The overall prevalence of gambling in Newfoundland and Labrador has
decreased according to the most recent statistics that track gambling
trends in the province. Approximately 92 per cent of the adult
population are either non-gamblers or non-problem gamblers. The 2009
Newfoundland and Labrador Gambling Prevalence Study was released today
by the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community
Services.
"The decrease in gambling rates shows that we are
making progress in the prevention and treatment of gambling addictions,"
said Minister Wiseman. "We have made significant and sustained efforts
in improving awareness and prevention as well as enhancing treatment
services for those who need it. This study shows that we are moving in
the right direction."
Overall, the provincial gambling rate decreased by
seven per cent since 2005 with 77 per cent of respondents indicating
they have gambled at least once in the past 12 months. This is
consistent with the rates found in other jurisdictions. Similar to 2005,
gambling activities were equally split between males and females with
most married, between 35 and 54 years of age and with an income between
$20,000 and $60,000.
The rate of problem gambling dropped from 1.2 per cent
to 0.7 per cent, which represents 1,800 individuals who are no longer
categorized as problem gamblers. The rate of problem gambling in this
province is similar to the various rates found in other jurisdictions
yet rests on the lower end of the scale. Problem gambling is defined as
gambling behaviour that creates negative consequences for the gambler,
others in his or her social network or the community.
While video lottery terminals (VLTs), pull tabs and
lottery tickets were the most common forms of gambling among problem
gamblers, the study found that online poker is contributing to more
moderate-risk and problem gambling than with any other form of gambling.
"While we are pleased to see this decrease, our
government remains concerned about individuals in the province who are
still problem gamblers," said Minister Wiseman. "Problem gamblers face a
number of negative consequences in their lives, including financial
difficulty, relationship problems and depression. We will continue to be
vigilant in our efforts to reach these individuals."
The study showed there was an increase in awareness
for both the provincial problem gambling helpline and the Recovery
Centre in St. John�s, while the level of awareness remained the same for
the Humberwood Treatment Centre in Corner Brook and local counseling
services. The study also found that problem gamblers were more likely to
be aware of these services.
The study was carried out by MarketQuest research,
following an RFP process in the fall of 2008. This is the second
gambling prevalence study commissioned by the Provincial Government. The
first ever gambling prevalence study conducted in 2005 found
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. It
also found that problem gamblers represent approximately 1.2 per cent of
the province�s population and that the rate of problem gambling in our
province is consistent to that of other jurisdictions.
"It is important for us to be able to gauge any
changes in gambling prevalence over time," said Minister Wiseman. "We
need to continually work to ensure our programs and services are
responsive to the needs of individuals with gambling addictions. We are
also mindful of the increasing popularity of online poker and will
continue to monitor its prevalence."
Through $17.9 million in new annual funding invested
over the last five years, the Provincial Government has strengthened
mental health and addictions services through such initiatives as the
addition of 34 new positions in addictions services across the province;
a new adolescent day treatment program; a new provincial addictions
centre in Corner Brook; and province-wide consultations on substance
use.
This funding has also produced several awareness
campaigns including a recent gambling awareness campaign targeting
individuals with gambling addictions and encouraging them to reach out
for help and the annual addictions awareness week campaign, Get Up on
It, targeting youth across Newfoundland and Labrador.
