Prevalence of problem gambling among community service users

The prevalence of pathological gambling has been investigated in many countries over the past 10 years. In the United States and Canada, it is estimated that between 1 and 2% of the general population suffer from excessive gambling (Ladouceur, Jacques, Ferland, & Giroux, 1999; Shaffer, Hall, & Vander Bilt, 1997). Some researchers have argued that telephone surveys underestimate the prevalence of this disorder given that many gamblers may be unable to participate in them. Using the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the present study assessed the prevalence of pathological gambling among 87 individuals who rely on community assistance for their survival. The findings indicate that 17.2% meet the criteria for pathological gambling; a prevalence that is approximately 8 times greater than that of the general population. The social implications of these results are discussed.