CT: Spectrum Gaming Report #4

Problem Gambling
The results of the telephone survey yielded the following SOGS* lifetime numbers for probable pathological gamblers: 1.5 percent, (40,001 people) The results of the surveys yielded the following NODS* lifetime rates for probable pathological gamblers:
1.2 percent, (32,001 people)

Our telephone survey compared the lifetime gambling habits for problem and probable pathological gamblers with the gambling habits of non-problem gamblers:

• 62 percent gambled until their last dollar was gone compared to 12 percent for non-problem gamblers
  
• 29 percent gambled to pay off debts compared to 4 percent for non-proble gamblers
• 13 percent sold possessions to finance gambling compared to 1 percent for non-gamblers
• 26 percent borrowed to finance gambling compared to 1 percent for non-gamblers
  

Pathological gamblers are also more likely to suffer from
mental health conditions such as mood disorders, depression and anxiety
disorders.
– page 15-16 Spectrum Gaming Group (SGG) “Gambling in
Connecticut” 2009

The Spectrum Gaming Report prepared for the CT DOSR is availble on the United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts web site. It's worth reading.