Mapping risk to gambling problems: a spatial analysis of two regions in England

In England gambling provision has a distinct spatial pattern, with gambling venues clustering in areas of greater deprivation. Previous attempts to identify areas with people vulnerable to gambling problems have relied on mapping places of greater socio-economic deprivation. Indices of deprivation only include a narrow range of characteristics and represent the resident population only. This study used a broader range of local data on vulnerable groups to consider both the profile of local residents and the location of various services for vulnerable people which draw at-risk groups into certain localities. Using raster overlay spatial analysis, risk indices have been produced for two areas in England, Manchester and Westminster (London) which model the risk of the local population to gambling problems. Data included in the geo-spatial models includes the numbers of young people, those from minority ethnic groups, the unemployed, residents with certain mental health diagnoses, the location of substance abuse/misuse treatment centres, food banks, homelessness shelters, educational establishments and payday loan shops. Data are synthesised to produce a single, weighted risk index. Results reveal a number of different areas with an elevated risk profile, with the drivers of risk varying for each area. Areas of greater risk do not necessarily mirror those of greatest deprivation. This is because some relatively affluent areas have a high number of services for vulnerable people, attracting risk populations to these locations. Focus on deprivation alone when mapping areas where people may be at greater risk of gambling problems misses important local patterns.