Lifetime prevalence estimates of pathological gambling in New Zealand

Legalized gambling has proliferated recently in many countries and is a public health issue because of the association between gambling participation and the prevalence of pathological gambling. Relatively little is known about the epidemiology of this disorder or the characteristics of pathological gamblers living in the community. This paper summarizes the major findings of a national prevalence survey of pathological gambling conducted in New Zealand; the first national survey to have been conducted to date, and compares them with the results of studies undertaken in the US and Canada.

A national adult sample of 4053 people was interviewed by telephone to determine involvement in gambling activities. The interview included the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) for pathological gambling.

Of the sample, 2.7% (+/- 0.5%) scored as probable pathological gamblers and a further 4.2% (+/- 0.6%) scored as problem gamblers. These prevalence rates are higher than those reported in previous studies using the SOGS. Ethnicity, age, gender, employment status, having a parent who had gambling problems and regular participation in continuous forms of gambling were major risk factors.

In New Zealand pathological gambling appears to have a lifetime prevalence approximately half that of drug abuse/dependence. The findings suggest that prevalence has increased in recent years and provide a baseline for further study. The risk factors identified give a focus for future research into aetiology, prevention and treatment.