Prevalence of Problem Gambling in Adolescents: Findings from the 1999 Ontario Student Drug Use Survey

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the prevalence of gambling disorders in adolescent students in Ontario. Method Data were based on a random survey of 2371 Ontario students in grades 7 to 13 using the South Oaks Gambling Screen revised for adolescents (SOGS-RA). Results In total, 5.8% of students met the criteria for past-year problem gambling, and an additional 7.5% met the criteria for at-risk gambling. Gambling disorders were significantly higher among male students than female, but did not differ significantly by age or region. Conclusion The prevalence of gambling disorders among adolescents warrants thorough investigation and ongoing monitoring.