This Is Why Gambling addiction: The struggle for support
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Dec 10, 2025 Kiki Marriott, a former gambling addict and peer mentor, shares her harrowing journey from addiction to recovery. She reveals how she began gambling as a teen and how it spiraled into a life-threatening problem, exacerbated by stigma and shame in her community. Emma Birchley dives into research showing why ethnic minorities face greater harm from gambling yet seek help less often. Together, they explore cultural barriers to treatment and the importance of reaching out for support, alongside Kiki's inspiring transformation and commitment to helping others heal.
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Suicidal Moment Before Recovery
- Kiki describes sitting at a train station at 5am contemplating suicide during the depths of addiction.
- She later accessed help and now works to support others in recovery.
Disproportionate Harm And Concealment
- Research shows ethnic minority people gamble less but suffer more harm and hide it more often.
- Gamcare/YouGov found they are twice as likely to conceal gambling and nearly three times likelier to feel guilt.
Shame And Mistrust Block Help-Seeking
- Barriers include shame, stigma and cultural pressures to keep problems private inside the home.
- Academic research also highlights mistrust of statutory services as a separate barrier to seeking help.