Mapping the prevalence of problem gambling and its association with treatment accessibility and proximity to gambling venues

Abstract

This study examined geographic variation in the prevalence of problem gambling in Ontario and the association with various demographic factors and proximity to treatment for problem gambling and gambling venues. Drawing upon multiple sources, secondary data analysis was undertaken based on multivariate statistical methods and techniques of geographic information systems (GIS).Regional variation in prevalence of problem gambling was found in the province. Prevalence of problem gambling was associated with many demographic characteristics, as well as mental disorders, co-occurring substance abuse problems, and physical health status. Geographic access to treatment was not associated with the risk of being a problem gambler. However, proximity to gambling venues was marginally important in predicting risk of problem gambling. Results are interpreted in the context of needs-based planning of treatment and prevention programs for problem gambling.

Motivators for Seeking Gambling-Related Treatment Among Ontario Problem Gamblers

“…Disordered gambling has also been found to occur with more frequency among those with less education (Volberg 1994;Wynne 2002;Marshall and Wynne 2003;ACNielsen 2007;Rush et al 2007;Wardle et al 2007;Lemaire et al 2008), although not in all studies (Wiebe et al 2006;Focal Research Consultants 2008;Ipsos Reid Public Affairs and Gemini Research 2008;Wardle et al 2011). Similarly, unemployment tends to be associated with a higher incidence of disordered gambling in many studies (Cox et al 2000;Smith and Wynne 2002;Wynne 2002;Delfabbro and LeCouteur 2003;ACNielsen 2007;Rush et al 2007;Focal Research Consultants 2008;Ipsos Reid Public Affairs and Gemini Research 2008;Lemaire et al 2008;Wardle et al 2011). Braveman et al (2010) point out that there is considerable evidence to support the argument that education and income affect health through their impact on access to a wide variety of opportunities and resources, only one of which is medical or health care.…”

“…The education-based gradients in health have been found in other countries as well, such as Great Britain and Sweden (Marmot 2006) and Canada (Alter et al 2011). Disordered gambling has also been found to occur with more frequency among those with less education (Volberg 1994;Wynne 2002;Marshall and Wynne 2003;ACNielsen 2007;Rush et al 2007;Wardle et al 2007;Lemaire et al 2008), although not in all studies (Wiebe et al 2006;Focal Research Consultants 2008;Ipsos Reid Public Affairs and Gemini Research 2008;Wardle et al 2011). Similarly, unemployment tends to be associated with a higher incidence of disordered gambling in many studies (Cox et al 2000;Smith and Wynne 2002;Wynne 2002;Delfabbro and LeCouteur 2003;ACNielsen 2007;Rush et al 2007;Focal Research Consultants 2008;Ipsos Reid Public Affairs and Gemini Research 2008;Lemaire et al 2008;Wardle et al 2011).…”

Risky business: Gambling problems amongst gaming venue employees in Queensland, Australia

“…For example, a number of studies indicate that living in close proximity to gaming venues is positively associated with problem gambling (Rush, Veldhuizen, & Adlaf, 2007;Storer, Abbott, & Stubbs, 2009;Welte, Wieczorek, Barnes, Tidwell, & Hoffman, 2004). A better understanding of the role of exposure in determining gambling patterns in a population can inform public policy decisions about, as examples, expanding or constraining the supply of gambling, the provision of adequate treatment services for problem gamblers, and the need for other public health interventions.…”

A free ride? An analysis of the association of casino bus tours and problem gambling among older adults

“…The proximity of gambling opportunities is associated with problem in several countries, including the United States [6], New Zealand [7], Canada, [8] and Australia [9]. In a review of the literature surrounding the accessibility and availability of gambling opportunities, St Pierre et al [10] point out that accessibility to gambling can be fitted into three categories: geographical, temporal and social.…”