Study finds link with gambling

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