This basics workshop introduces problem gambling, provides an overview of the factors that increase risk for individuals, and identifies opportunities to intervene.

Approximately 6 million U.S. adults—three precent—engage in problem gambling each year. Prevention Solutions at EDC understands that problem gambling is not a stand-alone issue. It disproportionately affects those with substance use or mental health disorders and those most affected by income, housing, and educational disparities.  

This workshop offers a definition of problem gambling, including a description of its adverse effects across the life span.

Training Priorities

Audience

State and community-level substance misuse prevention practitioners and other public health professionals.

Learning Objectives

•  Define the nature of problem gambling across the life span
•  Describe factors that increase risk for problem gambling
•  Describe the relationship of problem gambling to substance misuse

Training Content

The Nature of Problem Gambling: Definitions and Data

• Types of gambling
• Key definitions
• Populations at risk
• Adverse effects 

Risk Factors for Problem Gambling

• Individual and family level risk factors
• Peer and community level risk factors

Intersection of Problem Gambling and Substance Misuse

• Understanding co-occurrence and co-morbidity
• Identifying shared risk factors