New Gambling Prevalence Study Released

A study released today, Aug. 10, shows that Nova Scotia has the lowest rate of problem gambling in the country. Almost 90 per cent of Nova Scotians have engaged in some form of gambling in the past 12 months, with lottery draws, charity raffles and draws and instant win tickets being the most popular.

The last gambling prevalence studies were conducted in 1993 and 1996. The 2003 Nova Scotia Gambling Prevalence Study shows that the majority of Nova Scotians who gamble -- 82.4 per cent -- are "no risk" gamblers, meaning they are at no risk of developing problems with gambling. The rate of problem gambling has remained stable at 2.1 per cent (about 15,000 individuals), while the rate of those who are at risk has increased to 4.8 per cent (35,000 individuals), from 3.1 per cent in 1993.

Although there has been an increase in those at risk, Nova Scotia still has the lowest combined rate of at risk and problem players among all other provinces who have conducted a prevalence study using the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI).

It is important to note that in this study, the standard CPGI labels are revised. British Columbia and Ontario also use the revised labels. Manitoba, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and Alberta use the standard CPGI labels. The comparison is as follows: -- No positive responses to study questions equals no risk (standard CPGI calls this non-problem) -- 1 to 2.5 positive responses to study questions equals at risk (standard CPGI calls this low risk) -- 3 to 7.5 positive responses to study questions equals moderate problem (standard CPGI calls this moderate risk)
-- 8 to 27 positive responses to study questions equals severe problem (standard CPGI calls this problem).

"This research provides us with the best information to develop programs, services and policies to prevent problem gambling, and to help families and individuals who are negatively impacted by gambling," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "We're pleased to know that our programs are working to keep our prevalence low, while it also reinforces the need for us to take a comprehensive look at the future of gaming in Nova Scotia."

The prevalence study suggests that most people experience problems with continuous forms of gambling, such as video lottery terminals (VLTs), that enable prolonged, uninterrupted periods of play. About 57 per cent of problem gamblers say their problem is with VLTs, while 28 per cent cite casino gambling (slots).

Younger adults -- between 19 and 24 years of age -- are most at risk for developing problems, while adults aged 25 to 35 are most likely to be problem gamblers.

Key recommendations from the study include targeting at risk gamblers with more prevention and early intervention programs and building more awareness of programs and services, such as the Problem Gambling Help Line, for problem gamblers and their families.

The study also recommends working with the gaming sector to develop policies that will reduce problem gambling.

Mr. MacDonald said government would soon begin consultations to develop a gaming strategy for Nova Scotia that will ensure a better balance between social responsibility and economic return.

The 2003 Gambling Prevalence Study involved telephone surveys with 2,800 Nova Scotians between April and June of 2003. The study was conducted by Focal Research and funded by the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation.

The report is available on the website at www.gov.ns.ca/ohp/addictionprevention.html .