Problem Gambling and Suicidal Behavior : A Primer for Law Enforcement (original) (raw)
Related papers
Identifying problem and compulsive gamblers
Canadian family physician Médecin de famille canadien, 2000
To present a meta-analysis of current research on the prevalence, identification, and treatment of problem and compulsive gamblers. Problem and compulsive gambling was not a socio-scientific concern until the last two decades. Hence research on this topic is limited. The summary and analysis for this paper relied on computer searches of journal and news abstracts in addition to direct contact with organizations addressing the identification and treatment of compulsive gamblers. An estimated 5% of those who gamble run into problems. About 1% of those who gamble are predicted to experience serious problems. Successful treatment of problem and compulsive gambling continues to be a challenge. Although cognitive therapy has been the favoured approach, a combination of several therapeutic approaches is advocated. Problem and compulsive gambling can present a real health threat. As with other addictions, treatment strategies continue to be a baffling social problem. Aware and informed phys...
Comparing problem gamblers with moderate-risk gamblers in a sample of university students
Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 2015
Background and aims: In an effort to provide further empirical evidence of meaningful differences, this study explores, in a student population, the distinctions in gambling behavioral patterns and specific associated problems of two levels of gambling severity by comparing problem gamblers (PG) and moderate-risk gamblers (MR) as defined by the score on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI; MR: 3-7; PG: 8 and more). Methods: The study sample included 2,139 undergraduate students (male = 800, mean age = 22.6) who completed the PGSI and questionnaires on associated problems. Results: Results show that problem gamblers engage massively and more diversely in gambling activities, more often and in a greater variety of locations, than moderate-risk gamblers. In addition, important differences have been observed between moderate-risk and problem gamblers in terms of expenditures and accumulated debt. In regards to the associated problems, compared to moderate-risk gamblers, problem gamblers had an increased reported psychological distress, daily smoking, and possible alcohol dependence. Discussion and Conclusions: The severity of gambling and associated problems found in problem gamblers is significantly different from moderate-risk gamblers, when examined in a student population, to reiterate caution against the amalgamation of these groups in future research.
Journal of Gambling Studies, 2014
Gambling behavior is not a unique behavior. There are certain differences in behavior, gambling habits, gambling beliefs, and their reflection in psychosocial life. We have compared three groups of adult male gamblers-sports gamblers (n = 41), machine gamblers (n = 36), and poker gamblers (n = 35)-in regard to measures of personal status and legal-social characteristics. We found no difference between groups in terms of the length of gambling behavior, personal status, or age. We found no legal difference between groups in terms of the number of court cases for debt, stealing, or family court cases. In terms of economic circumstances, sports gamblers suffered more losses than the other groups (p \ 0.0001). There were higher rates of bankruptcy among sports gamblers compared with machine gamblers (p \ 0.01). Sports gamblers were more likely to borrow money from the black market compared with the other groups (p \ 0.01). In terms of mental health, sports and machine gamblers had more suicidal thoughts and gestures than poker gamblers (p \ 0.05), whereas the rate of suicide attempts was higher in machine gamblers compared with poker players (p \ 0.05). Our results indicated higher vulnerability in sports gamblers in terms of economic problems compared with the other groups, whereas machine gamblers had vulnerability to suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts compared with poker gamblers.
Profiles of problem and non-problem gamblers, depending on their preferred gambling activity
Addiction Research & Theory, 2015
Background and aims: The objective was to compare the gamblers' profiles and practices depending on their preferred gambling activity, especially for two structural characteristics: presence of skill and expected value linked to the game. Another objective was to compare the profiles between non-problem and problem gamblers, and especially to identify how they evolve once problem gambling has emerged. Methods: Six hundred twenty-eight non-problem and problem gamblers were assessed with a structured interview, including sociodemographic characteristics, gambling habits, DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling, gambling-related cognitions, personality profile, psychiatric comorbidities and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. We used a stepwise logistic regression with backward elimination to compare gamblers' profiles depending on: (1) the presence of skill in their favourite game, (2) the expected value of their favourite game. Each regression was performed twice, in non-problem and then in problem gamblers. Results: Contrary to what was expected, the gamblers' profiles did not differ in gamblingrelated cognitions according to their chosen game, even at a problematic level of gambling. Problem gamblers of bank games of pure chance showed high levels of persistence and higher frequencies of suicidal risk, problem gamblers of bank games with an element on skill displayed more illegal acts, and gamblers of social games lost their cooperativeness profile on reaching a problematic level of gambling. Conclusions: Significant differences in the profiles of gamblers were identified based on their preferred gambling activity, especially in problem gamblers. Specific therapeutic and protective approaches which could be developed for these different profiles are proposed.
Fold, Check, Hit Me! Impact of Lifestyle on the Trajectories of Problem Gamblers
Journal of Gambling Issues
Several studies have demonstrated the intermittent nature of problematic gambling behaviours. Despite the upsurge in research in this area, few studies have examined the dynamics of gambling behaviour or the factors influencing gambling trajectories. Using a retrospective self-report gambler survey inspired by the life history calendar method, the current study sheds light on the intermittency of gambling and the static and dynamic factors that may modulate gambling trajectories. Attention was paid to deviant life circumstances, especially criminal offending, and their effects on gambling parameters. The multilevel analyses results, conducted with data gathered from a sample of a hundred problem gamblers, revealed the impact of life circumstances on these trajectories. On the one hand, sources of social control—hours worked, participation in therapy—have the effect of alleviating gambling problems. On the other hand, deviant life circumstances—commission of lucrative crimes, consump...
Prevalence of Problem Gambling: A Replication Study 7 Years Later
The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 1999
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.