Provincial Gambling Prevalence Study released �  findings consistent with other provinces

Health and Community Services Minister John Ottenheimer today released the findings of the 2005 Newfoundland and Labrador Gambling Prevalence Study, the first statistical review of gambling patterns in the province. The study concluded that gambling patterns in our province are similar to that of other provinces in the country. Approximately 90 per cent of the adult population are either non-gamblers or non-problem gamblers, while the remaining 10 per cent are classified as either low-risk, moderate-risk or problem gamblers.

�Our government takes very seriously the issue of gambling in our province and the often negative consequences that result from problem gambling,� said Minister Ottenheimer. �The results of this prevalence study will provide government with a base data set to continue to monitor gambling patterns and measure government�s progress in helping to address these complex and very serious issues.�

The study found that approximately 84 per cent of respondents in the province have gambled at least once in the past 12 months, which is consistent with the results of other gambling prevalence studies in the country. Gamblers were equally split between males and females, with the typical gambler being between the ages of 35-54, married, had completed at least some post-secondary education, and was employed full-time. The typical income ranged from $20,001 to $60,000.

Lottery tickets were the most popular gambling activity over the past 12 months (72%), followed by raffles or fundraising tickets (45%), scratch tickets (36%), breakopen/pull tab (25 %), VLTs, bingo and poker (11% each). Gamblers tended to spend an average of seven hours a month participating in gambling activities, and spent an average of $249.64 in the past 12 months.

The study defines problem gambling as gambling behaviour that creates negative consequences for the gambler, others in his or her social network, or for the community. Approximately 1.2 per cent of those surveyed were identified as problem gamblers, representing approximately 4,641 adult residents in the province. The study concludes that moderate-risk and problem gamblers represent distinct segments of the general adult population that can be targeted and that VLTs and poker are frequent forms of gambling among problem gamblers in the province.

�While the percentage of problem gamblers in our province is consistent with that of other provinces, our government is very concerned about the negative consequences that problem gamblers experience, including financial difficulty, relationship problems and depression,� said Minister Ottenheimer. �The study confirms that we moved in the right direction with our recent investments in Budget 2005 in the area of gambling rehabilitative services, including prevention and treatment services. Our government is committed to continued investment in this area and will review the study in further detail as part of the upcoming budgetary process.�

The study found that while most gamblers reported starting gambling at ages 19 or older, problem gamblers tended to start much younger, demonstrating that early experiences play a role in later problem gambling behaviour.

Minister Ottenheimer said this reinforces the importance of prevention and awareness among the province�s youth. �Our new addictions awareness campaign, which was launched earlier this week, specifically encourages youth to get up on the facts about drug and alcohol abuse, and problem gambling, to stay true to themselves and to make the right choices so they can realize their dreams,� said Minister Ottenheimer.

Government invested $3.4 million to strengthen resources to assist persons struggling with mental illness and addictions, with particular emphasis on substance abuse and gambling. This investment includes funding for five new gambling addictions counsellors, increased awareness among youth of gambling and other addictions, a package to primary care physicians and other providers to screen and identify problem gambling, and competency-based training in gambling addictions for all addictions staff. Additional initiatives are continuing through this investment.

In light of serious issues facing families surrounding gambling addictions in our province, government took strong action in Budget 2005 to reduce its harmful effects by freezing the number of video lottery terminals (VLTs) in the province at the current number (2,687). Furthermore, beginning next year, a five-year VLT reduction plan will begin which will see the number of machines in the province reduced by approximately 15 per cent. Government will also seek innovative ways to program VLTs to deter misuse of these machines.

Government committed to a gambling prevalence study in January 2005. The study was undertaken by Market Quest Research Group Inc. of St. John�s and provides important information measuring:

• The prevalence of gambling and problem gambling in the province;
• Profiles of gambler sub-types and players of certain gambling activities;
• The relationship between gambling and correlates of gambling, including substance abuse and mental health;
• Consequences related to gambling;
• Awareness of support and treatment services.

Data was collected in September and October through a province-wide telephone survey conducted with 2,596 adult residents of Newfoundland and Labrador ages 19 and older. The study questionnaire was based on the Canadian Problem Gambling Index. Sampling was conducted by gender, age and health region. Provincial results are accurate to +/- 1.9% at the 95 per cent confidence level.

A copy of the report is available at www.gov.nl.ca/health. For more information on the Get up on it Addictions Awareness campaign, visit www.getuponit.ca

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-1377, 685-1741

2005 11 25                                10:30 a.m.