Gambling and problem gambling rates among Canadian adults in 2018 and changes since 2002

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Author(s): Williams, Robert J. ; Leonard, Carrie A. ; Belanger, Yale D. ; Christensen, Darren R. ; el-Guebaly, Nady ; Hodgins, David C. ; McGrath, Daniel S. ; Nicoll, Fiona ; Stevens, Rhys M. G.

Journal: The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry

Year Published: 2021

Date Added: March 03, 2021

This study examined the prevalence rates of gambling and problem gambling in Canada. It also describes changes since 2002. The researchers analyzed data from 23,952 adults who participated in the 2018 Canadian Community Health Survey. Most participants (66.2%) reported gambling in the past year, mainly on lottery and raffle tickets. About 0.6% of the participants experienced problem gambling. Another 2.7% experienced at-risk gambling. Problem gambling rates did not differ markedly across the provinces. Gambling participation and problem gambling rates had declined in 2018 when compared to 2002.

Citation: Williams, R. J., Leonard, C. A., Belanger, Y. D., Christensen, D. R., el-Guebaly, N., Hodgins, D. C., McGrath, D. S., Nicoll, F., & Stevens, R. M. G. (2021). Gambling and problem gambling in Canada in 2018: Prevalence and changes since 2002. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 66(5), 485-494. https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743720980080

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743720980080

Keywords: gambling ; prevalence ; problem gambling

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Types ; Gambling Environment ; Environment - Public Policy ; Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Response Rate: 58.4%

Study Design: Observational: Cross-sectional

Geographic Coverage: Canada

Study Population: Adults aged 18 and older who lived in one of the 10 provinces and participated in the 2018 Canadian Community Health Survey (n = 23,952)

Sampling Procedure: Statistics Canada selected households from different regions to have a representative sample of the population. One member from each household was then randomly selected to participate. The Gambling Module of the 2018 CCHS survey was restricted to individuals aged 15 and older and living in the provinces (n=24,982). In this study, the researchers focused on individuals aged 18 and older (n=23,952).

Study Funding:

This study is part of the Alberta Gambling Research Institute (AGRI) National Project, which is funded by the Canadian Consortium for Gambling Research, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, Gambling Research Exchange Ontario, and AGRI.