Approximately 1 in 10 persons entering a primary care setting are likely to have a gambling problem. However, of the thousands of problem gamblers that receive a medical intervention every year, less than 5% of them are ever diagnosed with a gambling disorder. Although most health care providers are aware of problem gambling, studies find that very few ask their patients about problem gambling. Problem gambling incidence has grown as gambling has become both legal and culturally accepted. Increased awareness and early intervention are the keys to reducing the personal, family, and social costs of problem gambling. Physicians can play an integral role in this process by recognizing early signs of problems, motivating patients to seek help, and readily providing useful referral resources.

For addtional information, consult the following pages:

How is Problem Gambling Associated with Patient Health?

How can you Detect a Gambling Problem?

Does Gambling affect Adolescents?

How can I help Parents?

What is the impact of Gambling in Older Adults?

Some material dapted from the The National Council on Problem Gambling Website