Problem Gambling: “Behind the Eight Ball”

Abstract

Problem gambling, which directly affects 6 to 9 million Americans, too often results in devastating outcomes. Despite its prevalence it does not appear to get the same amount of attention as other addictions. In fact, despite evidence suggesting that treatment can reduce problem gambling, little research has been conducted on community capacity to address problem gambling. Therefore, this study assessed how well prepared human service organizations in a rural county, with a small urban center, were to screen for, assess, and treat problem gambling. The results indicate that agency preparedness to address the negative consequences of problem gambling is lacking, and it is an ongoing public health concern. Two key issues identified are the need for increased training of human service professionals and improved communication between providers to ensure appropriate coordination of services related to problem gambling.

KEYWORDS:

• agency readiness
• human service capacity
• problem gambling
• problem gambling assessment
• problem gambling treatment