Recognition and stigma of gambling disorder in the general adult population in Singapore

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Author(s): Tan, Rich ; Tay, Eng Hong ; Shahwan, Shazana ; Tan, Yoke Boon ; Gunasekaran, Savita ; Tan, Bernard Chin Wee ; Ong, Wei Jie ; Abdin, Edimansyah ; Shafie, Saleha ; Thomas, Shane A. ; Chong, Siow Ann ; Subramaniam, Mythily

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2025

Date Added: February 20, 2026

This study explored the ability of the general population in Singapore to recognize gambling disorder (GD) and stigma associated with GD. Participants were 595 adults who were presented with a vignette that described a person experiencing problem gambling. Most participants correctly identified the condition as GD. They most often recommended informal, non‑medical, and community resources for help-seeking. Many believed that people with GD can fully recover with appropriate support, although there is a chance of relapse. Most participants believed that not seeking help would worsen the condition. Stigma towards GD was common and was higher among older adults, Malay and Indian participants, those who were married, and those who knew someone with similar problems. The findings can inform public health efforts to reduce stigma and improve support for people with GD.

Citation: Tan, R., Tay, E. H., Shahwan, S., Tan, Y. B., Gunasekaran, S., Tan, B. C. W., Ong, W. J., Abdin, E., Shafie, S., Thomas, S., Chong, S. A., & Subramaniam, M. (2025). Recognition and stigma of gambling disorder in Singapore. Journal of Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-025-10457-0

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-025-10457-0

Keywords: community attitudes ; gambling disorder ; help-seeking ; shame ; stigma

Topics: Stigmatization ; Venue and Community

Conceptual Framework Factors: Social - Stigmatization ; Environment - Socio-Political Environment ; Cultural - Socio-cultural Attitudes ; Resources - Service Access and Use ; Social Factors

Study Design: Observational: Cross-sectional

Geographic Coverage: Singapore

Study Population: Adults between 18 and 65 years old who were residents of Singapore (n = 595).

Sampling Procedure: Data were drawn from a broader vignette-based study that used a disproportionate stratified sampling approach, creating 12 strata based on combinations of age groups and ethnicities. Participants were recruited through random sampling from a national registry from September 2022 to February 2024. This study only included participants who were assigned to the vignette presenting a person with gambling disorder.

Study Funding:

This study was funded by the National Medical Research Council (NMRC) Health Services Research Grant and Tote Board Singapore under the Strategic Initiative for Mental Health.