Gambling is a widespread activity and most people gamble responsibly for enjoyment. However, about 1% of the U.S. population, and about 8% of those who gamble in casinos are pathological gamblers. Pathological gambling is a psychiatric disorder in the impulse disorder group and is included in the DSM IV. Pathological gambling can strike at the first bet a person makes, but it usually develops after years of controlled gambling. After pathological gambling patterns have been established, they are considered chronic.
Problem gambling is defined as participation in any form of gambling to the extent that it creates negative consequences to the gambler, his or her family, place of employment, or community. Roughly 1% of the public and about 5% of casino gamblers are problem gamblers. Many factors that are present and growing in the prairielands region increase the likelihood of pathological and problem gambling. For instance, the presence of a casino within 50 miles doubles the prevalence of pathological and problem gambling. As the gambling industry continues to grow in the prairielands region so will the number of personal and familial misfortunes due to gambling. Prairielands ATTC is committed to providing training and education to those in our region who work with treatment of gambling addicts.
