Gambling participation and problems among older adults

Few studies have evaluated rates of gambling participation and problems in older adults. This study recruited 492 adults aged 65 years and older from bingo sites (n = 132) and senior centers (n = 360). Compared to those recruited from senior centers, participants recruited at bingo events had higher South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) scores and greater gambling frequency and expenditures. Lifetime rates of combined problem and pathological gambling were 12.9% in the bingo sample and 9.7% in the senior center sample (10.6% overall). Compared to non-problem gamblers, problem and pathological gamblers were more likely to be younger (73 versus 76 years) and male (52% versus 27%). Overall, 39.1% reported gambling at least twice per month over the past year, and 33.7% wagered dollars 50 or more over the prior 2 months. This study suggests that subsets of active older adults have high rates of gambling participation and problems.     

A Preliminary Investigation into Motivational Factors Associated with Older Adults’ Problem Gambling

Little is known about the relative importance of older problem gamblers’ motives for gambling. A questionnaire consisting of demographic items, questions about gambling behavior, the past year Revised South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS-R), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Gambling Motivation Scale (GMS), was completed by a convenience sample of 104 older adults (65+ years) who gambled for money. Frequency of gambling, number of activities, largest amount spent in a single session and parents’ gambling were significantly associated with problem gambling, but not psychological distress. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that beyond these situational variables, motivation explained approximately 12% of the variance in SOGS-R scores. Unique motivational predictors of problem gambling were stimulation and amotivation (meaninglessness). The results were discussed in terms of activity theory and findings from comparable studies with older and younger gamblers. Health professionals and researchers need to consider risk factors for problem gambling among older adults’ choices of social activities.     

Epidemiology of problem gambling in Prince Edward Island: a Canadian microcosm?

OBJECTIVES: To gather information that describes the extent of gambling and problem gambling in Prince Edward Island (PEI), to rigorously analyze the relation between gambling activities and problem gambling, to document cognitive and emotional correlates of problem gambling, and to identify an at-risk gambling group. METHOD: We selected a random, stratified sample (n = 809) to represent the adult population of PEI. We administered both the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) and an early version of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) to participants who had gambled. RESULTS: The current rate of problem gambling was 3.1%. Problem gamblers were likely to be under age 30 years, to be single, and to report cognitive, emotional, and substance abuse correlates. Multiple-regression analysis identified a unique and substantial relation between problem gambling and video lottery terminal (VLT) use. We identified a group of at-risk gamblers (scoring 1 or 2 on the SOGS), comprising 14% of the sample. CONCLUSIONS: Gambling and problem gambling patterns in PEI resemble those in most other provinces. The relation found between problem gambling, VLT use, and cognitive, emotional, and substance use correlates should apply to the greater population as well.     

Internet Gambling, Health, Smoking and Alcohol Use: Findings from the 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey

This study provides analysis of a representative national sample of Internet gamblers. Using participant data from the 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey (n = 9003 adults aged 16 years and over), all participants who had gambled online, bet online, and/or who had used a betting exchange in the last 12 months (6% of the total sample) were compared with all other gamblers who had not gambled via the Internet (62% of the sample). Results showed that Internet gambling and non-Internet gambling had a significant association with smoking (nicotine) and drinking (alcohol). Self-reported general health status was not significantly associated with Internet gambling but was significantly associated with offline gambling. Analysis of DSM-IV scores showed that problem gambling prevalence rate was significantly higher among Internet gamblers than non-Internet gamblers (5% versus 0.5%) and that Internet gamblers were significantly more likely to endorse individual DSM-IV items compared to non-Internet gamblers.     

Gambling behavior of Louisiana students in grades 6 through 12

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of problem and gambling behavior, the average age of onset of gambling behavior, and the co-occurrence of gambling disorder with substance use were determined in the Louisiana student population grades 6 through 12. METHODS: A stratified randomized sample of 12,066 students in Louisiana schools during the 1996-1997 school year was surveyed about gambling behavior using the South Oaks Gambling Screen--Revised for Adolescents (SOGS-RA). RESULTS: Fourteen percent of the students never gambled, 70.1 percent gambled without problems, 10.1 percent indicated problem gambling in the past year (level 2 according to the SOGS-RA), and 5.8 percent indicated pathological gambling behavior in the past year (level 3). Weekly or more frequent lottery play was reported by 16.5 percent. The average age of onset of gambling behavior was 11.2 years. Fifty-nine percent of the students with problem and pathological gambling behavior reported frequent alcohol and illicit drug use. CONCLUSIONS: A significant minority of Louisiana students in grades 6 through 12-15.9 percent--acknowledged gambling-related symptoms and life problems. The association of problem and pathological gambling with use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana provides preliminary support for the inclusion of gambling among other adolescent risk behaviors.     

Problem and pathological gambling among college athletes.

BACKGROUND: Problematic gambling is common in college students, and in particular, athletes. METHODS: The frequency of problem and pathological gambling was determined among 636 college athletes at three Midwest universities using the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). The Gambling Attitude Scale (GAS) was used to assess college athletes' attitudes toward gambling in general and toward four modes of gambling (casinos, betting on horse races, lottery and the Internet). A profile of college athletes' gambling attitudes and behavior was developed through the data obtained from each of these instruments. RESULTS: Nearly 15% of respondents had a SOGS score >or=3, indicating problem or pathological gambling. Those at risk for a gambling problem gambled frequently, had family and/or friends with perceived gambling problems, were nonwhite, older, started gambling at a younger age, preferred games of skill, and held positive attitudes toward gambling in general and Internet gambling, in particular. CONCLUSIONS: Gambling problems are widespread among college athletes who constitute a vulnerable group. Specific interventions are needed to target this group.     

Internet Gambling and Problem Gambling Among 13 to 18 Year Old Adolescents in Iceland

This study reports findings on Internet gambling and problem gambling among Icelandic youth. Participants were 1.537 13–18 year-old students, 786 boys and 747 girls. Results revealed that 56.6% had gambled at least once in the past 12 months and 24.3% on the Internet. Gender and developmental differences were found for Internet gambling, as boys and older age-groups were more likely to gamble on the Internet than girls or younger age groups. Problem gambling for the total sample was 2.2%, but Internet gamblers were more likely to be classified as problem gamblers (7.7%) than non-Internet gamblers (1.1%). A comparison of the findings of this study to earlier studies on adolescents conducted in 2003 and 2004 reveals that Icelandic adolescents are gambling less in land-based types of gambling and more on the Internet. In general, the results of this study thus suggest that the gambling habits of Icelandic youth are changing.     

Gambling and problematic gambling with money among Norwegian youth (12-18 years)

An epidemiological study was performed on a representative sample of the Norwegian youth population (12-18 years; n =3237; response rate 45.2%). The proportion that never gambled was 17.6% and a majority (57.5%) gambled seldom, whereas 24.9% gambled weekly (36.2% of the males and 13.1% of the females). In relation to problematic gambling, the results showed that 1.76% had pathological gambling (2.79% in men and 0.69% in females) and 3.46% "at-risk" gambling. Problematic gambling (pathological gambling plus "at-risk" gambling) was 5.22% (7.82% of the males and 2.52% of the females). The group gambling frequently (at least weekly) was used to calculate pathological gambling and "at-risk" gambling. This resulted in high values, with 7.08% with pathological gambling (7.69% of males and 5.31% of females) and an additional 13.91% with "at-risk" gambling. The DSM-IV, with only 10 questions, gives a conservative estimate of pathological gambling. Slot machines proved the most popular game with 81.8%, followed by football tip (70.8%), Lotto (68.7%) and lotteries (39.4%). When it comes to problematic and pathological gambling, Lotto ranked high compared to other plays that were used more frequently.     

Gambling and problematic gambling with money among Norwegian youth (12-18 years)

An epidemiological study was performed on a representative sample of the Norwegian youth population (12-18 years; n=3237; response rate 45.2%). The proportion that never gambled was 17.6% and a majority (57.5%) gambled seldom, whereas 24.9% gambled weekly (36.2% of the males and 13.1% of the females). In relation to problematic gambling, the results showed that 1.76% had pathological gambling (2.79% in men and 0.69% in females) and 3.46% "at-risk" gambling. Problematic gambling (pathological gambling plus "at-risk" gambling) was 5.22% (7.82% of the males and 2.52% of the females). The group gambling frequently (at least weekly) was used to calculate pathological gambling and "at-risk" gambling. This resulted in high values, with 7.08% with pathological gambling (7.69% of males and 5.31% of females) and an additional 13.91% with "at-risk" gambling. The DSM-IV, with only 10 questions, gives a conservative estimate of pathological gambling. Slot machines proved the most popular game with 81.8%, followed by football tip (70.8%), Lotto (68.7%) and lotteries (39.4%). When it comes to problematic and pathological gambling, Lotto ranked high compared to other plays that were used more frequently.     

Social Facilitation in Online and Offline Gambling: A Pilot Study

To date, there has been relatively little research on Internet gambling. Furthermore, there have been few studies comparing the behaviour of Internet gamblers versus non-Internet gamblers. Using the game of roulette, this study experimentally examined (a) the differences in gambling behaviour between online and offline gamblers, and (b) the role social facilitation in gambling behaviour between online and offline gamblers. A total of 38 participants played online and offline roulette either alone or alongside another gambling participant, and the players’ chip placement and amount bet was recorded. The study found that those who gambled in online roulette placed more chips per bet and made riskier bets than those who gambled on roulette offline. The study also found that those who gambled alongside another gambler placed more chips and made riskier bets than those who gambled alone. Those who gambled online and in the presence of others, placed the highest number of chips per bet and made the riskiest bets.     

Impact of ADHD symptoms on clinical and cognitive aspects of problem gambling

BackgroundProblem gambling is common across cultures, and has been conceptualized in terms of impulsivity. While elevated rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been observed in problem gamblers, the relationship between these two conditions, and other dissociable forms of impulsivity, has received little research attention.MethodsN = 126 non-treatment seeking young adults with problem gambling were recruited from the community, and were grouped according to the presence or absence of probable current ADHD. Clinical and cognitive measures pertaining to impulsivity were collected via detailed psychiatric assessment, questionnaires, and computerized neuropsychological tests. These variables were compared between groups.ResultsProbable current ADHD was identified in 21.4% of the sample, and was associated with earlier age at onset of gambling behaviors, higher Barratt impulsivity scores (all three subscales), greater caffeine intake, worse response inhibition (Stop-Signal Test), and impaired decision-making (greater proportion of points gambled, Cambridge Gamble Test). Problem gamblers with and without ADHD did not differ on demographic characteristics or the rate of other psychiatric disorders, depression scores, nicotine and alcohol consumption, and body mass index. No significant group differences were found for general response speed, working memory, or executive planning.ConclusionsADHD is common in young adults with dysfunctional gambling behaviors and is associated with elevated questionnaire and cognitive based measures of impulsivity, along with heightened caffeine use. Future work should study the causal nature between these factors and the treatment implications of these findings.     

The gambling behavior of American Indian and non-Indian participants: effects of the actions and ethnicity of a confederate

The present experiment investigated whether the gambling of American Indian (AI) and non-AI participants would be sensitive to the actions and/or ethnicity of another gambler (i.e., a confederate) when playing a slot-machine simulation. Eight male AIs and eight male non-AIs participated in five gambling sessions. In one, the participant gambled alone. In the other four, the participant played in the presence of a confederate of the same or different ethnicity who gambled the entire session or quit after playing five times. The gambling of the AI and non-AI participants did not differ, nor was either group sensitive to whether the confederate was AI or non-AI. Gambling behavior was altered by the confederate's actions, with participants gambling less when the confederate left the session than when alone or when the confederate stayed and gambled. These results suggest that the differences in gambling problems between AIs and non-AIs reported in the overall literature may not be a function of ethnicity per se. They also suggest that the actions of other gamblers may inhibit gambling, which may have treatment implications.     

Tobacco use and pathological gambling.

BACKGROUND: Evidence supports phenomenological, clinical, epidemiological and biological links between problem/pathological gambling and tobacco use. An improved understanding of the relationship would be helpful in treating individuals with co-occurring pathological gambling and nicotine dependence. METHODS: This study investigates the tobacco use behaviors of 225 adults (mean age +/- SD = 47.3 +/- 11.0 years; number of women = 120 [53.3%]) who were recruited for pharmacological treatment of pathological gambling. All subjects met criteria for pathological gambling based upon the Structured Clinical Interview for Pathological Gambling (SCI-PG), a DSM-IV-based diagnostic interview, and were assessed at baseline with multiple reliable and valid measures of gambling severity. RESULTS: 159 (70.7%) subjects were either current (n = 110; 48.9%) or prior daily smokers (n = 49; 21.8%). Compared with the group of never smokers, the group of current and prior daily smokers was more likely to be older (F = 3.55; df = 2, 222; p = 0.030), be female (chi square = 10.85; df = 2; p = 0.004), and have stronger urges to gamble (F = 128.15; df = 2,222; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Daily tobacco use in treatment-seeking pathological gamblers is common and associated with more severe urges to gamble. Treatments targeting urges in individuals with pathological gambling and current or prior daily tobacco use should be examined.     

Gambling among older, primary-care patients: an important public health concern.

OBJECTIVES: Authors assessed the prevalence rate of gambling in a sample of elderly patients (over age 65) and evaluated the sociodemographic characteristics, health, cognitive status, and psychiatric comorbidities of elderly gamblers. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional survey of gambling habits. A random sample of older adults with a scheduled primary-care clinic appointment was selected and screened with the General Health Questionnaire and questions about suicidality and alcohol use. Also, participants were asked about their gambling habits. RESULTS: Of 843 screened patients completing the gambling questionnaire, 69.6% reported that they had participated in at least one gambling activity in the last year. At-risk gamblers were defined as those who reported having bet more than $100 on a single bet and/or having bet more than they could afford to lose in the last year. Of those responding, 10.9% were identified as at-risk gamblers. The strongest predictors of at-risk gambling behavior were being a binge drinker, presence of current posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, minority race/ethnicity, and being a VA clinic patient. Subjects with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment were just as likely as those without impairment to gamble and to report at-risk gambling behavior. At-risk gambling behavior was not significantly associated with gender, current or past depressive symptoms, or cigarette smoking. CONCLUSIONS: These data raise a significant public health concern that gambling behaviors are prevalent in older adults. Additional research is needed to further define the determinants of gambling behavior in older adults and evaluate the social, health, and economic costs and benefits of gambling by older adults, especially among those groups determined to be at risk.     

Epidemiology of youth gambling problems in Canada: a national prevalence study.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiology of gambling problems among youth aged 15 to 24 years in Canada and to examine whether these gambling prevalence patterns differ by sex and (or) by geographic region. METHOD: We used data from The Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being. Gambling problems were determined according to the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. All prevalence estimates used appropriate sampling weights and bootstrap variance estimation procedures developed by Statistics Canada. Multivariate logistic regression modelling was also employed to supplement the above prevalence comparisons by age, sex, and region. RESULTS: Among Canadian youth aged 15 to 24 years (n=5666), 61.35% gambled in the past 12 months and the national prevalence of moderate-risk or problem gambling was 2.22% (3.30% in male respondents and 1.10% in female respondents). Male respondents had significantly higher prevalence of gambling problems than female respondents. Regional prevalence estimates of youth moderate-risk or problem gambling were 1.37% in British Columbia, 2.17% in the Prairie provinces, 2.75% in Ontario, 2.12% in Quebec, and 1.71% in the Atlantic provinces. CONCLUSIONS: Youth, particularly young men, are at greater risk for gambling problems than adults. More prevention and research efforts are also needed to address the observed sex differences and interregional variability in the prevalence of gambling problems among youth. The national prevalence estimates from this study provide important baseline data against which future cohorts of Canadians can be monitored and measured.     

Recreational gamblers with and without parental addiction

Research has found that children who have parents with an addiction may be more vulnerable to developing psychopathology compared to children without parental addiction. We compared young adult, recreational gamblers with and without parental addiction on measures of gambling behavior and impulsivity. A total of 286 recreational gamblers (defined as having gambled at least five times in the past 12 months) between the ages of 18 and 29 participated in an initial intake of a longitudinal study assessing susceptibility to pathological gambling. Trained staff members interviewed subjects, and subjects completed cognitive testing and self-report measures. Fifty-three subjects (18.53%) reported at least one parent with an addiction (including alcohol and substance dependence and pathological gambling). Subjects with at least one addicted parent were significantly more likely to report problems resulting from gambling, have significantly greater rates of psychiatric comorbidity, and report significantly more current marijuana and tobacco use. Subjects with an addicted parent were not significantly different on measures of impulsivity. These findings suggest that even at a stage of low-risk gambling, before what has been considered a psychopathology arises, those with a possible environmental and/or genetic risk of addiction exhibit a range of problematic behaviors.     

What Influences the Beliefs, Behaviours and Consumption Patterns of ‘Moderate Risk’ Gamblers?

Gambling is emerging as a significant health issue. Problem gambling does not develop instantaneously and is often the result of risky consumption patterns over a period of time. Early intervention strategies depend on a detailed understanding of ‘at risk’ gamblers, yet surprisingly little is known about this group. This qualitative study explores the beliefs, behaviours, risk perceptions, and consumption patterns of 35 individuals who were screened as having ‘moderate risk’ gambling behaviours. Two thirds of participants gambled at least once a week and most consumed multiple types of gambling products. Participants gambled for social or emotional reasons, with many using gambling as a mechanism to socially connect and interact with others. Perceptions of behavioural control led many to believe that they were not at risk or could control gambling risks. Understanding the range of drivers that influence gambling risk is essential in developing prevention and harm minimisation strategies.     

Prevalence of problem gambling: a replication study 7 years later.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between availability of gambling activities and participation in gambling, maximum amount of money lost in 1 day to gambling, and number of pathological gamblers. METHOD: Two random samples (1002 and 1257 adults) were surveyed 7 years apart using the South Oaks Gambling Screen to identify pathological gamblers. RESULTS: Seven years later, significantly more people reported having gambled, and the number of pathological gamblers had increased by 75%. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support the hypothesis that increases in the availability of gambling are related to increases in the number of problem gamblers.     

Past-year recreational gambling in a nationally representative sample: correlates of casino, non-casino, and both casino/non-casino gambling

Data from the Gambling Impact and Behavior Study (GIBS), a national survey of 2417 U.S. adults, were examined by multivariate analysis to investigate characteristics of past-year recreational gamblers who participated in casino-only, non-casino-only, and both casino and non-casino gambling. Compared to non-casino-only gamblers, individuals who gambled in both locations had higher rates of alcohol use and abuse/dependence, lower rates of drug use, more frequent gambling, and larger wins and losses. Compared to casino-only gamblers, individuals who gambled in both locations reported less drug use, poorer subjective health, earlier age of gambling onset, greater frequency of gambling, and larger wins and losses. Compared to casino-only or non-casino-only gambling, gambling in both locations was associated with more frequent and heavier gambling. Findings suggest aspects of recreational gambling, such as gambling venue, may have important public health implications and should be considered in guidelines for responsible gambling.