NCJ Number
165230
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 60 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1996) Pages: 3-7
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the literature on the relationship between pathological gambling, substance abuse, and criminal behavior.
Abstract
It describes the development of gambling pathology and discusses ways in which the probation officer can identify pathological gambling in offenders. It also examines problem gambling as it relates to investigation and supervision as well as policy and administrative considerations. The incidence of pathological gambling among the adult population has been estimated at 2 to 3 percent. Certain subgroups of the population, such as substance abusers and criminal offenders, may have an even higher incidence of pathological gambling. Research among samples of clinical patients shows that substance abuse and problem gambling often overlap. Since substance abusers are a predominant subgroup in the criminal offender population, the prevalence of pathological gambling among offenders is probably significant. This should concern community corrections professionals. Formal psychiatric criteria for pathological gambling have been modeled along the guidelines for determining psychoactive substance dependence. Two reliable instruments for assessing gambling addiction are the Gamblers Anonymous Twenty Questions and the South Oaks Gambling Screen. Probation officers should be trained to identify pathological gambling and have referral sources for appropriate treatment. They should also monitor gambling offenders closely as a community protection measure. 3 notes and 16 references