Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence of potential problem gambling among Finnish prisoners; the associations between problem gambling and demographics, substance use and crime-related factors; and problem gamblers' support preferences. Prisoners (n=96) from two Finnish prisons were recruited between December 2017 and January 2018. The estimated response rate was 31 percent. Gambling problems were measured using the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen. The participants were asked to report their gambling both for one year prior to their incarceration and for the past year. The independent variables were demographics (age, gender and marital status), substance use (alcohol, smoking and narcotics) and crime-related factors (crime type, prison type and previous sentence). Statistical significance (p) was determined using Fischer's exact test. Past-year pre-conviction problem gambling prevalence was 16.3 percent and past-year prevalence 15 percent. Age, gender, smoking, alcohol or illicit drug use were not associated with past-year problem gambling before sentencing. One-third of the prisoners (33.3 percent) who were sentenced for a property crime, financial crime or robbery were problem gamblers. One-quarter (24 percent) of all participants showed an interest in receiving support by identifying one or more support preferences. The most preferred type of support was group support in its all forms. It is recommended that correctional institutions undertake systematic screening for potential problem gambling, and implement tailored intervention programs for inmates with gambling problems. This study provides a deeper understanding of problem gambling in prisons. Problem gambling is associated with crime and also seems to be linked with serving a previous sentence. Early detection and tailored interventions for problem gambling may help to reduce reoffending rates.
Highlights
It is estimated that problem gambling is five to ten times higher in the adult correctional population than in the general population (Turner et al, 2013, 2017; Riley and Oakes, 2015; Williams et al, 2005; May-Chahal et al, 2017)
The types of crime committed by these offenders, such as fraud, forgery, embezzlement, larceny, selling drugs or stolen goods, shoplifting, burglary and petty theft or robbery, are aimed at covering j j PAGE 316 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRISONER HEALTH VOL. 15 NO. 4 2019, pp. 316-331, Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 1744-9200
We found no significant association between problem gambling and other substance use, it is obvious that these problems do tend to accumulate among prisoners
Summary
It is estimated that problem gambling is five to ten times higher in the adult correctional population than in the general population (Turner et al, 2013, 2017; Riley and Oakes, 2015; Williams et al, 2005; May-Chahal et al, 2017). In Finland, there is a scarcity of research concerned with prisoners; no published data is currently available on problem gambling in the prison population. It is almost ten years since the last major prisoner health study, but while this research did address mental health and substance dependence, problem gambling was excluded ( Joukamaa et al, 2010). The current study is the first peer-reviewed published report on the prevalence of problem gambling among Finnish prisoners. Problem gambling associated with criminal behavior requires rigorous interventions and clear policies to reduce the incidence or re-occurrence of problematic gambling and to ease the burden on the criminal justice system
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