Evidence shows people with gambling problems often experience other problems

Research highlighting the multiple health and social problems that people with gambling problems can experience is the focus of a new paper from the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.

Foundation chief executive officer Serge Sardo says Complex lives: Co-occurring conditions of problem gambling examines the latest research from around the world, including studies funded by the Foundation.

“We know from this evidence that when people experience gambling problems they may also experience a range of other problems in their lives at the same time,” he said.

Referred to in academia as ‘co-occurring conditions’ of problem gambling, these problems may include mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, family issues, socioeconomic disadvantage and low social capital.

Mr Sardo says a greater understanding of the co-occurring conditions of problem gambling will enhance support services for Victorians affected by gambling.

“The prevalence of co-morbid conditions in problem gamblers and the rates of problem gambling in people seeking treatment for other conditions, indicates a need to for health professionals and the wider community to better understand the relationship between these co-occurring conditions,” said Mr Sardo.

In addition to its range of Gambler’s Help counselling, online and self-help services, the Foundation aims to strengthen treatments for people presenting with multiple problems in the health, mental health and community services, and the criminal justice system.

“Understanding the co-occurring conditions of problem gambling is extremely valuable for identifying gambling problems in clients and referring them to the appropriate support services to get the help they need,” said Mr Sardo.

The Foundation is also committed to continuing research in this area and is currently funding a major study into problem gambling in people seeking treatment for mental illnesses.

Key findings

• Around half of problem gamblers experience depression
  
• Almost half of problem gamblers experience anxiety
  
• Between 19 and 35 per cent of problem gamblers may have had an alcohol use disorder at some point in their life
  
• Problem gambling may be associated with socioeconomic disadvantage, homelessness, low social capital and crime
  
• Nearly a third of problem gamblers say that their gambling has led to a relationship break up at some point in their life
  
• Up to 33 per cent of prisoners experience problems with gambling.
  

Download Complex lives: Co-occurring conditions of problem gambling