HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0221.002 2012-2014 3.2 Health Impacts of Problem Gambling
This section explores the potential public health impacts of access to gambling through a casino. In a
comprehensive review of the literature on the social and economic impacts of gambling, the most
consistent social impact of gambling is increased problem gambling prevalence and its related indices
(i.e. personal bankruptcy rates,divorce rates. suicide rates, numbers accessing treatment).'These indices
are often difficult to measure and difficult to attribute to gambling alone. Nonetheless,there is fairly
strong evidence that the impacts of gambling are relevant to the health of individuals, families and
communities and may have serious direct or indirect consequences."'Much of the research literature
supports the notion that gambling problems often co-exist with other conditions, such as poorer physical
or mental health or substance use problems. This section outlines the evidence on the health impacts of
problem gambling in five sections that cover general health,mental health,co-addictions or
dependencies, suicide and family and community impacts. (For a summary of the health impacts reported
in the literature and associated references. see Table 2.)
Table 2: Health Impacts Associated with Gambling Reported in the Literature and References
Health Impacts References
General Health
Lower self-reported general health and well-being 3,50,53,55
Colds and influenza 54
Headaches,including severe and chronic headaches and migraines 53.54.56
Fatigue and sleep problems 8,54 ,57
Health conditions such as chronic bronchitis and fibromyalgia 53,54,55,56
Other miscellaneous health symptoms(including cardiovascular,cognitive,skin
and gastrointestinal problems,heart burn,backache)that may be stress-related
Mental Health 41,50,58
Stress 50,56,58
Depression 50,58
Mood,anxiety and personality disorders
Co-dependencies
Alcohol,tobacco and drug use 46,56,58,59
Problematic substance use/addiction 56,58
Suicide 50,60,62
Family and Community Impacts
Financial problems 3,56
Alcohol or fatigue-related traffic fatalities 63,64
Family breakdown and divorce 3,56
Family/intimate partner violence 65
Child development, neglect and poverty 56,66
Prepared by:Toronto Public Health
Note: from Toronto Public Health. The Health Impacts of Gambling Expansion in Toronto -
Technical Report.November 2012.
Health Impacts of Gambling I Toronto Public Health
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