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About the Problem

Problem Gambling

The development of problem gambling is complex and involves a set of interrelating factors, causes, and determinants. These range from biology and family history to social norms and existing statutes.1 Approximately 2% of the adult population in Massachusetts experiences problem gambling.

Problem gambling also has a high co-morbidity with substance misuse and mental health conditions, and it is associated with poor health and suicide.2

According to research, youth who experience the onset of gambling at an earlier age are associated with a greater severity of problem gambling behaviors later in life.3 In Massachusetts, 50% of high school youth and 45% of middle school youth reported gambling in their lifetimes.4

Development of a Gambling Related Problem

A person’s propensity to develop a gambling-related problem is the result of the interplay of these five levels.5

Levels of Problem Gambling

PUBLIC POLICY LEVEL » Local, state, and federal policies and laws that regulate, support, or constrain health actions on restrictions, enforcement, and practices

COMMUNITY LEVEL » Relationships, standards, and networks that exist among individuals, groups and institutions
INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL » Social institutions with formal and informal rules, regulations, and policies that constrain or promote behavior

INTERPERSONAL LEVEL » Social networks and support systems: family members and peers that provide social identity, support, and role definition

INDIVIDUAL LEVEL » Individual characteristics: knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, skills and personality traits
Levels of Problem Gambling

PUBLIC POLICY LEVEL » Local, state, and federal policies and laws that regulate, support, or constrain health actions on restrictions, enforcement, and practices

COMMUNITY LEVEL » Relationships, standards, and networks that exist among individuals, groups and institutions

INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL » Social institutions with formal and informal rules, regulations, and policies that constrain or promote behavior

INTERPERSONAL LEVEL » Social networks and support systems: family members and peers that provide social identity, support, and role definition

INDIVIDUAL LEVEL » Individual characteristics: knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, skills and personality traits

5. Messerlian C, Derevensky J, Gupta R. Youth gambling problems: a public health perspective. Health Promot Int. 2005 Mar;20(1):69-79.

The Spectrum of Gambling6

Gambling behavior occurs across a continuum. It starts with no gambling and ends with severe problem gambling.

spectrum

No gambling

No engagement or participation in any form of gambling.

Spectrum 1

No gambling

No engagement or participation in any form of gambling.

Recreational gambling

Gambling that occurs for fun and/or recreation. Generally, this gambling does not result in negative impact on the person’s life.

Spectrum 2

Recreational gambling

Gambling that occurs for fun and/or recreation. Generally, this gambling does not result in negative impact on the person’s life.

At-risk gambling

Gambling that can include a range of behaviors that may pose a risk of physical or emotional harm.

Spectrum 3

At-risk gambling

Gambling that can include a range of behaviors that may pose a risk of physical or emotional harm.

Problem gambling

Gambling that results in a negative impact on the person’s life or on the lives of the person’s family, friends, and/or co-workers. It can be an occasional impact or an ongoing and serious situation.

Spectrum 4

Problem gambling

Gambling that results in a negative impact on the person’s life or on the lives of the person’s family, friends, and/or co-workers. It can be an occasional impact or an ongoing and serious situation.

Spectrum 5

Who is Affected?

Some groups of people are at greater risk for developing a gambling problem. These include the following:

  • Casino employees
  • Males
  • People of color
  • People who are unemployed
  • People who are incarcerated
  • People who misuse substances
  • People with a disability
  • People with a high school degree or less
  • People with an annual income of less than $15,000
  • Youth

To minimize the risk of problem gambling, effective prevention initiatives need to build and strengthen community protective factors and address risk factors. These initiatives are especially important for those populations at greatest risk.