Gambling Statistics
- Alcohol and other Drugs - Surveys indicate that from 42% to 57% of those diagnosed as compulsive gamblers are also having problems with alcohol or other drugs. Alcohol is the number one drug of choice for gamblers. The Bottom Line on Alcohol in Society (Fall, 1993)
- Suicide - "Illinois, Wisconsin , and New Jersey surveys (of Gamblers Anonymous members) have found that 79% wanted to die, 67% contemplated suicide, 49% had a definite plan to kill themselves, and 18% had attempted a potentially lethal suicide attempt." Statement by Dr. Henry R. Lesieur in a presentation to the National Council on Problem Gambling. Chicago, September, 1996.
- Casinos and Crime - Casino increased crime after a lag of 3 to 4 years; casinos increase all crimes except murder. The overall crime rates in counties with casinos are 8% higher than they would be without casinos. Casinos and Crime by Earl Grinols, David Mustard, Cynthia Dilley, June, 1999.
- Adolescent Gambling - The National Research Center estimates that as many as 1.1 million adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 are pathological gamblers, which is a much higher percentage than adults. The National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report, June, 1999, p. 7-20.
- Abuse and Neglect - The National Research Center cites two studies showing that between one quarter and one half of spouses of compulsive gamblers have been abused. Six of the 10 communities surveyed in NORC's case studies reported an increase in domestic violence relative to the advent of casinos. The National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report, June, 1999, p. 7-27.
- Homelessness - Individuals with gambling problems seem to constitute a higher percentage of the homeless population. A survey of homeless services providers in Chicago found that 33% considered gambling a contributing factor in the homelessness of people in their program. The National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report, June, 1999, p. 7-27.
- Gambling Industry Employees - Dr. Robert Hunter, a specialist in pathological gambling treatment, has estimated that 15% of gambling industry employees have a gambling problem. The National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report, June, 1999, p.4-11.
- Pathological Gamblers - "According to the National Research council] pathological gamblers ‘engage in destructive behavior: they commit crimes, they run up large debts, they damage relationships with family and friends, and they kill themselves. With the increased availability of gambling and new gambling technologies, pathological gambling has the potential to become even more widespread." The National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report, June, 1999, p. 4-11.