Some Basic Facts About Gambling
- Family members and/or significant others affected by negative consequences of problem gambling can access treatment and funding even if the gambler is unwilling to participate in treatment.
- More than 80% of U.S. adults have reportedly gambled at least once in the past year and have done so responsibly.
- Approximately 1% of adults (two million individuals) meet the criteria of a pathological gambler. Another 2-3% have less significant, yet serious, problems with their gambling.
- One in three Minnesotans say they know someone with a gambling problem.
- In 2006, the state helped 1,150 people receive treatment for gambling problems through grants to help pay for treatment.
- The average Minnesota adult has wagered on six gambling activities in their lifetime and three in the past year.
- 77% of Minnesota adults have purchased a raffle ticket, 69% have played the state lottery and 64% have participated at a casino.
- The lowest participation rates are for dice, dog racing and gambling on the Internet.
- It can be useful to think of stages to gambling.
Stage 1: Winning. Gambling is a positive experience.
Stage 2: Losing. Gambling becomes habitual and regular. Time is spent "chasing" losses.
Stage 3: Desperation. Gamblers experience increased depression, guilt and shame. They commit crimes and sell important possessions to fund their addiction.
Stage 4: Hopelessness. Nearly all pathological gamblers report contemplating suicide: 45% report having a suicide plan and 20% actually attempt suicide. In addition, 60% of pathological gamblers will commit a criminal offense.
