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Study: Problem Gambling on Rise in Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – As reported by the Canadian Press: "The number of people, especially young adults, who are at risk of becoming problem gamblers in Nova Scotia is on the rise, says a study released Tuesday.

"The report for the province's Office of Health Promotion said the proliferation of gambling opportunities, through casinos or more video lottery terminals, is contributing to the increase. 'Over the last 10 years, a lot of things have happened in the province,' said Rob Graham, one the researchers who penned the report.

"…The gambling prevalence study attempted to track not only the estimated 15,000 gambling addicts in the province, but also the roughly 35,000 people who are showing one or more signs of heading toward an addiction.

"When compared with 1993 data, the number of hard-core addicts, as a percentage of the population, has remained the same at 2.1 per cent. But those at risk of developing problems has increased to 4.8 per cent from 3.1.

"…Of particular concern are people between the ages of 19 and 24, who are most at risk for developing problems, said Graham.

"…Graham said a series of early intervention programs and ad campaigns are being developed to discourage people from getting hooked…"

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