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Stigmatization occurs when someone is treated poorly because of a certain characteristic (e.g. being shamed for gambling), and is sometimes used to exclude or control people. There is some evidence to suggest that certain cultures stigmatize more than others, and that women experience stigmatization more than men. There is limited research however, about the impact stigmatization has on gambling participation and related outcomes.
The general public often views people with gambling problems as being compulsive, risk taking, greedy, irrational, or antisocial. They also typically view gambling problems as an addiction and not as a feature of a person’s character. If a person does have gambling problems and they feel stigma, they may not disclose their problem or seek treatment.
Download the two-page Social Factors summary (PDF)
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Download the Social Factors section from the Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling (PDF)
Download the complete Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling (PDF)
Search the Evidence Centre for Stigmatization