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Definition of Gambling:
Betting money or material goods on an event with an uncertain outcome
in the hope of winning additional money and/or material goods.
Examples include:
Casino games
Lottery
Fantasy Sports
E-gaming
Bingo
Raffles
Sports betting
Gambling behavior falls on a spectrum:
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Gambling behavior can become a problem when it results in disruptions or conflicts with work, school, family or finances. Risk factors for developing a gambling problem include having an early big win, having easy access to preferred form of gambling (like living near a casino) and holding mistaken beliefs about odds of winning.
Gambling Disorder:
In 2013, with the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) Gambling Disorder (previously termed pathological gambling) was categorized as an addiction alongside the substance use disorders in a category labeled Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders.
In CT, about 1.5-2% of the population will meet the criteria for Gambling Disorder. That equates to approximatly 54,000 people in our state.
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Sources: Williams, Volberg, Stevens, & Williams, 2015, NSM-5, NIH, CCPG
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National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences
Each year the National Council on Problem Gambling conducts a study to examine gambling attitudes and experiences. According to their 2018 data, 73% of those surveyed reported "any past year gambling activity", with the highest category "buying a lottery game"- at 66%.
Connecticut trends were reportedly higher at 83% and 74% respectively.
Youth Gambling Behavior in Region 5
The Search Institute Attitudes and Behaviors survey includes the question "During the last 12 months, how many times have you gambled? (for example, bought lottery tickets or tabs, bet money on sports teams or card games, etc.)". Based on 2019 data from several of our area middle and high schools, on average 17% reported having gambled one or more times in the last 12 months, and 5% reported having gambled three or more times.
Search institute has deemed gambling 1 or more times a "risky behavior" and gambling 3 or more times a "high risk behavior".
These charts highlight the results (in percentages) from 3 of our school districts broken down by total sample, gender, and grade:
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The Legal Age to Gamble in CT:
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Our Problem Gambling Awareness Team |
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Each of the 5 regions in CT has its own Problem Gambling Awareness Team or PGAT. The Region 5 PGAT consists of community stakeholders working toward raising awareness around disordered gambling and helping connect those in need to treatment.
- The team meets quarterly to review gambling trends and access to treatment.
- We host gambling awareness trainings and webinars.
- We hold an event during Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March which includes testimonials from those with lived experience, and community education.
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- Many of our team members have achieved the credentials for The Problem Gambling Certificate of Competency.
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Youth Gambling Awareness Project (YGAP)
There is a Youth Peer Leadership component within our PGAT. We are grateful to our partners at Naugatuck Youth Services who convene a group of youth to attend trainings and create a public service announcement with a problem gambling focus. Goals of this project:
- Educate and engage youth on the risks of gambling and the resources available for help
- Support youth in developing key skills in research, community assessment, data analysis and marketing
- Grow leadership skills, such as public speaking and community event planning.
Click here to view the PSA from March of 2020.
This project is supported by Capital Regional Education Council (CREC).
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Treatment and Recovery Resources |
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Bettor Choice Programs are gambling-specific treatment programs funded by the State of Connecticut. Services are offered at more than 16 locations in Connecticut through community agencies.
Most programs offer a variety of outpatient services including:
- Individual, group, peer recovery support,
- Medication
- Budget counseling for both problem gamblers and those affected.
Services are provided at little to no cost.
Other Resurces and Supports
Connecticut GAM-ANON is a self-help organization for the spouse, family or close friends of compulsive gamblers.
Gamblers Anonymous is fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
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Call to Action During PGAM |
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We can all do our part this month to help raise awareness, breakdown stigma, and pave the way for those with a gambling disorder to seek treatment and recovery.
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Learn more
Attend an event. The region 5 featured event is "The Wild World of Sports Betting" webinar 3/23 (see flyer at right). Visit ccpg.org to see a list of all events taking place in CT.
Join our Problem Gambling Awareness Team. Our next meeting is 4/8 (see flyer at right).
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