At-Risk Groups
Problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of race, gender, or health, but there are some populations that are at greater risk of developing an addiction.
Young Adults
Research from the National Institutes of Health reports that young adults (18–35) are 1.51 times more likely to suffer from problem gambling than middle-aged adults, and the American Psychological Association says that “people in their early 20s are the fastest-growing group of gamblers.”
Men
Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that men are 3.4 times more likely than women to engage in problem gambling.
Those Suffering From Mental Health Issues
A study from the National Institutes of Health found that 57.5% of problem gamblers have a substance abuse disorder, 37.9% have a mood disorder, and 37.4% have an anxiety disorder. These issues can often create a cycle where a substance abuse or mental health disorder worsens after gambling losses, which then compel the person to gamble more, compounding the problems.
