The stigma of problem gambling: Causes, characteristics and consequences

The aims of this study were to determine the nature, relative intensity and process of stigma creation for problem gambling in the Victorian adult community, and to analyse how this stigma is perceived and experienced by different groups in Victoria, how it may impede treatment and interventions amongst first-time and relapsed help-seekers, and how it influences recovery from problem gambling. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to: 1. Determine the nature of problem gambling, as perceived by the Victorian adult community. 2. Analyse the process of stigma creation for problem gambling in the Victorian adult community. 3. Determine the relative intensity of any stigma the Victorian adult community associates with problem gambling. 4. Determine how stigma associated with problem gambling is perceived and experienced by different groups in Victoria. 5. Determine how significant stigma is as an impediment to treatment or interventions for problem gambling and how recovery from problem gambling is impacted by stigma. 6. Analyse how stigma impacts people with gambling problems seeking treatment for the first time, compared to those seeking treatment after a relapse.