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Stigmatisation and discrimination of people who experience gambling harms in Great Britain: Synthesis report

Author: Dr J. Lloyd, Dr K. Penfold, Dr L. L. Nicklin, (University of Wolverhampton); I. Martin, A. Martin, Dr S. Dinos (NatCen); Prof. D. Chadwick (Liverpool John Moores University) Published: June 2025
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Summary

People affected by gambling harms often face stigma and discrimination, which can increase their psychological distress and discourage them from seeking help. This research programme explored how stigma affects people experiencing gambling harms, identified groups most impacted, and developed recommendations to reduce stigma and its harmful effects.

Topics covered

  • Different types of stigma: perceived, experienced, self-stigma, and anticipated stigma

  • How stigma impacts mental health, relationships, and work opportunities

  • Common beliefs that contribute to stigma, such as blaming individuals for their gambling harms

  • Groups more vulnerable to stigma, including women, young adults, parents, minority ethnic groups, and those facing financial hardship

  • Sources of stigma in media, politics, social settings, and even among professionals

  • The complex relationship between stigma and help-seeking behaviour

  • Strategies to reduce stigma through education, supportive treatment environments, and involvement of people with lived experience

Key findings

  • Stigma is widespread and comes from many areas, often overlapping and worsening harm

  • Beliefs that gambling harms result from personal failings or that recovery is unlikely contribute to stigma

  • Certain groups are at higher risk of experiencing stigma and discrimination

  • Anticipated stigma often prevents people from seeking support, while actual experiences of stigma can cause withdrawal from services

  • Non-judgemental support spaces and targeted education campaigns can help reduce stigma

  • Involving people with lived experience is crucial to developing effective interventions

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