Gambling and Migration – The Role of Culture and Family

TL;DR

This study explores how cultural and family factors influence problem gambling among migrants in Sweden, finding that acculturation and cultural values about money play a role.

Contribution

The study introduces new insights into how cultural background and family dynamics affect problem gambling among migrants.

Findings

Acculturation and cultural values about money and wealth are linked to the development of problem gambling.

Problem gambling is more stigmatized in participants' countries of origin.

Family plays a more significant role in the rehabilitation of problem gambling among migrants.

Abstract

Problem gambling (PG) is a public health concern with severe repercussions for the individual, concerned significant others and the society. Foreign borns generally gamble less but are overrepresented among those with PG. Previous research has suggested that other factors, such as socio-economic status, might explain this, but also that cultural factors might play a role in the relationship to gambling and the development of PG. This qualitative study using content analysis investigates the experiences of and opinions about gambling and PG among 12 males living in Sweden with a migrant background in Afghanistan, the Middle East and North Africa. The results were show that the acculturation process could be a factor in developing PG, as well as a cultural values regarding money and wealth. PG was seen as more stigmatized in the origin country, and the family played a more important role in the rehabilitation of PG compared to the general population. The results of this study could be used to inform preventive and clinical programs to better reach people with a migrant background.