Department of Community Health Releases Compulsive Gambling Benchmark Survey

Michigan Department of Community Health Director, James K. Haveman, Jr., today announced that a 1999 statewide survey found 4.9% of Michigan adults were "lifetime" compulsive gamblers. The survey, conducted by Western Michigan University’s Evaluation Center, was conducted prior to the opening of the voter-approved Detroit based casinos.

"This survey will be a valuable tool in our efforts to address compulsive gambling in Michigan because it will serve as a benchmark that future surveys can be measured against," said Haveman.

A similar survey was conducted in 1997 which found statistically the same number, 5.2%, of "lifetime" compulsive gamblers. Both surveys used the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) which was developed at Harvard University and is widely recognized by clinicians.

Compulsive gamblers were broken down into two groups, the less severe problem gamblers, 3.1%, and the more severe pathological gamblers, 1.8%. The survey projected that 356,016 Michigan adults were compulsive gamblers based on 1998 census estimates.

"When compulsive gamblers were asked at what age they started gambling, the results were startling," said Special Assistant for Drug Policy, Jim McBryde. "The combined total of pathological gamblers who gambled by the age of 18 is a staggering 77%, which makes it clear how important it is to focus our prevention efforts on young people."

17.9% of problem gamblers reported starting at the age of 14 or younger and another 39.3% of problem gamblers started between the ages of 15 and 18. 30.8% of pathological gamblers reported starting at the age of 14 or younger and another 46.2% of pathological gamblers started between the ages of 15 and 18.

Geographically, Michigan lifetime compulsive gambling numbers were

• Detroit metro--6.4%
• The upper peninsula--5.1%
• Eastern lower peninsula excluding Detroit metro--4.5%,
• Western lower peninsula--2.9%

"As the research points out, gambling behavior was highly stable between 1997 and 1999 prior to the opening of Detroit casinos," said McBryde. "We know that availability does affect the prevalence of gambling, which is why we have initiated counseling and treatment programs to assist people in need."

The Department of Community Health has contracted with Detroit based Neighborhood Services Organization to maintain a 24-hour a day, 7 day a week, toll free, statewide Problem Gambling Helpline. Through the Helpline, compulsive gamblers receive consultations and treatment recommendations. Treatment is also available for family members of compulsive gamblers. In addition to treatment, individuals are encouraged to participate in Gambler’s Anonymous or Gam-Anon programs.

The Department of Community Health has already launched radio advertising to promote the Problem Gambling Helpline and will begin television advertising in March. Advertising will focus on problem gambling in general, teen gambling--especially on Internet and educating parents on the risks of teen gambling and Internet gambling. The Detroit casinos are also required to post the toll free number inside their casinos. Partnerships with faith-based organizations and clergy have been an important method of promoting the availability of treatment through the Problem Gambling Helpline.

"All calls to the Problem Gambling Helpline are answered by an individual--not screened by voicemail or answering machines," said McBryde. "This is vital in our efforts to help individuals who may be contemplating suicide as Neighborhood Services Organization has the experience and ability to work with suicide prevention."

The Problem Gambling Helpline can be reached at 1-800-270-7117.