RGC RESEARCH

  Exploring the Evolution of Problem Gambling: One Year Follow-up Study
  Author: Wiebe, Jamie; Single, Eric; Falkowski-Ham, Agata
  Source: Responsible Gambling Council
  Published: Oct. 01, 2003
  Description: In 2001, the Responsible Gambling Council and the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse conducted an Ontario gambling prevalence study which provided baseline information on the nature and extent of gambling and problem gambling in Ontario (Wiebe, Single & Falkowski-Ham, 2001). This study builds on the prevalence study by following up with a sample of 448 participants approximately one year later and exploring the evolution of problem gambling. The Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) was re-administered to assess levels of problem gambling. The CPGI classifies participants as non-gamblers, non-problem gamblers, at risk, moderate problems and severe problems. The results suggest that those gambling at-risk or at moderate problem levels appear to be in transitory states, while those with severe problems are much more stable. Among those gambling at-risk at the time of the prevalence study, 53 % moved to non-problem gambling during the follow-up study. Among those with moderate problems at the time of the prevalence study, 38% moved to at-risk problem gambling and 26% moved to non-problem levels. The majority (80%) of individuals with severe gambling at the time of the first study continued to have severe problems one year later. Approximately ten per cent of participants at each gambling level progressed to the next more problematic level. Of the total sample, 5.4 per cent reported having concerns about their gambling in the past year.

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