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Adult problem gambling

Introduction

Problem gambling can affect people throughout their life. Problem gambling in adulthood can lead to psychological, physiological, social, financial and criminal consequences (Shaw et al., 2007; Moghaddam et al., 2014; Battersby et al., 2006; Petry & Kiluk, 2002; Morasco et al., 2006). Therefore, it is crucial to understand and apply evidence-informed screening, assessment and treatment practices for adults with problem gambling.

According to a 2017 CAMH survey, about 1.2 per cent of Ontario adults are at moderate to high risk of experiencing gambling problems (Ialomiteanu et al., 2018). Worldwide, studies have found about 0.1 to 7.6 per cent of adults have gambling problems (Lorains et al., 2011; Williams et al., 2012)

Problem gambling can have many negative consequences in a person’s life (Shaw et al., 2007; Moghaddam et al., 2014; Battersby et al., 2006; Petry & Kiluk, 2002; Morasco et al., 2006) and it can co-occur with substance use and other mental health problems (Lorains et al., 2011). It is therefore, crucial to provide early screening and assessment for adults who may have problem gambling or who have a mental health problem that may put them at risk for problem gambling. It is also important to provide treatment approaches tailored for this population.

This page features information on screening, assessment and treatment approaches for problem gambling in adults (18 years of age and older) and includes ways to apply these treatment approaches in your clinical practice. The content on this page is based on a review of the evidence and was reviewed by an expert in the field of problem gambling.

About problem gambling in adults

Problem gambling is defined as the act of repeatedly engaging in gambling activities that have significant negative impacts (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), Fifth Edition—the primary system used to classify and diagnose mental health problems in North America—requires that a person exhibit four or more of the following criteria to be diagnosed with gambling disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013):

Due to evolving definitions and classifications, terms such as “pathological gambling” and “compulsive gambling” have become interchangeable with “gambling disorder.” The term “problem gambling” will be used in this section because it implies that gambling lies along a continuum from “no gambling” to “gambling disorder,” with harms being possible even when gambling is not problematic (Moghaddam et al., 2014; Gambling Research Exchange Ontario, 2017).

What does the evidence say?

In a 2017 Ontario survey, 69.2% of adults said they had participated in one or more gambling activities in the past year (Ialomiteanu et al., 2018). Of these adults, 62.5 per cent gambled most frequently on lottery tickets, while 23.4 per cent gambled on slots or table games at a casino. The remaining 3.7 per cent gambled online (Ialomiteanu et al., 2018).

Adults who gamble report doing so for fun, to win money, to socialize, to support causes and/or to escape (Williams & Volberg, 2013).

Although many engage in gambling activities without developing a problem, about 1.2 per cent of Ontario adults have moderate to high risk of gambling problems (Ialomiteanu et al., 2018).

Cultural factors, social factors and age-related factors can play a role in an adult’s participation in gambling and development of problem gambling (Gambling Research Exchange Ontario, 2017; Raylu & Oei, 2004; Subramaniam et al., 2015). Some of these key risk factors include:

Some risk factors may also present as concurrent disorders in adults with problem gambling.

Adults with problem gambling often face various negative consequences, including:

The list below describes the treatment options available for adults experiencing gambling problems and related harms.

to reducing urges and money spent by adults with problem gambling (Maynard et al., 2018). When combined with CBT, these approaches also appear to reduce gambling behaviours and improve the quality of life of adults with problem gambling (Mcintosh et al., 2016).

How do I put the evidence into practice?

Screening and assessment

It is crucial to screen and assess clients to identify problem gambling behaviours and any co-occurring mental health problems. Learn more about screening and assessment practices for problem gambling in adults.

Treatment

Once you have identified your client’s needs and goals, work with them to develop a treatment plan that will address their problem gambling as well as any addictions or other mental health problems they may have (Lorains et al., 2011). Learn more about concurrent disorders.

Use a trauma-informed approach throughout the screening, assessment and treatment process, taking into consideration the influence that past or current experiences of trauma may have on the person’s gambling and their response to treatment (Lorains et al., 2011). Learn more about trauma-informed care.

It is also important to remain conscious of potential inequities in the quality and access to care that your client may experience as a result of their cultural or social context, and consider ways to mitigate or remove these barriers.

You can use the following approaches to address problem gambling in your adult clients, either alone or in combination. These treatments can be effective for people at all stages along the continuum of gambling severity.

CBT

To help your client with their problem gambling, your CBT practice should include cognitive restructuring, problem solving and relapse prevention components (Cowlishaw et al., 2012; Menchon et al., 2018). Learn more about implementing CBT in your practice.

Motivational interviewing

Incorporating elements of motivational interviewing will allow you to help your client address their ambivalence toward change and remain in treatment (Yakovenko et al., 2015). Important elements of motivational interviewing include open-ended questions, active and reflective listening and acknowledging their efforts to change. You can also incorporate imaginal desensitization with your motivational interviewing techniques so that your client can use this relaxation-based practice to control their urges whenever they are exposed to gambling situations.

Peer support groups

Discuss with your client whether they might be interested in joining a local peer support group (e.g., Gambler’s Anonymous) to help them build their coping skills and social support network (Schuler et al., 2016).

Mindfulness

You can incorporate elements of mindfulness into your client’s treatment plan or refer them to a local mindfulness group.

You can learn more about how to implement mindfulness practices, including those for relapse prevention, with your clients here. You can also teach your clients short mindfulness exercises, such as the Three-Step Breathing Space and Urge Surfing, to help them unhook from the automatic thoughts, feelings and body sensations they experience whenever they feel triggered to gamble.

Other considerations

Depending on the severity of your client’s problem gambling and concurrent disorders, they may also benefit from these additional supports:

Additional resources

References

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