Trauma, PTSD, and Gambling Among American Indian Veterans

Goal. This analysis tested the Niederland-Specker-Taber hypothesis that trauma predisposes some individuals to gambling, gambling problems, and/or Pathological Gambling.

Sample. These 557 community-dwelling American Indian (AI) veterans in the North Central region had ready access to gambling and a high rate of Pathological Gambling.

Instruments. DSM criteria were used to assess gambling, gambling problems, and Pathological Gambling. Combat and trauma data were obtained by questionnaire. Post-traumatic symptoms were assessed with the Post-traumatic Check List (PCL). Current and lifetime diagnoses of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were obtained using the Quick Diagnostic Interview Schedule (Q-DIS).

Findings. Gamblers and Pathological Gamblers (but not problem gamblers) reported a higher exposure to Criterion A trauma (including combat trauma for gamblers). Higher post-traumatic symptom level (hypervigilance in particular) and higher rates of PTSD (lifetime and current) were associated with all three gambling groups. Regression analyses revealed that lifetime PTSD was the strongest predictor of gambling, with older age also making a small contribution to gambling and problem gambling, but not to Pathological Gambling. Criterion A trauma was a necessary, but insufficient factor among the minority of gamblers, problem gamblers, and Pathological Gamblers with PTSD.

Conclusion: Among AI veterans, lifetime PTSD was a risk factor for gambling, problem gambling, and Pathological Gambling. Advancing age may predispose to gambling and problem gambling in this group, but not to Pathological Gambling.