic and/or future health emergency.