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First-of-its-kind research explores gambling and wellbeing issues in the RAF

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  • The RAF Benevolent Fund has launched the first, and largest, study of its kind to determine the frequency and severity of gambling problems in the serving RAF community
  • The report provides a detailed insight into gambling and associated wellbeing issues in the RAF, with recommendations on how serving personnel can be better supported
  • Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are committed to providing the serving RAF community with appropriate support and this research will be crucial in helping inform our emotional wellbeing services moving forwards”

A new piece of research[1], conducted by the RAF Benevolent Fund and Swansea University, has been published, exploring wellbeing issues among serving RAF personnel, with a key focus on problem gambling, alcohol use and mental health problems.

The survey of more than 2,000 serving members of the RAF found that 2% of serving personnel are affected by problem gambling. Despite affecting a minority of the serving RAF community, the survey indicates that RAF personnel are 300% more likely to experience gambling problems compared to the general population[2].

The report found that a further 13.7% of personnel indicate some degree of risk in relation to gambling (9.8% low risk, 3.9% moderate risk) and, with the recent Armed Forces Veterans’ Health and Gambling Study[3] highlighting that UK veterans are at significant risk of problem gambling, the question raises, what more can be done to support RAF personnel to prevent future gambling and wellbeing problems?

Professor Simon Dymond, Professor of Psychology and Behaviour Analysis at Swansea University, said: "This internationally significant, large-scale study shows, for the first time, that serving members of the RAF are vulnerable to gambling-related harm. It is important that we follow up this finding with targeted help and support, including the early identification of potential harms that arise from gambling among currently serving personnel from all services.”

The RAF Benevolent Fund provided key recommendations in the report, including: increasing awareness among serving personnel, increasing screening particularly among those with risk factors, training for health professionals and line managers; and providing education and low-intensity behaviour change strategies for those who are at risk of developing gambling problems.

The study showed that gambling problems are interlinked with broader wellbeing issues such as alcohol use and mental health, with individuals who consume alcohol at hazardous levels being twice as likely to be involved in at-risk gambling, while those with moderate to severe depression being five times more likely to report having a gambling problem[1].

Particular risk factors for problem gambling in the RAF included being male, aged 18-24 and of non-commissioned rank.

One respondent said: “Gambling was a release from the stress of work and normal life. I gained promotion at a young age – younger than most others in my trade – and this meant I put a lot of self-induced stress and pressure on myself. I hid my gambling issue from my colleagues and chain of command because I was ashamed and embarrassed – I didn’t want to admit what I was going through.”

Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, commented: “As the RAF’s leading welfare charity, it is our duty to support the RAF Family through the toughest of times. We are committed to providing the serving RAF community with appropriate support and this research will be crucial in helping inform our emotional wellbeing services moving forwards.”

The RAF Benevolent Fund provides a range of welfare services for the whole of the RAF Family – from serving personnel and veterans to their partners, widows and children – such as a listening and counselling service, free Headspace memberships, and gambling support through a partnership with GamCare. For more information, visit rafbf.org. 
 

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References:

  1. https://www.rafbf.org/gamblingreport
  2. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gambling-related-harms-evidence-review/gambling-related-harms-evidence-review-summary
  3. https://s31949.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/20210906-SwanseaUni-Gambling2-Report-v8-FINAL.pdf


Notes to Editor:
The Gambling and Wellbeing Report research was conducted from (19/01/2021) to (30/04/2021). Over 2,000 members of serving RAF personnel completed the survey, and a sample of 17 self-selected individuals participated in in-depth qualitative interviews.
 

For more information please contact:
Anna Ramsey, PR Manager, RAF Benevolent Fund
E: anna.ramsey@rafbf.org.uk | M: 07595 657979

Amelia Lupson, PR Executive, RAF Benevolent Fund
E: amelialupson@rafbf.org.uk | M: 07714014315
 

RAF Benevolent Fund: The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity. We exist to support current and former members of the RAF, their partners and dependants, whenever they need us. In 2020, we spent £26M supporting more than 63,700 members of the RAF Family. For more information visit:  www.rafbf.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RAFBF