The Single Parent Resource Center, Inc.
Serving Single Parent Families Since 1975
Problem Gambling
Prevention

Problem Gambling Defined 

Problem gambling is gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. The term "Problem Gambling" includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as "Pathological", or "Compulsive" Gambling, a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences. 

*Source: National Council on Problem Gambling website: www.ncpgambling.org


Gambling in the United States

•Approximately 85% of U.S. adults have gambled at least once in their lives; 60% in the past year. 

•2 million (1%) of U.S. adults are estimated to meet criteria for pathological gambling in a given year. 

•Another 4-6 million (2-3%) would be considered problem gamblers. 

*Source: National Council on Problem Gambling, Retrieved from http://www.ncpgambling.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3314#widespread 


United States Adolescent Prevalence 

•Prevalence of problem gambling was 2.1% 

•68% had gambled in the past year 

•11% gambled twice a week or more 

•6.5% at risk or problem gambling 

•Adolescent involvement in gambling is believed to be greater than their use of tobacco, hard liquor, and marijuana 

*Source: Welte, 2007


Please click below for resources on preventing problem gambling among adolescents:
Facts About Problem Gambling
Go Away Monster- How to Talk to Your Children About Problem Gambling
This website was designed by The Single Parent Resource Center, Inc., 228 East 45th Street, 5th Floor, New York, New York 10017
Telephone: 212-951-7030 * Email: rdackerman@sprcnyc.org

Through work with local providers, The Single Parent Resource Center and the New York Council on Problem Gambling aim to empower youth to make educated decisions regarding their gambling behaviors, to prepare communities to work together to prevent underage gambling, and to reduce youth access to gambling.