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Patients in a therapeutic community were questioned about their gambling behavior in order to find out what percentage of them were pathological gamblers. The South Oaks Gambling Screen (the SOGS) was used to screen the clients for gambling-related problems. Out of 100 residents tested, 14 were diagnosed as pathological gamblers and an additional 14 showed signs of problematic gambling. Seventeen percent listing alcohol as one their three favorite drugs, 18% listing cocaine, 13% preferring marihuana, 11% preferring hallucinogens, 29% choosing heroin, 10% choosing PCP, and none choosing tranquilizers or sedatives showed signs of pathological gambling. Males were more likely to be classified as pathological gamblers than females. Residents aged 19 years and over were four times as likely to show signs of pathological gambling than those 18 years and under. SOGS was also significantly associated with parental gambling (50% of the children of pathological gamblers were pathological gamblers themselves) and occupational status. The implications for study and treatment of these individuals are made in terms of the study of addictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the prevalence of compulsive gamblers in the U.S. In 1989, it is reported that 71 percent of the public gambled, while the gross legal gaming handle was 246.9 billion dollars for the year. A variety of gaming is offered in several states, from Nevada to Connecticut. Evidence suggests that in areas where more forms of gambling are legal, the incidence of problem and compulsive gambling is also higher. The author also examines the effects and causes of compulsive gambling.

The article cites a study that explores the features and contingencies of the illegal appended enterprise through examination of a prototype. The data was collected through direct observation and interviews with line sellers and players, bingo organizers, hall owners, and bingo inspectors during bi-weekly visits to two New York City bingo halls over an eight-month period. Illegal appended enterprises form a subset of what more generally might be called appended enterprises. Most representative of this broader species are roadside businesses where vendors sell refreshments, jewelry, trinkets, and souvenirs on the sidewalks and parking lots of small shops, gas stations, restaurants, and, particularly during the Christmas season, suburban shopping malls. At first glance, appended enterprises may appear to be parasitic, but a second look reveals a more symbiotic relationship. Operators of illegal appended enterprises face the problems in conducting their businesses. Yet, there is another critical element of their success formula that distinguishes the illegal appended enterprise from other deviant occupations--the need for control of, or harmony with, the independent host business. The Illegal merchant must obtain host tolerance, or must gain sufficient leverage to render the issue moot.

Objectives. This study compared problem gamblers, problem substance users, dual-problem individuals, and persons without these problems in the general population. Methods. On the basis of computer-assisted telephone interviews of a random sample of Texas adults (n = 6308) standard instruments were used to gauge substance use and gambling problems in the general population. Results. Compared with those having a substance use or gambling problem only, dual-problem individuals were more likely to be young, never-married men, without conventional religious affiliations. There was more dysfunctionality (as evidenced by treatment-seeking and problems with the law) among dual-problem respondents than among those troubled exclusively by gambling or substance use problems. Conclusions. Screening and treatment for gambling problems should be offered in drug treatment and criminal justice arenas. (Am J Public Health. 1998;88:467-470) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies the nature and social costs of pathological gambling in the United States. Interaction of pathological gambling with other disorders; Methods of screening pathological gamblers; Mode of treatment; Treatment of pathologic gamblers' spouses; Total expenditure accounted for by problem gamblers.