Differential rates of substance use and gambling preferences in two college samples

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in substance use among two different samples of college students who participate in gaming activities. Methods. A sample of 309 college students attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and 104 college students from the University of Montana (UM) completed an online survey for credit in Psychology courses. Within each sample, a cluster analysis was performed to group individuals based on their preferences for 15 different types of gaming. The two different samples, and the cluster groupings within each sample, were compared on measures of substance use. Results. The cluster analysis identified groups based on their selectivity in gaming activities; for example, one cluster strongly preferred games of skill over other activities, whereas another clus-ter was less discriminating in their gaming choices. Substance use patterns differed significantly between these groups for both samples, and the UM sample had a significantly higher percent-ages of individuals endorsing substance use in the previous 30 days and while gambling. Further analyses examine specific cluster group differences and how differences in gaming venues influ-ence both gambling and substance use behavior. Conclusions. Differences in substance use patterns exist between these two samples, and based on clusters of gaming preference within these samples. Differences in gaming and substance use laws and regulations in these two states may help to explain some of these differences. Under-standing these relationships will help to prevent the use and abuse of different substances among college students.