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Elevated suicide levels associated with legalized gambling
D P Phillips1, W R Welty, M M Smith
1Sociology Department, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla 92093, USA.
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|January 1, 1997
Summary
This study investigates the link between gambling and suicide. Major gaming destinations like Las Vegas show elevated suicide rates for both residents and visitors, suggesting a connection beyond mere attraction.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Small-scale studies suggest a link between gambling and suicide.
- A systematic, large-scale statistical investigation is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if gamblers and associated individuals are prone to suicide.
- To determine if gaming communities have atypically high suicide rates.
Main Methods:
- Statistical analysis of suicide rates in major U.S. gambling settings.
- Comparison of suicide rates in Las Vegas and Atlantic City before and after casino openings.
Main Results:
- Las Vegas exhibits the highest national suicide rates for residents and visitors.
- Major gaming communities show significantly elevated suicide levels for both residents and visitors.
- Atlantic City's elevated suicide rates emerged post-casino legalization.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between gambling environments and elevated suicide rates.
- The findings suggest a causal link, not just that suicidal individuals are drawn to gaming settings.