An Evaluation of Substance Abuse, Mental Health Disorders, and Gambling Correlations: an Opportunity for Early Public Health Interventions

This study uniquely evaluates the prevalence of recreational gambling, and co-occurring conditions prior to gambling expansion in Massachusetts (MA), and assesses associations between gambling and co-occurring behavioral, and mental health disorders. Data are derived from the 2008 MA Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Logistic regression models to obtain multivariate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for factors associated with gambling are performed. Prevalence of recreational gambling in MA is 40.2 % (95 % CI 38.2–42.1). Gamblers are more likely to be obese (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.0–1.7; p < 0.05), smoke heavily (OR 2.2, 95%CI 1.1–4.6; p < 0.05), use alcohol (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.0–1.6; p < 0.05), and prescription drugs (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.1–1.6; p < 0.05). Gamblers are also more likely to self-report their health status as good compared to excellent (OR 1.3, 95%CI 1.0–1.7; p < 0.05), and to have 14 or less days of poor mental health (OR 1.4; 95%CI 1.1–1.9; p < 0.01). Recreational gambling is significantly associated with obesity, alcohol consumption, heavy smoking, prescription drug use, and poor mental health. Early public health interventions before gambling expansion are of critical importance.