NCJ Number
127741
Journal
Corrections Compendium Dated: (November 1990) Pages: 4-5
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
With the increasing prevalence of legalized gambling, increasing numbers of compulsive gamblers are being swept into criminal activity.
Abstract
Epidemiological studies indicate that 3 to 5 percent of the adult population gamble compulsively with another 10 to 15 percent gambling more than they can financially afford. The compulsive gambler who has exhausted legitimate means for funding his or her habit often turns to criminal activity. Various statistical documentation is provided on the numbers of inmates in various states who are compulsive gamblers. Further information is provided on several gambling addiction treatment programs which have sprung up in recent years including the Gamblers Recovery Program (GRP) in San Francisco. Treatment at GRP includes a comprehensive psychosocial, medical, and financial evaluation and a treatment plan which follows a recovery model. Particular emphasis is placed on addressing the underlying causes of the addiction.