Problem Gambling Among Ontario Students: Associations with Substance Abuse, Mental Health Problems, Suicide Attempts, and Delinquent Behaviours

Abstract

This paper describes gambling problems among Ontario students in 2009 and examines the relationship between gambling problems and substance use problems, mental health problem indicators, and delinquent behaviors. Data were derived from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey of Ontario students in grades 7-12. Gambling problems were measured as 2 or more of 6 indicators of problem gambling. In total 2.8% of the students surveyed endorsed two or more of the problem gambling items. The odds of problem gamblers reporting mental distress was 4.2 times higher than the rest of the sample and the odds of problem gamblers reporting a suicide attempt were 17.8 times greater than the rest of the sample. In addition compared to the rest of the students, delinquent behaviors were also more common among problem gamblers, including theft (OR = 14.5), selling marijuana (OR = 19.6), gang fights (OR = 11.3) and carrying a handgun (OR = 11.2). In a multivariate analysis, substance-use problems, mental health problems, and the participation in a variety of delinquent behaviors remained significantly associated with youth problem gambling behavior. Students who report problem gambling behaviors show increased substance abuse, mental health, and delinquency/criminal problems that are similar to those seen among adult problem gamblers. The association between these problems suggests that these problems could be addressed in a unified manner.

Risk factors for gambling and substance use among recent college students

“…Examples of shared risk factors for both gambling and substance use include family history, mental health problems, and gender (Barnes et al, 1999; Cook et al, 2015; Mezzich et al, 2001; Vitaro et al, 2014). A recent study utilizing adolescent twin pairs found a significant genetic influence on both gambling and substance use (Vitaro et al, 2014), which is consistent with other research among adults (Slutske et al, 2000; Slutske et al, 2013).…”

Adolescent Problem Video Gaming in Urban and Non-urban Regions

“…A score of 3 or more out of 12 was considered to demonstrate significant delinquency (Cook et al 2015). The six questions measuring a potential gambling problem were taken from the South Oaks Screen Revised for Adolescents (SOGSRA) (Winters et al 1993).…”

“…The six questions measuring a potential gambling problem were taken from the South Oaks Screen Revised for Adolescents (SOGSRA) (Winters et al 1993). Adolescents scoring two or more out of the six items were classified as having a gambling problem (Cook et al 2015). Finally, scholastic achievement was measured by a self-reported response to the question, BOn average, what marks do you usually get in school?,^with the following options: 90-100%, 80-89%, 70-79%, 60-69%, 50-59%, or below 50%.…”

Pathologisches Glücksspiel und Delinquenz

“…So berichteten etwa Cook et al (2015) (Meyer und Fabian 1992). Personen, die illegale Handlungen bejahten, zeigten zudem exzessiveres und problematischeres Spielverhalten, hatten mehr psychosoziale Probleme infolge des Spielens und zogen gleichzeitig mehr subjektive Befriedigung aus dem Spielen.…”