How to Support Prison Workers’ Perceived Readiness to Identify and Respond to Possible Gambling Problems: a Pilot Study from Two Finnish Prisons

Abstract

Problem gambling is known to be prevalent among prisoners. However, it is not systematically screened and often remains undetected. This pilot study explores prison workers' (N = 21) knowledge, views, and opinions about problem gambling in two Finnish prisons with a view to improving training and to developing better guidelines for identifying and responding to gambling problems. Four-fifths (81%) of prison workers considered problem gambling a serious issue in Finland. During the past year, more than nine in ten (94.1%) had encountered a prisoner with a gambling problem. Problem gambling was identified in connection with discussions about prisoners' illegal activity (50%), financial situation (25%), or other problems (25%). Nearly half of the participants felt they did not have adequate training or information about problem gambling and related issues and expressed an interest in continuing education. This pilot study provides important direction for the development of tailored training programs for prison workers. The next step is to increase awareness of gambling programs in a wider national context and to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of training programs.

The prevalence of gambling problems in prison populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Informing new prisoners about the risks of inmate gambling and screening new prisoners for problem gambling have also been proposed ( McEvoy & Spirgen, 2012 ). In addition, improved training of prison workers in terms of the problems and developing better guidelines for identifying and responding to gambling problems have been implied ( Castren, Lind, Jarvinen-Tassopoulos, Alho, & Salonen, 2021 ). Specific treatment approaches have further been outlined for potential use in the prison environment ( Weatherly, Montes, Peters, & Wilson, 2012 ).…”

Szerencsejáték és bűnözés kapcsolatának magyarországi vizsgálata

“…A résztvevők csaknem fele úgy érezte, hogy nem rendelkezik megfelelő képzéssel vagy információval a szerencsejáték-problémákról és a kapcsolódó kérdésekről, továbbá érdeklődést mutattak a továbbképzés iránt (Castrén et al 2019).…”