Fear of stigma stops problem gamblers seeking help - ABC news item
The Australian National University's Centre for Gambling Research has found people with gambling problems try to hide their problem, even from themselves, to avoid feeling ashamed and stupid.
Researchers interviewed more than 100 health and welfare professionals, regular poker machine players and people who self-identified as having gambling problems.
Researcher Dr Annie Carroll says people reported feeling more embarrassed about their gambling problem than a substance addiction.