- Children of problem gamblers are often victims of abuse and neglect as a result of parental problem gambling. (1)
- Research shows teens whose parents gamble too much have higher rates of problem gambling. (2)
- Studies show that as much as 50 percent of spouses of problem gamblers have been abused. (3)
- Problem gamblers have the highest rate of suicide of any other addiction. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, one in five problem gamblers have attempted suicide. (4)
- A major depressive disorder is likely to occur in 76 percent of problem gamblers. (4)
- Problem gamblers often resort to crime in order to pay debts, maintain appearances or continue to gamble. These are mostly non-violent crimes such as check forgery, stealing credit cards, employee theft, fraud, and tax evasion. (5)
References:
- National Opinion Research Center (NORC). (1999). Gambling Impact and Behavior Study, Report to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission. Chicago, IL: Author.
- Gupta, R., & Derevensky, J.L. (1997). Familial and social influences on juvenile gambling behavior. Journal of Gambling Studies, 13(3), 179-192.
- National Research Council (NRC). (1999). Pathological Gambling: A Critical Review. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.
- Unwin, B.K., Davis, M.K., & Leeuw, J.B. (2000). Pathological gambling. American Family Physician, February 2000, 61, 741-749.
- Thompson, W., Gazel, R., Rickman, D. (1996). The social cost of gambling in Wisconsin. Wisconsin Policy Research Institute Report, 9, 144