These data call for more research into the social, environmental, and cultural context of gambling among South East Asian refugees. Ethnically sensitive prevention and intervention strategies are needed to address the extraordinarily high rates of gambling problems in this population.

This study examined the prevalence of disordered gambling in substance abuse counselors. Participants (N = 328) completed an anonymous self-report survey assessing lifetime disordered gambling, past two-month gambling behavior, and current mental and physical health. The lifetime prevalence rates of pathological and problem gambling in this sample (11.9% and 6.4%, respectively) were higher than rates reported in general population surveys. Poorer physical health was associated with pathological gambling, but mental health was not. These results suggest that substance abuse counselors may benefit from education, prevention, and intervention efforts for disordered gambling.