One of the latest studies conducted by GambleAware highlights how stigma can be a barrier for women seeking help for a gambling addiction. The study completed by YouGov found 39% of women who did not want treatment for gambling related problems have explained they felt ‘embarrassed’ and did not wish for people to know they had a gambling problem.
Treatment Is Confidential
Confidential support and treatment with increased awareness is a key factor in female gamblers receiving help with any gambling related problem.The survey found 35% of the female BAME population had a PGSI score of 8+ compared with 12% of the overall female population. Similar results were found in the male BAME population, 29% had a PGSI score of 8+ compared to 12% of the overall male population.
‘Affected Others’
The study also found 8% of women had suffered harm from others gambling, and found 16% affected were from a BAME background. Women are far more likely to be affected by a family members gambling and constitute to 35% of ‘affected others’, the study of men found only 9% were directly affected by others gambling.Interestingly, men were far more affected by a friend or flat mate gambling than women. 88% of women were affected by a parent’s gambling compared to 75% of men and said parental gambling caused a moderate to severe impact on how they feel.GambleAware CEO Marc Etches said, “ This research indicates women, particularly in the capacity of an ‘affected other’, experience gambling harms in different ways to men and this report is an important first step in understanding those differences.“ This research was commissioned to help treatment providers, such as those operating via the National Gambling Treatment Service, address any barriers people may face when it comes to accessing help and support for their gambling and it’s essential that services are flexible and meet the needs of individuals.”If you or anyone you know are having problems with gambling click here: GambleAware