Abstract
This study examined associations between recreational gambling (RG) and at-risk/problem gambling (ARPG), and clinical measures of mental illness and substance use, functionality, homelessness, in a nationally representative sample of U.S. military veterans. Data were analyzed from 781 veterans who participated National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences (NV-HOPE) study conducted in 2021. Chi-square tests, analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and logistic regressions analyses were conducted to examine unadjusted and adjusted associations between gambling group status and sociodemographic, psychiatric, substance use, functioning, and homelessness measures. A significant minority of low-income U.S. veterans reported gambling, with 24.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 95% CI 21.12–28.76%) exhibiting RG and 6.7% (95% CI 3.88–9.42%) screening positive for ARPG. The prevalence of ARPG was higher among younger, non-White veterans. ARPG was associated with greater symptoms of substance use and anxiety; poorer physical functioning; history of any mental illness; lifetime history of homelessness; and having any student or car loans relative to NG. Veterans who had RG were more likely to screen positive for drug use disorders relative to NG. Results of the current study provide an up-to-date estimate of the current prevalence of RG and ARPG among low-income U.S. veterans and underscore the importance of routine screening, monitoring, and development of interventions for problematic gambling severity, as well as interventions for ARPG in this population. These findings may inform targeted intervention strategies for this vulnerable subpopulation.
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Funding
This work was supported by the National Center for Homelessness for Veterans (NCHV). Dr. Stefanovics was supported by the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG), National Center for Homelessness for Veterans (NCHV) and the National Center for PTSD. Dr. Potenza was supported by the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling. Drs. Tsai was supported by the National Center for Homelessness for Veterans (NCHV). This manuscript does not express the views of CCPG nor NCHV. The views and opinions expressed in this work are those of the authors.
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The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. MNP discloses the following. MNP has consulted for Opiant Therapeutics, Game Day Data, the Addiction Policy Forum, AXA, Baria-Tek, and Idorsia Pharmaceuticals; has been involved in a patent application with Yale University and Novartis; has received research support from Mohegan Sun Casino, Children and Screens and the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling; has participated in surveys, mailings or telephone consultations related to drug addiction, impulse-control disorders or other health topics; has consulted for and/or advised gambling and legal entities on issues related to impulse control, internet use and addictive disorders; has performed grant reviews for research-funding agencies; has edited journals and journal sections; has given academic lectures in grand rounds, CME events and other clinical or scientific venues; and has generated books or book chapters for publishers of mental health texts.
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Stefanovics, E.A., Potenza, M.N. & Tsai, J. Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Recreational and At-Risk/Problematic Gambling Among Low-Income U.S. Veterans: Results from the National Veteran Homeless and Other Poverty Experiences (NV‐HOPE) Study. J Gambl Stud (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-023-10257-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-023-10257-4