Abstract
This paper reports on the results of a multi-site survey of gambling behaviour and gambling problems amongst offenders in
correctional institutions in Ontario, Canada, conducted between 2008 and 2011. A total of 422 (completion rate 61.5 %) incarcerated
offenders (381 male and 41 female) took part in the study including 301 federal offenders and 121 provincial offenders. Based
on the Problem Gambling Severity Index of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI/PGSI) the prevalence rate of severe problem
gambling was 8.9 prior to incarceration and 4.4 % during incarceration. These numbers are substantially higher than rates
found among the general public. Thirty-four percent of the sample reported gambling in prison. Half of those who suffered
from gambling problems before incarceration continued to have gambling problems during incarceration. People with problems
related to slot machines prior to incarceration reported fewer gambling problems during incarceration compared to other problem
gamblers.
correctional institutions in Ontario, Canada, conducted between 2008 and 2011. A total of 422 (completion rate 61.5 %) incarcerated
offenders (381 male and 41 female) took part in the study including 301 federal offenders and 121 provincial offenders. Based
on the Problem Gambling Severity Index of the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI/PGSI) the prevalence rate of severe problem
gambling was 8.9 prior to incarceration and 4.4 % during incarceration. These numbers are substantially higher than rates
found among the general public. Thirty-four percent of the sample reported gambling in prison. Half of those who suffered
from gambling problems before incarceration continued to have gambling problems during incarceration. People with problems
related to slot machines prior to incarceration reported fewer gambling problems during incarceration compared to other problem
gamblers.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-17
- DOI 10.1007/s10899-012-9321-1
- Authors
- Nigel E. Turner, Social, Epidemiological Research Department, The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell St., Toronto, ON M5S 2S1, Canada
- Denise L. Preston, Parole Board of Canada, Kingston, Canada
- Steven McAvoy, Social and Epidemiological Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Kingston, Canada
- Laura Gillam, Social and Epidemiological Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Kingston, Canada
- Journal Journal of Gambling Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-3602
- Print ISSN 1050-5350