Stigmatisation and discrimination of people who experience gambling harms: quantitative analysis

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

Summary

Topics covered

Key findings

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

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

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

Summary

Topics covered

Key findings

Related content

Get free, confidential support in Great Britain whenever you need it.

However you’re feeling right now, we’re here to help.