Effect of a new casino on problem gambling in treatment-seeking substance abusers

Abstract

Problem gambling rates are frequently found to be higher in those who abuse substances than in the general population, and this group represents a well-established high-risk population for developing the disorder. In this study of 853 residential substance abusers, approximately 10% scored in the problem gambling range on the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). On most descriptive variables, these subjects appeared to be similar to substance abusers who do not have gambling problems. However, they tended to participate in more gambling behaviours and had more relationships with individuals who also gambled. There is some evidence that the introduction of a new casino in the community increased the SOGS scores for subjects who gambled most frequently on such casino-related gaming as slot machines, cards, and casino games.