Prévalence des habitudes de jeu en Gaspésie et aux Îles-de-la-Madeleine en 2009

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of gambling habits, at-risk gambling (ARG), and probable pathological gambling (PPG) in the Gaspésie- Îles-de-la-Madeleine (GIM) region (Québec). Method: A telephone survey on gambling habits was performed including 1014 adults living in the GIM region. Participants were randomly selected. The Problem Gambling Severity Index from the Canadian Problem Gambling Index was used to assess pathological gambling. Results: Eighty-five per cent of respondents reported having played a game of chance for money in the last year. Most popular activities were buying lottery tickets; participating in draws and fundraisers; playing bingo, cards or board games involving money with family or friends; using video lottery terminals; and playing casino games. ARG and PPG prevalence rates were 1.5% and 0.8%, respectively. Video lottery was most often identified as problematic, followed by instant and regular lotteries (for example, Lotto 6/49). Conclusion: Gaspésiens' and Madelinots' gambling habits were similar to those seen in Québéc as a whole. The discussion raises the issue of the validity of evaluating the presence of a gambling problem among people close to the player, and some perceptions of risk, including that it is impossible to develop a problem with instant lotteries and bingo.