Neighbourhood factors and individual characteristics as predictors of at-risk and problem gambling among Massachusetts residents

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Author(s): Pugh, Kendra E. ; Shirk, Steven D. ; Volberg, Rachel A.

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: June 04, 2026

Lotteries are the most popular form of gambling, and lottery agents are widespread in communities. This study examined how neighbourhood and individual characteristics are linked to lottery sales, lottery agent density, and at-risk and problem gambling (ARPG) in Massachusetts. Individual- and neighbourhood-level data and lottery sales data were drawn from various data sources. The researchers mapped lottery agent locations and sales data across 524 ZIP codes in Massachusetts.

People living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods did not spend more on lotteries than those living in more advantaged neighbourhoods. Disadvantaged neighbourhoods also did not have more lottery agents. Instead, lottery agents and lottery sales were higher in areas with more banks and grocery stores, as well as areas near the border and in vacation spots. The strongest predictor of ARPG at the individual level was having close friends or family members who gamble regularly.

Citation: Pugh, K. E., Shirk, S. D., & Volberg, R. A. (2026). Individual and neighborhood risk and protective factors of at-risk and problem gambling: A spatial analysis using geographic information systems. Journal of Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-026-10475-6

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-026-10475-6

Keywords: gambling behaviours ; neighbourhood ; problem gambling ; social determinants of health

Topics: Socioeconomic Status

Conceptual Framework Factors: Resources - Risk Assessment ; Social Factors ; Gambling Resources ; Social - Neighbourhood

Study Design: Spatial Analysis

Geographic Coverage: United States of America, Massachusetts

Study Population: Residents of Massachusetts aged 18+ years (n=9,578).

Sampling Procedure: Individual-level data were drawn from the Baseline General Population Survey carried out as part of the Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) study. Neighbourhood-level data were drawn from various public data sources, including the 2014–2018 American Community Survey, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Massachusetts Bureau of Geographic Information for 2018. Lottery sales data in 2018 were obtained from the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission.

Study Funding:

This study did not receive any direct funding.