Gambling behaviors associated with problem gambling among patients in treatment for substance use disorder

Problem gambling impacts substance use disorder (SUD) treatment outcomes. To support early intervention, this study investigated gambling behaviors associated with problem gambling among SUD patients.

Patients (N = 593) from 19 residential SUD treatment facilities in California were surveyed about gambling behaviors and services. Patients identified as "problem gamblers" screened positive for gambling disorder or reported gambling behaviors at high risk for progression to gambling disorder. Multivariate regression analyses compared problem gamblers to nonproblem gamblers on specific gambling behaviors and receipt of gambling services.

Of the total sample, 223 (37.6%) gambled in the past year. Among past-year gamblers, those meeting problem gambling criteria (n = 106) were more likely than nonproblem gamblers to endorse betting on "games of skill" including cards (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46, 3.78) and participating in online/electronic gambling (AOR = 5.61, 95% CI = 2.27, 13.88) and casino games (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI = 1.42, 3.72). Patients with problem gambling reported more gambling activity types than nonproblem gamblers (mean difference = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.59, 2.05). Only 35% of patients with problem gambling received gambling services from the SUD treatment program.

Specific gambling behaviors increase risk of problem gambling for SUD patients. SUD treatment programs should screen for and address problem gambling.

SUD patients may have lower risk thresholds for gambling disorder. This study provides new data on specific behaviors associated with problem gambling among SUD patients.