By Prof Zsolt Demetrovics PhD, Flinders University, Dr Andrea Czakó PhD, Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar and Yanisha Soborun, Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar
This blog describes a research project made possible by a Strategic Award from the Hub’s Research Innovation Fund, which funds innovative and interdisciplinary research to understand and tackle gambling harms.
This project investigated the stigma surrounding gambling, examining the cultural, societal, and psychological factors that contribute to it. Research on the social perception of gambling and gambling disorder, gambling-related stigma, and internalised negative beliefs related to gambling such as shame, anxiety, and guilt is very limited both in the UK and globally. Although previous studies have demonstrated that stigma negatively affects mental health and treatment-seeking in cases of substance abuse and other mental health disorders, few studies have explored gambling-related stigma and its consequences. Our project aimed to address this research gap and explore the public perceptions of gambling and how stigma contributes to gambling-related symptoms and harm in the UK and other cultural contexts.
What we did: We investigated this subject both at a general population level as well as among people who engage in gambling activities, through two online surveys. Study 1 was a general population survey conducted in the UK (n=1,419 respondents) as well as in seven other countries (Kenya, n=2,838; Poland, n=905; Spain, n=755; Canada, n=733; Hungary, n=703; Australia, n=702; Italy, n=443). Study 2 was based on a UK sample of individuals who engaged in gambling in the last 12 months (n=1,174).
What we learned: Our two studies show that there exists significant stigmatisation, as well as self-stigmatisation related to gambling and gambling disorder.
Among the UK general population in Study 1, survey respondents perceived both individuals who gamble and those suffering from gambling disorder as having negative traits, including unreliability and a lack of discipline. A significant proportion of people were less willing to be friends with a person who regularly engages in gambling (21.5%) or suffers from gambling disorder (47.5%). Both intrinsic (e.g., personality traits, lack of willpower) and extrinsic factors (e.g., addictive nature of gambling games) were seen responsible for the development of gambling problems, but less importance was ascribed to genetic factors. While more than 90% of people recognised depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia as mental illnesses, only a smaller proportion (57.1%) identified gambling disorder as a mental illness. Additional cross-national analysis in seven countries showed that there is significant gambling-related stigmatisation as well as self-stigmatisation present cross-culturally, although the occurrence of gambling behaviour and problem gambling as well as perceived factors behind the development of gambling disorder seem to vary significantly.
In Study 2, 15.5% of people who gambled in the past year reported that they have experienced discrimination related to their gambling, often from family members or friends. The experiences of discrimination were associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression and stress, and higher levels of insomnia. Those who experienced discrimination had slightly higher levels of alcohol consumption than those who did not; however, no significant correlation was found. Feelings of guilt, shame, regret and a need to hide gambling behaviour from others were also frequently reported. As stigmatisation of gambling and gambling disorder can act as a barrier to seeking treatment, it may contribute to the worsening of symptoms and negatively impact treatment outcomes. Therefore, our results have important implications for research, diagnosis, therapy as well as prevention of gambling related harms.
Next steps: Following the closure of the current research project, we plan to build on our findings by planning further studies such as collecting qualitative data through interviews. This approach will deepen our understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by the people who gamble, their significant others, treatment providers, and employees from social services, healthcare, and NGOs. Additionally, we will promote the initiation of new research projects utilising our questionnaire, including potential longitudinal studies that could track changes over time and provide further insights into gambling behaviours and their impacts.
Furthermore, we have already begun expanding the present research to additional countries in order to broaden the scope of the study. The questionnaire has recently been translated to Russian, enabling us to gather more diverse data. Moving forward, we plan to continue this effort by incorporating even more countries, which will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic across different cultural contexts.
About the project team: The project was led by Prof Zsolt Demetrovics PhD, Flinders University (previously Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar), with Dr Andrea Czakó PhD, Yanisha Soborun (PhD Candidate), with co-investigators Ronald Kipkirui Ngetich (PhD Candidate), Pedro Romero (PhD Candidate) from the Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming, University of Gibraltar; Magda Losaberidze (PhD Candidate), ELTE Eotvos Lorand University; Prof. Ornella Corazza, PhD, University of Trento/University of Hertfordshire; Prof Mark Griffiths, PhD, Nottingham Trent University; Dr. Karol Lewczuk, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University; and Dr. Rosalind Baker-Frampton, Gordon Moody.