News

New research has supported concerns raised by campaigners that the deregulation of gambling could see a rise in homelessness.

A study comparing homelessness rates in four UK cities with those in Boston, the US, and Melbourne finds evidence that the easing of gambling restrictions in parts of Australia is a growing factor in homelessness.

The research, by the University of Sheffield, finds that the reasons for homelessness are broadly similar except in Australia, where 38 per cent of those surveyed mentioned gambling as a factor compared to four per cent in the UK and US.

Electronic gaming machines were legalised in the Australian state of Victoria in 1992 leading to a proliferation in gambling.

- Research and prevention practices guide from www.sheffield.ac.uk