Gambling and PUBLIC HEALTH

Historically, problem gambling has been examined mainly from a psychological perspective, focusing on the behavioral issues faced by an individual, not from a public health perspective. By introducing a public health perspective to problem gambling, all facets of problem gambling can be better examined. The public health frame of mind: the physical, mental, social and financial well-being of individuals; allows an opportunity for families and communities to be examined as a whole.

There are several levels of risk factors that exist within the framework of a public health model. Below is a breakdown of these levels.

Levels of Risk Factors

Intrapersonal Risk Factors:

	Youth status
	Male gender
	Ethnic minority status
	Concurrent mental illness
	Concurrent substance abuse

Interpersonal Risk Factors:

	Family history of gambling problems
	Lack of social supports
	Trauma
	Low socio-economic status
	Immigration & stress of acculturation

Community Risk Factors:

	Wide availability & accessibility of gambling venues
	Loss of social stigma associated with gambling
	Lack of adequate screening, identification and treatment for problem gamblers

Institutional Risk Factors:

	Rapid expansion of gambling industry
	Use of gambling for fundraising by schools, churches, and social clubs
	Vigorous marketing of gambling by the industry

Public Policy Risk Factors:

	Desire of state governments to expand gambling to increase revenue without raising taxes
	Inadequate funding for prevention & treatment of problem gambling ($0.44 per capita expenditure in CT)