A study to assess the extent and impact of problem gambling among adults in California was published this week. It also sought to identify the groups in the population most affected by the disorder and provide information about the public’s knowledge of available resources for addressing gambling problems. The survey showed that most adult Californians (83%) have gambled at some time, and that the prevalence of problem gambling is at the higher end of the range of prevalence rates in other US jurisdictions.

California has the largest share of US gamblers and its residents visit casinos more often than gamblers in any other state. In 2005 gaming revenue in California was US$7.2 billion, which is over three times that of the next highest grossing state Connecticut. As we commented last August, “The Las Vegas gaming industry and the tribal casinos benefit from the free-thinking, optimistic and adventurous nature of Californians. The odds may be against them - that earthquake may hit tomorrow, but so could that winning jackpot. Life’s a gamble!”

According to the report, only around 1 in 5 adult Californians is aware of the state’s problem gambling helpline. The most common reason given for not seeking help for a gambling problem was not wanting to stop. Playing the lottery was the most frequent gambling activity and casinos were the favourite place to gamble. The study points out that problem and pathological gamblers are significantly more likely to smoke, use tranquilisers or illegal drugs and consume alcohol in greater quantities. “Illicit use of methamphetamine in the past year is clearly correlated with increasing severity of gambling problems among California residents—a relationship that has not previously been explored.”

The study found that the lifetime prevalence of problem and pathological gambling is quite low among women, adults over 65 and Asian and Pacific Islanders. The lifetime prevalence of problem and pathological gambling is particularly high among African Americans and among individuals who are disabled or unemployed. Although lifetime rates of problem and pathological gambling are highly elevated in these three demographic groups, each comprises only a small percentage of the total population. As a result, in absolute numbers, the majority of problem and pathological gamblers are not in these groups.

Research indicates that natural recovery is common amongst problem gamblers and the study suggests that it is important to increase public awareness and develop brief, targeted interventions. The authors comment that few evaluations of problem gambling awareness campaigns have been undertaken. Findings of the report indicate that not many Californians would support banning commercial gambling but that the majority strongly support the education of young people in the avoidance of gambling problems. This education is seen as being far more important than other measures to combat problem gambling, and most people think that the gambling industry should be required to address the issues. (E-02.01.07)

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