GambleAware, a leading UK charity aiming to help and prevent gambling harms has unveiled a new nationwide public health campaign in the UK, with a goal to reduce the stigma surrounding gambling-related harm
How Society Views Gambling Problems
The campaign, developed in collaboration with individuals with first-hand knowledge of the detrimental effects of gambling, aims to shift society’s views and comprehension of gambling-associated harms while eliminating any associated disgrace. Numerous organisations, including the Citizens Advice Bureau, along with well-known personalities like television doctor Ellie Cannon and presenter Tyler West, whose sibling suffered due to gambling, support this initiative. 
Zoë Osmond, GambleAware’s CEO, remarked, “Gambling harms are concealed and intricate. For many who experience such harm, feelings of shame and humiliation often make it difficult to discuss the issue with their close ones.” “Gambling-related harm can impact anyone, which is why it’s crucial that we tackle the stigma attached to it and urge people to come forward and discuss it. We must put an end to the stigma and initiate conversations about gambling.” The study focused on the Gambling Support Service (GSS), a joint initiative between GambleAware and Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) that provides training to frontline workers to enable them to identify people experiencing gambling-related problems. The first couple of years of the project revealed the public as a whole did not fully understand the detrimental effects of gambling-related harm, moreover, stigma aimed at those experiencing gambling harm prevented them from seeking advice.
Further Research Commissioned
The latest data highlighted the role stigma plays, which prompted GambleAware to commission further research into public attitudes toward gambling harms. The results revealed 62% who took part agreed, people suffering the negative effects of gambling were stigmatised, while 56% believe it’s crucial the stigma surrounding gambling harm is tackled. To encourage a more open conversation around gambling harms, GambleAware teamed up with TV and radio presenter Tyler West, whose brother struggled with gambling issues for years, adversely affecting his relationships with family and friends. West met with others who had been impacted by gambling-related harms to learn more about the negative impact stigma had on them and how they eventually began to speak openly about their experiences. The film features Stacey Goodwin and Martin Paterson, who shared their personal stories, along with stigma expert Dr Joanne Lloyd, an Associate Professor at the University of Wolverhampton. Dealing with the stigma associated with gambling-related harm necessitates a comprehensive, collaborative approach involving various stakeholders. As part of the campaign, GambleAware is assembling a coalition of reputable organisations from the private, public, and non-profit sectors, all committed to the prevention of gambling-related harm.