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Does Alcohol Use Influence Gambling?

Legal gambling in the U.S. is a multi-billion dollar business with over 100% increases in revenue over the past decade. Gambling opportunities range from spectator sports to casinos, to government sponsored lotteries, and many more options. Disagreement has grown over how to classify and regulate this industry. Along with this has come the realization that gambling can be highly addictive and disabling for some participants. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that 2.5 million Americans are pathological gamblers and another 3 million are problem gamblers. One potential risk factor for gambling problems is alcohol, whose use is associated with impaired judgment and greater risk taking. Earlier studies have shown that alcohol can influence gambler’s choices, making them more likely to play, or continue to play, and increase the amount they are willing to risk.

University of Miami researchers examined data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions NESARC). The NESARC interviewed over 40,000 respondents and included questions about gambling and gambling-related problems. Three Percent (1203) people reported gambling related problems. Twenty four percent (9050) reported drinking to intoxication and 8.5% met the diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence. Analysis determined that alcohol consumption was associated with the likelihood of experiencing gambling-related problems and with the number of problems. This association became larger as drinking increased. The researchers concluded that there is strong evidence that problematic gambling and alcohol consumption are complimentary activities.

(French, M.T., Maclean, Johana, C., Drinkers and bettors: investigating the complimentary of alcohol consumption and problem gambling: Drug and Alcohol Dependence 96 (2008) 155-164)

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