Executive Summary

The proliferation of legal gambling opportunities in Canada has been accompanied with increased concern over their impact. Two types of gambling disorders have been defined: problem gambling and pathological gambling. The prevalence of these disorders is debated with estimates in the literature between 2% and 5.5%. There is a higher prevalence in vulnerable groups including youth, Aboriginals and those with low socio-economic status. Numerous studies suggest that the prevalence increases with increased access to gaming facilities, specifically casinos.

Gambling disorders can affect an individual's well-being and the well-being of families. The evidence supporting a relationship between gambling disorders and substance abuse and mental illness is strong. Evidence also supports an association between gambling disorders and poor self-reported health and quality of life, and suicide and suicide attempts. Persons with gambling disorders are likely to have personal financial difficulties and can resort to criminal behaviours to address these difficulties. Research shows multiple ways gambling disorders can result in family dysfunction including marital conflict and abuse, and child neglect and abuse.

A health perspective on the broad impacts of gambling on society has been adopted by various health organizations. This perspective includes considering the possible positive economic and social changes brought to a community by the addition of a casino. However, the research to date is inconclusive over the net effect. There is weak evidence suggesting an association between recreational gambling and better physical health, but there is also evidence that gambling disorders have broad societal costs. Based on the current state of knowledge on the effects of casinos, health organizations across Canada have adopted a harm reduction strategy.