Prevalence Of Problem Gambling Research Articles

The prevalence of gambling problems in prison populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The overall prevalence of gambling problems across prison populations is currently unknown. The objective of the present study was therefore to quantitatively synthetize prevalence estimates of gambling problems in prison populations using a random effects meta-analytic model and to investigate if the estimates were moderated by time frame, cut-off levels, and sample size. To be included the studies had to report original data on the prevalence of gambling problems in a prison sample and to be written in a European language, whereas data based on abstracts or qualitative reports were excluded. The search ended on December 1, 2023 and were conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Cinahl, PsycINFO, Embase, Google Scholar, Grey Literature Report, and GreyNet. Risk of bias was assessed with a standardized 10-item measure for epidemiological studies. A total of 26 studies comprising 9,491 participants were included. The vast majority of the participants were males. The most commonly used instrument for assessment of gambling problems was the South Oaks Gambling Screen. The pooled random-effects gambling problems prevalence estimate was 30.8% (95% CI = 25.1-37.3). The meta-regression analysis showed that none of the three moderator variables (criteria, timeframe, sample size) were related to the gambling problems prevalence. Common limitations of the included studies entailed not being representative nationally or for the target population, lack of randomization, and low response rate. The meta-analysis was restricted to studies published in a European language. Overall, the studies show that 1 in 3 prisoners has gambling problems and suggests that more emphasis on relevant prevention and treatment is warranted for this population. The study was funded by the Norwegian Competence Center for Gambling and Gaming Research and pre-registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023390552).

Gambling in Victoria: Changes in Participation, Problem Gambling and Gambling Environment Between 2008 and 2018.

Gambling and its impacts are an important public health issue. The relationship between gambling, problem gambling and gambling harm is complex and dynamic. Replicate prevalence studies are useful for surveillance and monitoring gambling impacts within jurisdictions. The purpose of this study was to compare changes in gambling and problem gambling in the Victorian adult population between 2008 and 2018 by investigating individual gambling activities and exploring their relationship with the Victorian gambling ecosystem. Gambling participation has decreased; problem gambling prevalence has not. Investigation beyond these summary measures reveals important details: (a) Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs), casino table games, race and sports betting ('high-risk activities'), informal private betting, and Keno, and their associations with problem gambling endure. Further, the strength of this association is unaffected by changes in product technology, delivery, or the Victorian environment in which they reside, (b) participation in high-risk activities, excluding EGMs, increased while for other activities they decreased, (c) EGMs continue to pose the greatest risk for Victorians, (d) males and young adults continue having a higher problem gambling prevalence rate and preferring both online gambling and high-risk activities (excluding racing favoured by an ageing, older cohort, and Keno, by all ages), and (e) gambling access and exposure proliferated enabling single site multiple gambling opportunities on high-risk activities. Young adults represented a new vulnerable group as they reach the legal gambling age. The most effective interventions (based on major falls in real expenditure (losses) on EGMs, the highest risk activity) were the smoking bans, removal of ATMs from venues and decreases in bet size. There is great potential for prevention, intervention, and minimising harm in the gambling environment.

Feasibility and results of a pilot online survey to examine prevalence of gambling and problem gambling among Swedish substance abuse inpatients in compulsory care

Feasibility and results of a pilot online survey to examine prevalence of gambling and problem gambling among Swedish substance abuse inpatients in compulsory care

Exploring Sports Betting Prevalence, Patterns, Effects, And Associated Factors Among Undergraduate Students in a Nigerian University — A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: The rise of legalized gambling, fueled by technology and social media, has transformed betting into a risky economic activity that promises income. In Nigeria, sports betting has become increasingly popular among youths, particularly university students, with easy online access contributing to its prevalence. However, inadequate awareness of its risks and impact on academics persists due to the perception that sports betting lacks overt physical manifestations. Research is needed to increase understanding of sports betting's patterns, correlates, and impact, especially among undergraduates. AIMS: This study aimed to shed light on the prevalence, patterns, and implications of sports betting among undergraduates at the University of Calabar, to foster comprehensive solutions to address its negative consequences on academic performance and overall well-being. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate students of a federal University in Nigeria. Multistage randomized sampling was utilized to recruit 406 participants for the study. Seventeen departments were selected using simple random sampling, and one class was chosen from each department through balloting, resulting in a total of 17 classes. Proportional allocation was used to determine the number of participants required from each class, and systematic sampling was employed to select the participants. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire adapted from the British Gambling Prevalence Survey, with the Problem Gambling Severity Index used to assess the prevalence of problem gambling and the effects of sports betting on bettors. Motivations for sports betting were assessed using the Reasons for Gambling Questionnaire. The impact of sports betting on academics was evaluated using a separate set of questions. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26; p-values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Out of 406 undergraduate respondents, 36.7% had engaged in sports betting, with 30.3% participating in the past year. Among past-year gamblers, 21.9% bet as frequently as 2-3 days a week, 18.7% bet 2-3 days a month, and 15.40% bet daily. Football was the preferred sport for 95.9% of sports bettors. Two-thirds of past-year gamblers used online platforms for betting, while 32.5% utilized land-based venues. Most sports bettors (87.8%) were motivated by monetary consideration, while 10.5% did so out of fear of missing out. Advertisements influenced 56.1% of respondents' decisions to place bets. Problem gambling prevalence was 14.3% in the study population and 47.2% among past-year gamblers. Negative academic impacts were reported by 64.2% of past-year gamblers. In bivariate analysis, a p-value <0.05 was considered significant, and age, sex, and monthly income had a significant relationship with lifetime gambling prevalence. Sex and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with problem gambling. Regular gambling was significantly related to academic performance. CONCLUSION: Gambling is prevalent among undergraduates and a significant proportion develop addictive disorders like problem gambling requiring mental health rehabilitation. This study underscores the necessity of interventions, regulations, and support services to tackle the prevalence and consequences of sports betting among students. Recommendations include education campaigns, age verification, financial literacy programs, and support groups to empower students and address potential negative impacts.

The Global Prevalence of Problem and Pathological Gambling and Its Associated Factors Among Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: A Meta-analysis

The Global Prevalence of Problem and Pathological Gambling and Its Associated Factors Among Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: A Meta-analysis

The Differences of Gambling-Related Harms Among Low-Investment and Normal-Investment Pachinko/Pachislot Players in Japan: A Cross Sectional Study.

Pachinko and pachislot are popular types of gambling activities in Japan. Prior studies in Japan have reported a concerning prevalence of problem gambling among adult players. While these studies have identified various gambling-related harms, Japanese research on harm-minimization strategies is scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare differences of gambling-related harms among normal-, half-, and quarter-pachi players to the usefulness of low-investment pachinko and pachislot as a harm-reduction strategy. We considered gamblers who played games that cost the typical amount of money to be "normal-pachi players." Those who played low-investment games were categorized as "half-pachi players" and "quarter-pachi players," reflecting those who played games at half or one quarter the cost of a typical machine, respectively. To assess the harm-reduction effect, a one-way ANCOVA was conducted to compare the impact of the groups (normal-pachi players [n = 101], half-pachi players [n = 104], and quarter-pachi players [n = 100]) on dependent variables, namely the number of days players had gambled during the prior month; total time and amount of money spent on gambling; debts caused by gambling; gambling severity; cognitive distortion; depressive symptoms; and problems in work, family, and social life. We demonstrated that the amount of money spent by quarter-pachi players on gambling during the past month was lower than that of normal-pachi players. However, we did not find significant differences with respect to any other gambling-related harms among normal-, half-, and quarter-pachi players. Low-investment pachinko and pachislot players spends less the amount of money spent on gambling. Low-investment pachinko and pachislot would thus partly act as a harm-minimization strategy. Moreover, the results of the present study indicate that the problems at work affect various outcomes for gamblers. Given that 90% of the participants in this study were employed, the results of this study may have important implications for employed gamblers.

Gender and maladaptive personality correlates in problem gambling and over-indebtedness: Novel findings from a cross-sectional study in Sweden

Although most individuals consider gambling to be an innocent and fun activity, when it develops into problem gambling, it can have detrimental outcomes to one's life, such as over-indebtedness. This cross-sectional study explores the role of maladaptive personality traits and gender in both problem gambling and over-indebtedness, in an online sample of 1479 adult gamblers (65% males) in Sweden. Participants were administered the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Brief Form (PID-5-BF), and questions addressing subjective over-indebtedness and other risk factors. Quasi-Poisson loglinear models and logistic regression analyses demonstrated that Disinhibition (OR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.24, 1.53]), and Antagonism (OR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.14, 1.34]) showed the strongest associations to problem gambling, and that only Disinhibition (OR = 1.72, 95% CI [1.22, 1.43]) and Antagonism (OR = 2.00, 95% CI [1.52, 2.66]) were significantly related to over-indebtedness. The prevalence of problem gambling and over-indebtedness was more common among women, and gender moderated the univariate relationships of Negative Affectivity, Disinhibition and Psychoticism to problem gambling. These findings call for future research addressing maladaptive personality traits, problem gambling and over-indebtedness, and highlight the need for tailored interventions and prevention strategies, particularly for women who may be at higher risk.

Online Gambling Practices and Related Problems in Five European Countries: Findings from the Electronic Gam(bl)ing Multinational EmpiricalSurvey(E-GAMES) Project.

Online gambling has demonstrated a significant and growing impact on overall gambling involvement. To examine online gambling practices and associated problems, we conducted surveys with national samples of Internet users in several European countries. The objective of this paper is to provide a portrait of online gambling practices and problems in five European countries (i.e., France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Poland) with different online gambling regulatory systems. This paper is the first presenting national comparisons of online gambling practices. Participants reported on their gameplay patterns, demographic characteristics, gambling-related problems, gambling frequency, average spending on different online gambling activities, and offline gambling participation over the past 12months. The Problem Gambling Severity Index was used to assess the severity of gambling problems in relation to online gambling (Ferris & Wynne, 2001 in The Canadian Problem Gambling Index: Final report, Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, 2001). Pairwise logistic regressions examined the association between problem gambling and sociodemographic variables as well as gambling patterns and problem gambling. In all countries except Italy, the most popular online gambling activity was lotteries with nearly three quarters of participants reporting participation. The prevalence of at-risk and problem gambling was high in all countries with Poland reporting the highest prevalence and Switzerland the lowest. Gamblers who participated in gambling activities other than lottery were more likely to experience gambling-related problems. The rates in the present study are well above the levels usually found in surveys. High online gambling frequency, high spending, and participation in multiple online gambling activities were significantly associated with experiencing gambling-related problems.

Effectiveness of Physiotherapy in Managing Symptomatology in Gambling Disorder Patients: A Systematic Review.

Although the prevalence of gambling disorder (GD) and problem gambling has remained stable in recent years, the expansion of legalized gambling is considered a public health problem leading to significant personal, familial, and social impacts. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of various physiotherapy interventions on the symptoms of patients with GD. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted in December 2022, using descriptors related to physiotherapy and GD in ten databases. Inclusion criteria were designed to identify clinical trials published in the last decade. Eight studies were identified, with a total of 357 patients, and the main variables measured were anxiety and depression symptoms, gambling craving, and gambling desire. The interventions included aerobic exercise, relaxation techniques, and non-invasive brain stimulation. Results suggest that physiotherapy may help with GD symptoms, although more research is needed to strengthen these findings. These findings highlight the potential of physiotherapy in treating GD and provide a basis for future research to better understand the effectiveness of these interventions.

Young male athletes at risk for problem gambling: Findings from a cross-sectional study in Sweden.

Previous research has shown that male athletes at the elite level in Sweden have a higher proportion of gambling problems than the average male population in the country. However, there is a knowledge gap in the prevalence of gambling problems among young athletes. To address this gap, this study aimed to explore gambling behavior among young athletes and to examine the associations between individual and environmental factors and problem gambling. The cross-sectional survey comprised questions from the Problem Gambling Severity Index and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, in addition to self-constructed items on individual and environmental factors. The data were derived from a sample of 1,636 students from the National Sports Education Program (NIU) and 816 grassroots athletes of the same age (16-20 years old). The results showed that male athletes had a higher prevalence of problem gambling compared to female athletes, and that a large proportion of male athletes had gambled during school hours. The prevalence of problem gambling was almost zero for women. The prevalence of problem gambling among male athletes over 18 years of age was 9% in NIU athletes and 3.6% in grassroots athletes, while for men under 18 years of age, the prevalence was 4.9% in NIU athletes and 1.3% in grassroots athletes. The study highlights the importance of considering contextual factors such as the school and team environment in preventing problem gambling among young male athletes.

Problem gambling among people with first-episode psychosis: protocol for a prospective multicenter cohort study

BackgroundThe limited available data suggest that the prevalence of problem gambling is increased among young adults with first-episode psychosis, possibly due in part to several risk factors for problem gambling that are common in this population. Aripiprazole, a widely used antipsychotic drug, has also been linked to cases of problem gambling, but causality remains uncertain. Although the consequences of problem gambling further hinder the recovery of people with first-episode psychosis, there is a paucity of research about this comorbidity and its risk factors. Additionally, to our knowledge, no screening instrument for problem gambling tailored to these individuals exists, contributing to its under-recognition. Further, treatment approaches for problem gambling adapted to this population are at an embryonic stage, while existing treatments effectiveness remains to be documented. Using an innovative screening and assessment procedure for problem gambling, this study aims to identify risk factors for problem gambling among people with first-episode psychosis and to document the effectiveness of standard treatment approaches.MethodsThis is a multicenter prospective cohort study conducted in two first-episode psychosis clinics, including all patients admitted between November 1st, 2019, and November 1st, 2023, followed for up to 3 years until May 1st, 2024. These 2 clinics admit approximately 200 patients annually, for an expected sample size of 800 individuals. The primary outcome is the occurrence of a DSM-5 diagnosis of gambling disorder. All patients are screened and evaluated for problem gambling using a systematic procedure at admission, and every 6 months thereafter. Socio-demographic and clinical variables are prospectively extracted from the patients’ medical records. The nature and effectiveness of treatments for problem gambling offered to affected individuals are also documented from medical records. Survival analyses with Cox regression models will be used to identify potential risk factors for problem gambling. Descriptive statistics will document the effectiveness of treatments for problem gambling in this population.DiscussionA better understanding of potential risk factors for problem gambling among people with first-episode psychosis will allow for better prevention and detection of this neglected comorbidity. Results of this study will also hopefully raise clinicians’ and researchers’ awareness and serve as the basis to adapted treatments that will better support recovery.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05686772. Retrospectively registered, 9 January 2023.

Problem Gambling Among Adolescents in Uganda: A Cross-sectional Survey Study

In recent years, gambling has evolved and grown substantially with new gambling activities and facilities being introduced, making gambling products and opportunities more available than ever before in Uganda. While the growth of gambling industry is considered to have a beneficial impact on the economy, it is increasingly becoming a social and public health issue especially among a minority of young people who experience problem gambling, which can damage personal, family, vocational, and academic pursuits. The present study estimated the prevalence of problem gambling and identified the socio-demographic, school, environmental and health risks of problem gambling among secondary school students in Mbarara Municipality, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted among secondary school students in Mbarara Municipality. A total of 921 students from 12 schools were recruited using cluster sampling. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to explore the relationship between problem gambling and the socio-demographic, academic, environmental and health variables. Of 905 participants, 362 reported having ever gambled (40%), and 160 were classified as problem gamblers (17.7%; 44.2% among those who had ever gambled). Problem gambling was significantly associated with being male, being non-religious, other religion (African traditional religion), having employment (outside of school), distance to nearest gambling venue, parental gambling, peer gambling, substance use, risky sexual behavior, and psychological distress. The present study found a very high prevalence of problem gambling among Ugandan secondary school students. Therefore, there is need to institute public health measures towards raising awareness, prevention and treatment of problem gambling among Ugandan adolescents.

Student Gambling: Involvement and Prevalence of Problem Gambling among Sports Bettors of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Problem gambling refers to the adverse effects on the gambler, on other individuals, his/her social life or even on the community as a result of the individual’s excessive gambling behaviour. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement, prevalence and counselling implication of problem gambling among student sports bettors of the University of Cape Coast. The study explored the various sub-types of gambling that students are involved in and are prevalent in the University. The Pathways Model of Blaszczynski and Nower was used in identifying subtypes of problem gamblers. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 351 was used from four colleges of the University of Cape Coast. The researchers further used disproportionate stratified sampling technique to draw from each college the number required for the study. The Canadian Problem Gambling Index on a whole recorded Cronbach alpha value of .81. Means, standard deviation and percentages were used in the data analysis. It was found that non-problem gamblers and problem gamblers were most prevalent among the sub-types. Also, students were found to involve in gambling mostly twice or more in a week. On timely basis, 25mins or more were spent on sports betting. It was recommended among other things that a proposed ‘Gaming Research Unit’ under the auspices of the Department of Education and Psychology, should be set up to ensure the screening of students who are low-risk, moderate-risk or problem gambler and referred them for guidance and counselling and also organise gambling educational programmes and awareness seminars in the University of Cape Coast. Keywords: Problem Gambling, Sports bettors, Prevalence, Student gambling, Involvement DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-5-01 Publication date: February 28 th 2023

Association between gambling and financial trading: A systemic review.

Background: Financial trading is often categorized separately from traditional forms of gambling (e.g., blackjack, poker, lottery, slot machines), as it is often viewed from an investing lens. However, the arbitrary line separating investing from gambling has become increasingly questioned, especially as it relates to high-risk trading behaviors (e.g., day trading, trading on margin) and riskier financial assets (e.g., options, cryptocurrencies). Further, the risk of gambling-related harms among financial traders appears to be amplified by new financial technologies, which have increased access to riskier financial assets and have encouraged riskier trading behaviors. Thus, the aim of the present study is to systematically review the literature assessing problem gambling among financial traders as well as the association between financial trading frequency and problem gambling. Methods: Twelve articles from three databases (SCOPUS, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) met the inclusion criteria, and were reviewed. Results: The prevalence of problem gambling was generally higher among individuals who engage in trading financial products, but rates varied substantially (1.4% to 47.2%) due in large part to differences in the study population, the problem gambling measures used, and the cutoff scores employed. Similarly, financial trading frequency was consistently associated with more severe problem gambling, but the strength of these associations ranged across studies. Conclusion: Collectively, while findings from these studies suggest that financial traders are at greater risk for problem gambling, it is evident that trading riskier assets and engaging in riskier trading behaviors place individuals at a substantially greater risk for problem gambling. Recommendations for future research include focusing on at-risk populations, practical implications for the intervention and policy, and emerging issues of digital technologies.

Isolation and worry in relation to gambling and onset of gambling among psychiatry patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mediation study.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started spreading globally, there was a fear that addictive behaviors would increase due to changes in everyday life caused by restrictions due to COVID-19. Studies were carried out to explore if this was true for gambling, typically revealing no overall increase in gambling behavior, although individuals who had previous experience with gambling problems were more likely to increase gambling during the pandemic. However, these studies only included individuals with previous gambling problems. It remains unknown whether other vulnerable groups, such as individuals with common mental disorders increased their gambling. This study aimed to explore the level of gambling problems among individuals with a history of mental disorders, namely, (i) pre-pandemic gamblers and (ii) pandemic-onset gamblers. Furthermore, we explored if worry and isolation mediate gambling and problem gambling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a structural equation model to investigate mediation. The results showed a high prevalence of at-risk and problem gambling in both groups. The pre-pandemic gamblers had a high level of at-risk and problem gambling. Furthermore, the individuals that started to gamble during the pandemic had an even higher degree of at-risk and problem gambling. The mediation showed that the onset of gambling was linked with the worry of COVID-infection and that worry predicted the level of gambling problems. This study highlights that vulnerability factors, isolation, and worry can be triggers for individuals with common mental disorders to engage in gambling as well as the importance of screening this population for gambling problems.

The Adolescent Problem Gambling Prevalence Associated with Leisure-Time Activities and Risky Behaviors in Southern Spain.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11469-022-00950-7.

Differences Amongst Estimates of the UK Problem Gambling Prevalence Rate Are Partly Due to a Methodological Artefact

Differences Amongst Estimates of the UK Problem Gambling Prevalence Rate Are Partly Due to a Methodological Artefact

Part of the Game? Exploring the Prevalence and Normalization of Gambling in Belgian Sports Clubs.

Gambling and sports are entangled in a close relationship. However, little remains known about gambling behaviors and perceptions in sports. Drawing on normalization theory, this study explores the prevalence and predictors of problem gambling as well as the normalization of gambling (including its availability and accessibility, prevalence, and socio-cultural accommodation) in sports clubs. A cross-sectional study design was implemented, based on an online survey completed by 817 Belgian sports club actors. This survey consisted of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and questions about personal and socio-cultural factors regarding gambling. Data were analyzed with SPSS 26 software, using descriptive statistics and an ordinal logistic regression analysis. These analyses exposed being male, being aged 26–35 years old, and being involved in football (soccer) as factors that might be linked with higher levels of problem gambling in sports. Furthermore, sports betting is especially shown to be normalized in sports clubs given its prevalence, and its frequently organized and discussed character. Moreover, respondents disclosed a lack of formal rules (96%) and education initiatives (98.7%) on gambling in their sports club. Given the indicated support for gambling regulations and educational measures, this study may inform sports organizations about how to help denormalize gambling.

Gambling in Ireland: profile of treatment episodes from a national treatment reporting system.

Globally, problem gambling prevalence is estimated at between 0.1% and 5.8%. Problem gambling can have many negative consequences; including on physical, and psychological health, and social functioning. There is a need to better understand treatment uptake as only a small proportion seek treatment. This is the first Irish national study using routinely gathered health surveillance data to describe treated problem gambling. Results will inform service policy and planning. An analysis of episodes treated for problem gambling collected by the National Drug Treatment Reporting System was undertaken. Included were episodes entering treatment between 2008 and 2019 (n = 2999). Variables of interest included service types accessed, demographics, socioeconomic information, referral and assessment details, current problems (up to five) and treatment history. The majority (93.8%) were male. One fifth (20.9%) lived with dependent children, 7.4% were homeless. There were high levels of employment (35.4%) and formal education qualifications; half (53.8%) had completed second or third level education. Problem gambling frequently co-occurred with problem use of other substances (47.3%), which was most commonly alcohol (85.6%), followed by cannabis (32.3%), cocaine (28.0%) and benzodiazepines (10.9%). The majority were treated at inpatient settings (56.1%) with many self-referrals (46.3%). This study provides insights into treated problem gambling nationally. Monitoring and surveillance can play a crucial role in measuring the successful efforts and help inform planning and treatment. The findings may have implications for treatment pathways.

Prevalence of gambling problems, help-seeking, and relationships with trauma in veterans.

Background and aimsVeterans who have recently left the military (i.e., transitioned) may be vulnerable to the development of psychiatric disorders, but little is known about gambling problems in this population. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of gambling problems, help-seeking amongst veterans with gambling problems, and relationships with trauma and posttraumatic psychopathology.MethodsCross-sectional self-report survey data from 3,511 Australian Defence Force members who left the military within the past five years. Surveys included measures of gambling problems (PGSI); depressive symptoms (PHQ-9); posttraumatic stress disorder (PCL-5); help-seeking behaviours; military and non-military-related trauma.ResultsPrevalence rates for problem gambling (PGSI ≥ 5) were 4.6%, while an additional 8.8% were classified in terms of at-risk gambling (PGSI = 1–4). Time since leaving the military was not associated with gambling problems. Only 2.1% of veterans with problem gambling reported help-seeking for their gambling. While trauma exposure, depression, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were all related to gambling problems at the bivariate level, only arousal and dysphoric-related affect were uniquely associated with gambling problems when adjusting for covariates.DiscussionGambling problems may be under-recognised relative to other psychiatric issues. Posttraumatic mental health problems, rather than trauma exposure per se, may explain the relationship between trauma and gambling problems.ConclusionsSome veterans are in a period of vulnerability during transition out of military service, and harms associated with gambling problems may be exacerbated during this period.