Gambling, behavioral addictions and co-occurring conditions in Massachusetts: A Health Disparities Analysis

Massachusetts (MA) passed an Act Establishing Expanded Gaming in the Commonwealth in 2011. Increased prevalence of gambling disorders and co-occurring behavioral health addictions is associated with greater availability and proximity of gambling venues. This study evaluates prevalence of gambling and risk factors of co-occurring behavioral health addictions and mental health disorders associated with gambling. Data are derived from the 2008 MA Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, a national community-based United States survey. Logistic regression models to obtain multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for factors associated with gambling and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are performed. Statistical analyses are performed with STATA. Study sample includes 6,062 respondents, representing 4.4 million adults in MA. Overall, 40.2% (95% CI 38.2-42.1) of respondents gambled in the past year and 1.1% (95% CI 0.8-1.5) reported that gambling caused problems in their family, work or personal life. Gambling prevalence is higher among males (45%), 18-24 years old (44.3%), that live in South East MA (46.6%). Gambling is associated with nicotine (OR 1.21; CI1.20-1.22), alcohol (OR 1.47; CI1.46-1.48), and prescription drugs such as tranquilizers, painkillers, and sedatives use (OR 1.21; CI1.20-1.22) (p< 0.001). Gamblers are more likely to be very dissatisfied with their life (OR 1.9; CI1.81-1.90), and less likely to get the social and emotional support they need (OR 1.4; CI1.37-1.41) (p<0.001). Gamblers are also more likely to be obese (OR 1.41; CI1.40-1.43), have diabetes (OR 1.4; CI1.42-1.45), and symptoms of depression (OR 1.4;1.39-1.42) (p<0.001). Gambling is significantly associated with behavioral addictions and mental health disorders.