NCJ Number
180948
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 29 Issue: 3/4 Dated: 1999 Pages: 113-127
Date Published
1999
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study attempts to determine the level of problem gambling among incarcerated male felons.
Abstract
An expanded version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) was administered to 233 adult male felons. The subjects were from four medium- and minimum-security institutions, and were participating in required pre-release programming. Thirty-five percent had some problem with gambling and 38 percent were probable pathological gamblers. Other characteristics were evaluated concerning subjects’ backgrounds and involvement with alcohol, drugs and crime. High- level scores on the SOGS were correlated with higher illegal activity, higher levels of emotional problems and higher levels of financial problems. In light of the involvement of a significant number of inmates with problems related to gambling, the article suggests that consideration be given to including gambling in treatment and release programs. It may also be useful to evaluate different treatment groups, e.g., drug and sex offenders, to determine the existence of gambling patterns and relationships. References, appendixes