The Relationship Between Problem Gambling and Mental and Physical Health Correlates Among a Nationally Representative Sample of Canadian Women (Quantitative Research) (Report‪)‬

In 2002, 5% of the adult population in Canada were at risk for gambling problems or were considered problem gamblers. (1) Problem gambling refers to gambling behaviour that has a negative impact on the gambler, others in his or her social network, or the community. (2) The expansion of legalized gambling may be especially appealing to women since women tend to participate in legal rather than illegal forms of gambling. (3) Additionally, Video Lottery Terminal (VLTs) gambling is often reported as a preferred type of gambling among women, (4,5) making the greater availability of VLTs in communities and casinos especially appealing to women gamblers. To date, little is known about the relationships between problem gambling and health, functioning, mental disorders, physical health conditions, perceived need for help, and help-seeking specifically among women. A review of the current studies, mostly using men and women samples, indicates associations exist between problem gambling and suicidal ideation and attempts, mental disorders, and physical health conditions. Studies have found significant associations between problem gambling and suicidal behaviour, (6-12) mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, (13-15) and medical problems such as insomnia, headaches, stomach aches, (16) stress-related illnesses, (6) hypertension, tachycardia, angina, liver disease, and arthritis. (17)