There has been an increased awareness of gambling problems and their devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities in recent years. However, despite the recognition of gambling harm, many people continue to struggle in silence due to an overlooked force: gambling stigma.
According to experts, gambling stigma is more than just social judgement, it is a cycle of guilt and exclusion that entraps individuals in destructive behaviour patterns and hinders recovery.
At GamLEARN, we gained firsthand insight into stories of how stigma operates at every stage of a person’s journey, from early struggles to recovery. In this article, we will explore the nature of gambling stigma and how to break the cycle and aid people reclaim their lives.
What is Gambling Stigma?
The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines “stigma” as negative feelings that people have about particular circumstances or characteristics that somebody may have. It may also refer to the negative beliefs, stereotypes, and discrimination that society attaches to a particular behaviour or condition, including gambling problems. The stigma forms an environment where people feel unable or unwilling to seek help.
When it comes to gambling, the stigma can manifest in various ways including the following:
- Public stigma – This manifestation occurs when societal attitudes portray that gamblers are irresponsible, greedy, or morally weak.
- Self-stigma – It occurs when an individual internalises these negative views, which will eventually lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and unworthiness.
- Structural stigma – Unfortunately, there are institutional policies or systems that disadvantage those with gambling problems. Some examples are inadequate funding for services and discriminatory employment practices.
The Gambling Stigma Cycle
The gambling stigma cycle is a self-reinforcing pattern that can be broken down into four stages:
1. Emergence of Problems
It starts when an individual begins gambling for recreation, stress relief, entertainment, or as a form of social activity. Eventually, this pastime escalates into harmful gambling practices, marked by a preoccupation with betting activities, financial losses, and lying.
2. Shame and Secrecy
The fear of being judged intensifies when gambling harm also amplifies. People feel immense shame and begin to hide their behaviour. They start to lie to loved ones, borrow money discreetly, or isolate themselves from family and friends.
3. Avoidance of Assistance
A person avoids seeking help due to the stigma. They fear being labelled names and worry about damaging their relationships, jobs, or social reputation.
4. Worsening of Issues
When someone’s gambling situation is faced without interventions, the situation deteriorates. It eventually affects their mental health, financial obligations mount, and relationships break down. These reinforce their sense of failure and shame, sending them deeper into the cycle.
The Human Cost of Gambling Stigma
Gambling stigma ripples outward, touching everyone close to the person impacted. This further prevents sincere conversations and open support within families. The following are some of the consequences of gambling stigma:
Mental Health Effects
The emotional toll of gambling stigma is profound. Studies have shown that individuals affected by gambling harm are more likely to experience:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal ideation
- Substance misuse
Shame and stigma are powerful drivers of poor mental health, often aggravating the original problem.
Social Isolation
People affected by gambling stigma often cut themselves off from others to avoid judgement. Oftentimes, they choose to cease attending social events, cut ties with family, or lie to friends. This seclusion can intensify feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.
Barriers to Treatment
Even when support is available, stigma creates psychological and practical barriers including:
- Fear of being seen at a gambling clinic
- A belief that they do not “deserve” help
- Reluctance to talk openly in group settings
As a result, many people only access support during a crisis—when the damage is already severe.
Suggested Read: Community-Based Gambling Help: Bridging Recovery Through Local Linkages
How Gambling Stigma is Perpetuated
Stigma does not just sprout like a mushroom, it is usually built, reinforced, and spread by societal factors. From news to casual conversations, the message we hear about gamblers and their families can have a lasting impact.
Here are some main drivers of gambling stigma in our everyday lives:
- Media representations – The media often portrays people with gambling problems as reckless, deceitful, or solely to blame for their situation. This one-dimensional view fuels public stigma and discourages empathy.
- Cultural beliefs – In many communities, gambling is seen as a moral failing or frailty of character. In some religious and cultural groups, it may be particularly taboo, leading individuals to feel doubly alienated. This cultural framing makes it tough for people to acknowledge they have a problem or seek culturally sensitive help.
- Policy and language – Even in official channels, gambling harm is often referred to using stigmatising language. Choices in language may be minor, but they carry weight. They reinforce the idea that the individual is the problem, rather than the behaviour or systems around them.
Break the Cycle: Here’s How
Breaking the gambling-stigma cycle requires a collective effort—by individuals, communities, service providers, and governments. Here are some key actions to help them:
Promote Lived Experience
When people with lived experience share their stories publicly, it can challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and inspire hope. Platforms like GamLEARN provide a space for these stories to be told safely and meaningfully.
Provide More Training to Frontline Individuals
GPs, therapists, financial advisors, and social workers are often the first point of contact. Providing them with training on gambling harm, sensitivity and understanding, and stigma can ensure more sensitive and effective responses.
Improve Accessibility of Services
Services should be easy to access, confidential, and culturally inclusive. Offering online options, flexible hours, and multilingual support can help reach those who might otherwise avoid help.
Engage Communities and Intensify Information Drive
Community groups, faith organisations, and schools can all play a role in raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and offering support. Tackling the gambling stigma must be grassroots as well as a top-down effort.
Use More Considerate Language
Small shifts in language can make a huge difference. Using phrases like “person experiencing gambling harm” rather than “problem gambler” humanises the individual and separates their identity from the behaviour.
Suggested read: Gambling-Related Harm: Supporting Families and Loved Ones in Crisis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gambling stigma?
Gambling stigma refers to the negative perceptions, stereotypes, and discrimination faced by individuals affected by gambling harm. It includes public stigma (societal judgement), self-stigma (internalised shame), and structural stigma (systemic barriers to support).
How does gambling stigma prevent recovery?
Gambling stigma fuels feelings of guilt, isolation, and low self-worth. Many people avoid talking about their experiences or accessing support services for fear of judgement or shame. This silence allows gambling harm to worsen over time, making recovery more difficult and damaging mental health.
Who is affected by gambling stigma?
Anyone impacted by gambling harm can experience stigma—not just the individual who gambles. Family members, partners, and even children may face judgement or blame. This broader social impact is often overlooked but just as important in the recovery process.
How can I support someone experiencing gambling harm without adding to the stigma?
Offer a non-judgemental space to talk. Avoid blaming language and instead focus on listening, encouraging professional support, and reminding them they are not alone. Educate yourself about gambling harm and be patient: recovery is a journey, not a quick fix.
How can I help break the gambling stigma cycle?
Start by challenging your own assumptions. Use person-first, non-judgemental language. Support public education efforts. Share or amplify lived experience stories. Most importantly, encourage open, compassionate conversations around gambling harm—without blame or shame.
Conclusion
Gambling stigma is not just a personal problem, it is a public issue. As it silences those who are in need and obstructs recovery, we must do our part to break it. By recognising the roots of stigma and actively working to dismantle it, we can help many people reclaim their lives, as well as reconnect many families.
At GamLEARN, we believe that every person affected by gambling harm deserves compassion, not judgement. As one, we can create a future where recovery is not hindered by stigma but is strengthened by community.
Should you know someone struggling with gambling harm, we are here to help. You can be a member by signing up on this page. We have services that offer voices and views of lived experience, putting our members first whilst ensuring their well-being and safety at all times. If you need immediate help, please contact the National Gambling Helpline via their website or by calling 0808 8020 133.
