GambleAware: Gambling harm stigma prevents consumers from seeking support
Conducted by YouGov on behalf of GambleAware, core findings of the report were revealed yesterday (16 Apil) by the charity. The online study sought opinion on the gambling market in Great Britain.
GambleAware noted the findings were based on a sample size of 3,058 adults over the age of 18 and 750 people who gamble with a Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) score of 1+. PGSI is a set of nine questions about gambling behaviour, used to estimate the extent and scale of gambling problems.
People hiding issues with gambling
With stigma still an issue for those suffering with gambling harm, researchers sought to find out the consequences of this. The primary concern, the report said, was that this stigma is holding people back from accessing support.
Some 28% of those with problems with gambling hide their activities from their family and friends. In addition, 24% experiencing the most serious harm do not seek support due to feelings of shame or embarrassment.
There was also evidence of uncertainty as to how to support someone who is dealing with harms. Almost half of respondents (47%) say they lack the confidence to support someone experiencing gambling harm.
With this, GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond urged people to be more open and seek help. She called for a “national conversation” about gambling harm. This is also supported by several GambleAware partner organisations including the Football Supporters’ Association and the National Gambling Support Network.
“Only by encouraging an open dialogue can we empower people to seek the support they need without judgment,” Osmond said.
Advertising remains a concern for GambleAware
The research also picked up on public concern over the amount of gambling advertising in Britain. Some 62% of respondents say gambling adverts are “everywhere”, while 39% say they see ads at least twice a day.
Respondents also raised concerns about the long-term impact of these adverts. Almost one third (31%) recall seeing their first gambling advert before the age of 17. In addition, 65% of adults agree that such advertising increases the likelihood of individuals experiencing harm.
GambleAware has previously called for stricter restrictions on gambling advertising to be implemented to protect the public. The new research suggests heavy support among the public, with 78% in favour of such measures.
“Our daily lives are inundated with gambling advertising and marketing,” Osmond said. “It is normalising what is a risky activity which can have a huge negative effect on people’s lives, even children.”
As part of the campaign, GambleAware is supporting a new installation at Westfield London in White City. Each of the 85,000 poker chips that feature in the piece represents one child, aged 11 to 17, experiencing harm from their own gambling in 2024. According to the charity, this number has doubled since 2023.
“This installation representing the 85,000 children affected aims to shine a light on this pressing issue and encourage meaningful dialogue,” Osmond added.