In the famous words of Jeanette Winterson, “Gambling is not a vice, it is an expression of our
humanness. We gamble. Some do it at the gaming table; some do not. You play, you win; you
play, you lose. You play”. According to a research by NOI Polls on betting and gambling in
Nigeria, 77% stated that gambling is prevalent in Nigeria. Residents from the South West zone,
92% had the highest prevalence, while the North West zone, 57% recorded the lowest
prevalence. Despite the popularity of this pastime activity, it’s crucial to acknowledge the
prevalence of gambling addiction and the stigma attached to it.
The stigma surrounding problem gambling presents a significant challenge in handling the issue
effectively. An article by Springer nature showed that only about 1 in 10 people with gambling
problems seeks treatment, and by that time, they have typically suffered from symptoms for 7 to
10 years. The broader mental health-related stigma literature shows that individuals with mental
health problems are less likely to obtain rental housing, be hired by employers, and receive
appropriate health services and insurance benefits. Gambling addiction is often viewed as a
character flaw rather than a behavioural health issue, leading to shame and social isolation for
those affected. Many individuals hesitate to seek help due to the fear of judgment, perpetuating
cycles of financial hardship, mental health struggles, and strained relationships. This reluctance
is fuelled by societal perceptions that often associate gambling addiction with personal
irresponsibility rather than a public health concern. In Nigeria, where gambling is highly
prevalent, cultural and societal norms amplify this stigma, labelling those battling addiction as
weak or undisciplined. These stereotypes not only discourage individuals from seeking
professional support but also lead to feelings of isolation and self-blame, further deepening the
challenges they face. Gamble Alert’s 2023 research revealed that 69% of punters felt guilty
about their own gambling. Without a supportive environment to address their struggles, many
affected individuals remain trapped in a cycle of silence and shame.
Studies have reported addictions to be more negatively perceived than other mental illnesses
(Corrigan et al., Citation2005; Link et al., Citation1989; Martin, Pescosolido, & Tuch,
Citation2000), with drug addiction generally more highly stigmatized than alcohol and gambling
addictions, which have been found to attract similar levels of stigma. Misconceptions about
gambling addiction not only deter individuals from accessing support but also limit public
discourse about its impact. In a country where 77% of residents acknowledge the prevalence of
gambling, as reported by NOI Polls, the focus often remains on its popularity rather than its
potential harm. Public discussions about the consequences of gambling addiction, such as its
links to mental health issues, financial ruin, and family breakdowns, are often overshadowed by
stigmatization. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), this lack of
awareness contributes to underreporting and inadequate resource allocation for treatment and
prevention. This oversight marginalizes those struggling with addiction and creates a gap in
societal understanding. Nigeria particularly lacks widespread addiction treatment centres, leaving
individuals to manage their challenges without proper guidance or resources. The limited
awareness extends to policymakers and healthcare providers, resulting in inadequate systems for
preferring solutions to gambling-related harm.
Efforts to combat the stigma surrounding problem gambling need to go beyond simply raising
awareness; they must also challenge entrenched beliefs and provide tangible solutions. Public
awareness campaigns should not only emphasize the negative consequences of gambling
addiction but also educate the public on its psychological and neurological aspects. Research
shows that gambling addiction shares similarities with other behavioural addictions, such as drug
or alcohol dependence, in that it often involves compulsive behaviour, reward pathways in the
brain, and a lack of control over impulses (Liu et al., 2022). Therefore, campaigns should focus
on educating the public about gambling addiction as a health condition, not as a sign of moral
failure or weakness. By incorporating these scientific insights, such campaigns can dismantle
stereotypes that perpetuate stigma and promote understanding.
In addition, organizations like Gamble Alert, through their advocacy, have demonstrated the
power of community-driven initiatives in addressing problem gambling. By offering resources
such as counselling services, educational content, and helplines, these organizations are vital in
creating a safety net for those in need. However, to truly support affected individuals, campaigns
should also involve real-life stories from people who have overcome gambling addiction. These
personal testimonies humanize the issue and foster empathy, allowing those struggling with
addiction to feel seen and supported rather than judged. According to a study by the Responsible
Gambling Council (2021), such initiatives have been shown to improve both the public’s and the
individuals’ willingness to seek help, creating a more open dialogue about the topic.
Policymakers have an equally important role to play in combating gambling-related stigma by
ensuring that adequate resources are available for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. In
Nigeria, the healthcare system still lacks dedicated services for gambling addiction, and there is a
need for legislative reforms that integrate gambling addiction treatment into the broader mental
health care structure. For instance, the Nigerian government could look to models in other
countries, such as the UK, where gambling addiction is treated as part of the National Health
Service’s (NHS) mental health services. This would ensure that those struggling with addiction
have access to professional help without the fear of discrimination. Additionally, local
governments can collaborate with healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations
(NGOs), and gambling operators to create awareness campaigns that provide practical tools like
self-exclusion programs and financial limit-setting resources, empowering individuals to take
control of their gambling behaviours.
Moreover, the involvement of gambling operators is crucial in developing a responsible
gambling framework. These operators can introduce preventive measures like promoting safe
gambling practices, offering resources for those at risk, and providing customers with tools to
monitor and limit their spending. Collaboration between the government, operators, and mental
health professionals can create a cohesive approach to tackling gambling addiction and its
associated stigma. Research conducted by the Gambling Commission (2020) highlights the
importance of responsible gambling features, such as self-exclusion programs, in reducing harm
and enabling individuals to manage their gambling behaviours effectively.
In conclusion, tackling the stigma of problem gambling requires a structural approach that
includes public education, support systems, and systemic changes within healthcare and
legislative frameworks. By shifting societal perceptions and making treatment accessible,
Nigeria can create a more supportive environment for individuals struggling with gambling
addiction. The collaboration of governmental bodies, healthcare professionals, NGOs like
Gamble Alert, and gambling operators is essential for fostering an inclusive and empathetic
approach, ultimately enabling those affected to seek help without fear of judgment or exclusion.