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Canadian problem gambling to be researched by Alberta team
2 000 Canadians will be monitored for problem gambling indicators by a group of Alberta, Canada researchers including a team from the University of Calgary in what is claimed to be a worldwide first.
The long-term, follow-up study will focus on both social and problem gambling, looking at why people gamble, how much they gamble and what problems their gambling may cause.
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The group has a rather wide definition of gambling, considering anyone who spends at least $10 a month on gambling to be a gambler. The research findings will be used to formulate a better understanding of gambling, and could be used to find solutions to gambling problems and perhaps help develop gambling policy.
"There's a lot of interest in gambling worldwide, from it being something bad to it being something that governments and businesses promote," said project co-ordinator David Hodgins, a University of Calgary clinical psychology professor.
"We hope to be in a position to prevent the onset of gambling problems, and promote its benefits."
Alberta has more gamblers per capita than almost anywhere else in Canada. The Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission estimates 82 percent of adult Albertans gamble, losing on average about $800 a year.
Calgary has six land casinos, the highest number per capita of any metropolitan area in the country other than Edmonton. The city also boasts 230 places where people can play VLT machines, a horse-racing track and has numerous high-profile lotteries.
"In Calgary, probably within four minutes of leaving your house you can sit in front of a VLT machine," said Hodgins.
With accessibility comes problems. About one per cent of Albertans are pathological gamblers, unable to control their habit, forgetting their losses. Three percent are classified as problem gamblers.
The five-year study will focus on all forms of gambling lottery tickets, casinos, horse racing, sports betting, VLTs, bingo halls and raffles as well as all levels of gambling, from serious to social.
"There is a lot of interest in gaining a better understanding of both social and problem gambling," said Hodgins. "There are a lot of strong opinions on gambling, but very little data."
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