A recent survey by Ipsos explored the barriers preventing individuals from talking about their gambling problems, focusing on the role of stigma and the experiences of those who have chosen to open up about their struggles.
The findings highlight the need for more proactive efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding gambling-related harms and encourage open discussions among those affected. The research also shows strong public support for stricter regulations on gambling advertising and concerns about its influence on gambling behaviors.
Key findings:
- The silence surrounding gambling problems:
- Nearly two-thirds (64%) of individuals who have experienced gambling problems have not spoken to anyone about it.
- Stigma and discrimination are significant barriers, with 39% of those affected citing these reasons for staying silent. The most common concerns were feelings of shame or guilt (17%) and fear of being judged by others (13%).
- Additionally, 24% believed they could handle the problem on their own. Stigma-related barriers were even more pronounced among those with severe gambling issues (PGSI 8+), with 71% reporting that guilt, shame, and the desire to keep their gambling secret were key obstacles.
- Delay in seeking help:
- Among those who did open up about their gambling problems, 67% did so within a year, while 28% waited more than a year to talk to someone.
- The majority of those who eventually sought help reported positive outcomes, with 76% feeling better and 63% wishing they had spoken to someone sooner.
- Impact and motivations for opening up:
- Of those who opened up, 61% felt that their gambling problems were significantly impacting their lives.
- The primary motivations for seeking help were the negative effects of gambling on mental health (23%), finances (22%), and the desire to reduce or stop gambling (21%).
- Family as a key support system:
- Family members were the first point of contact for a third (34%) of those who sought help for gambling problems.
- Public perception of gambling addictiveness:
- The general public largely views most forms of gambling as addictive, with instant win games (71%) and scratch cards (64%) being seen as particularly addictive. These perceptions are consistent among those who have gambled in the past year.
Additional insights from the second phase of research:
- Sporting events and gambling behavior:
- Major sporting events trigger increased gambling activity, with 24% of recent gamblers reporting that they were prompted to gamble by such events. This tendency is more pronounced among those already experiencing gambling problems.
- Public support for stricter advertising regulations:
- Two-thirds (67%) of the public believe there is too much gambling advertising, and a majority support more stringent regulations on gambling ads, particularly on social media (74%) and TV (72%). Concerns are also widespread regarding the presence of gambling logos on children’s football merchandise (61%) and the overall impact of gambling advertising on children (66%).
- Advertising’s influence on problem gamblers:
- Gambling advertisements are a significant trigger for those with higher levels of gambling problems. Around 24% of recent gamblers reported taking action after seeing a gambling ad, a figure that jumps to 79% among those with severe gambling issues (PGSI 8+). These individuals are 40 times more likely to spend more time or money on gambling as a result of advertising, and about half (54%) agree that such ads make it harder to reduce their gambling or watch sports without betting (51%).
Technical details:
Ipsos conducted this survey among 4,207 adults aged 18-75 across Great Britain through the Ipsos iSay online panel. The fieldwork took place from October 13th to 18th, 2023. The data was weighted to reflect the known adult population of Great Britain by age, gender, and work status. The initial findings were released in November 2023, with additional data made public in June 2024.
