A comprehensive study in Norway has found that individuals receiving disability benefits face significantly higher odds of developing a gambling disorder. The research, which examined national registry data across an 11-year period, highlights the potential vulnerability of those on disability support and calls for increased attention to this group from public health officials and social services. The findings were published in the Journal of Gambling Studies.
The study, conducted using data from over 65,000 individuals, compared people diagnosed with gambling disorder to two large control groups drawn from the general population and from individuals with other physical or mental illnesses. The findings revealed that recipients of disability benefit were more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with gambling disorder than those in the general population. Even when compared to those already managing other psychiatric or somatic conditions, the risk remained significantly elevated.
Researchers determined that nearly one in five people diagnosed with gambling disorder had previously received disability benefit. For women, the association was especially pronounced. Women receiving disability support were nearly four times more likely to later be diagnosed with gambling disorder compared to women who were not on such benefits. This gender difference suggests unique vulnerabilities that may stem from both the nature of the disabilities and the psychological impacts of long-term benefit reliance.
Although the study did not establish a causal relationship, several potential explanations were explored. One possibility is that the conditions prompting disability benefit, such as mental illness or chronic pain, may also increase the likelihood of problematic gambling behaviours. These conditions often impair judgement and emotional regulation, both of which are known risk factors for gambling disorder.
Another explanation may lie in the lifestyle that often accompanies long-term disability. With increased free time and limited financial flexibility, some may turn to gambling as a form of escape or even as a perceived means to improve their financial situation. Online gambling, in particular, has become more accessible, potentially making it a more appealing activity for individuals with restricted mobility or limited social outlets.
The data used in the study were drawn from the Norwegian Patient Registry and the country’s social welfare database, providing a rare, population-level insight into the link between disability and gambling harms. The use of longitudinal registry data allowed researchers to track the timing of disability benefit receipt and subsequent gambling disorder diagnoses, strengthening the evidence for a prospective relationship.
While the study was based on data from Norway, the findings have implications for other countries, including the UK, where benefit systems such as Employment and Support Allowance and Personal Independence Payment support millions. The researchers suggest that recipients of disability benefits should be considered a high-risk group for gambling harm and could benefit from targeted screening and intervention.
