Exploring gambling and its role within prison culture: “You can be flying high, then fighting”

 by Penal Reform Solutions   

This research was commissioned by the Commission on Crime and Gambling Related Harms in response to a lack of existing literature about the role and impact of gambling within prison, particularly in England and Wales. The research aims were: • To understand how gambling is conceptualised in prison by residents and staff. • To understand how gambling is experienced within the cultural context of a prison by residents and staff. • To understand the role of gambling in prison, both positive and negative. • To understand the impact of gambling in prison on residents, staff and affected others and the support needed to address associated harm. • To assess how aware staff and residents are of the role gambling plays within prison culture and its impact on the rehabilitative environment. This research examined how gambling was understood and experienced in prison through the lens of culture, and the impact gambling has on people, both inside and outside of prison. A range of qualitative methods were adopted to promote engagement. The findings of this research highlighted that gambling played a significant role within prison culture. The role of gambling generated a sense of meaning and stimulation, acting as a form of escapism from boredom and was perceived as a tool to aid survival. The impact and experience of gambling were dependent on the subculture the person belonged to and where they were positioned within the hierarchy of the prison. This report outlines key recommendations that aim to address the harms associated with gambling within prison. While the findings and recommendations based on this study may not be uniformly applicable to the whole male prison estate in England and Wales, it is hoped that this research will assist prisons in creating meaningful strategies, to address the issues relating to gambling in prison.   

London: Howard League for Penal Reform, 2023. 64p.