Session Title

Session 1-3-C: Lightning Talks

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Location

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Start Date

23-5-2023 1:45 PM

End Date

23-5-2023 3:15 PM

Abstract

Abstract:

It is well documented that incarcerated adults have rates of gambling problems that are among the highest found in any population. Less well studied are rates of problem gambling, gambling related incarcerations, and gambling related incidents among youth housed in secure facilities for criminal behavior. This presentation will describe a study that assessed gambling behaviors and related consequences of 166 youth housed at Oregon Youth Authority facilities. Findings indicated that nearly 45% of these youth scored within the High Severity range as measured by the Gambling Problem Severity Subscale of the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Index (CAGI/GPSS) when asked about their gambling behavior in the 3-months prior to their current commitment. When comparing pre-commitment gambling to gambling while incarcerated, 24% had a reduced problem gambling severity score and 12% has an increased score. Survey data suggested that youth gambling behaviors were linked to 1 out of every 8 male juvenile commitments and about 1 in every 4 female commitments. Further, gambling was identified as a significant contributor to altercations between youth housed within secure facilities. These results present a distinct need for youth to be screened for gambling problems upon entering and exiting the Juvenile Justice System, and for prevention and intervention services to be offered within juvenile corrections settings.

Implications Statement:

Very few studies have investigated rates of problem gambling, gambling related incarcerations, and gambling related incidents among youth housed in secure facilities for criminal behavior. The results of study to be presented has important implications for gambling harm reduction and the Juvenile Justice System.

Keywords

problem gambling, disordered gambling, youth offenders, incarcerated youth, juvenile justice, adolescent gambling

Author Bios

Jeff Marotta has specialized in the field of problem gambling for 20+ years with over 100 publications and national presentations. Jeff has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno and is an Internationally Certified Gambling Counselor II. Utilizing his background in research and evaluation, clinical practice, service administration, and program and policy development, he now serves as President and Senior Consultant with Problem Gambling Solutions, Inc., and Pacific University Graduate Faculty.

Glenn Yamagata is an economist and data scientist. For the past 7 years he has worked on problem gambling and related issues and has served as a consultant with Problem Gambling Solutions. He is currently on the Board of Directors of Voices of Problem Gambling Recovery. Previously, he was a management consultant at McKinsey & Co. and Director of Analytics at The Gap. He holds masters' degrees in economics and statistics from Yale University.

Greta Coe has worked for the State of Oregon, Behavioral Health Services, for the past 14 years. As Oregon’s Problem Gambling Services Manager, she has focused on innovative solutions for expanding services while managing a comprehensive problem gambling prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery system. Prior to coming to state government, she was a community health educator focusing on tobacco prevention, breast cancer prevention and worksite wellness.

Funding Sources

The research relevant to the abstract was funded by the Oregon Health Authority. One of the research team members was employeed by the Oregon Health Authority.

Competing Interests

None

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May 23rd, 1:45 PM May 23rd, 3:15 PM

A Losing Hand: Gambling Among Youth in Custody for Criminal Offenses

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Abstract:

It is well documented that incarcerated adults have rates of gambling problems that are among the highest found in any population. Less well studied are rates of problem gambling, gambling related incarcerations, and gambling related incidents among youth housed in secure facilities for criminal behavior. This presentation will describe a study that assessed gambling behaviors and related consequences of 166 youth housed at Oregon Youth Authority facilities. Findings indicated that nearly 45% of these youth scored within the High Severity range as measured by the Gambling Problem Severity Subscale of the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Index (CAGI/GPSS) when asked about their gambling behavior in the 3-months prior to their current commitment. When comparing pre-commitment gambling to gambling while incarcerated, 24% had a reduced problem gambling severity score and 12% has an increased score. Survey data suggested that youth gambling behaviors were linked to 1 out of every 8 male juvenile commitments and about 1 in every 4 female commitments. Further, gambling was identified as a significant contributor to altercations between youth housed within secure facilities. These results present a distinct need for youth to be screened for gambling problems upon entering and exiting the Juvenile Justice System, and for prevention and intervention services to be offered within juvenile corrections settings.

Implications Statement:

Very few studies have investigated rates of problem gambling, gambling related incarcerations, and gambling related incidents among youth housed in secure facilities for criminal behavior. The results of study to be presented has important implications for gambling harm reduction and the Juvenile Justice System.